Weather in Nice in December

How December compares

December is the 10th warmest month of the year in Nice and ranks 110th of 134 destinations we compare for December - see where else is hot in December. Within France it is 1st of 2 (France in December). Against London's average high of 7.7°C in December, Nice is 4.7°C warmer by day and 3.6°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in December

The typical December day in Nice peaks at 12.4°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 15.3°C or more. Days over 25°C are rare. Nights average 6.3°C; one night in ten drops to 3.1°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings - it is genuinely cool after dark. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest December day here reached 18.7°C (2004-12-10) and the coldest night -2.0°C (1996-12-30).

Rain in December

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 8 days with 1 mm or more, 84 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest December was 2008 with 204 mm, the driest 1991 with 0 mm. Humidity averages 76%.

Sea temperature in December

The sea averages 15.5°C - too cold for most (under 18°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 14.7°C to 16.5°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (24.8°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 4.2 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 8.8 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 07:58 and sets about 16:54 local time in mid-December. Average cloud cover is 52%.

Is December a good time to visit Nice?

December is not the strongest month here: cool days and frequent rain. The best months for Nice on our scoring are July, August, June; months averaging 25°C or more: Jul, Aug.

Milder than London, but still coat weather

The temperature difference from London is useful rather than dramatic: Nice averages 4.7°C warmer by day in December. That makes it a reasonable choice if you want less chilly afternoons without expecting summer warmth. The warmer days can reach around 15°C or more, so layers let you adjust when conditions improve. Evenings need a different approach, with average lows around 6°C and the coldest nights dropping to about 3°C or below. Pack a proper jacket, jumpers and closed shoes rather than relying on a light cardigan. This is weather for comfortable walking when dressed appropriately, not sitting outside in shirtsleeves.

Keep outdoor plans flexible

Rain is a meaningful drawback in December, with about 8 rainy days during the month. That does not mean every wet day is a washout, but it does make a rigid outdoor itinerary a poor fit. Bring a waterproof outer layer and shoes you are comfortable wearing on wet pavements, and leave room to change plans. There are about 4.2 hours of sunshine within 8.8 hours of daylight, so put your outdoor time into the brighter part of the day rather than leaving it until late afternoon. Nice suits travellers who can enjoy a dry spell without needing dependable sunshine throughout their stay.

Plan for the coast, not for swimming

The sea averages 15.5°C, which is cold rather than merely refreshing. For most holidaymakers, December is better treated as a time to spend beside the water than in it; do not make comfortable swimming the reason for booking. The wider decision is about priorities: Nice can work if you want a short journey and a milder setting for a winter city break, with the flight from London taking about 2 hours. It is a poor match if warmth and beach time are essential. If your dates are flexible, June, July and August are stronger choices for weather overall.