Weather in Nice in February

How February compares

February is the 11th warmest month of the year in Nice and ranks 108th of 134 destinations we compare for February - see where else is hot in February. Within France it is 1st of 2 (France in February). Against London's average high of 7.9°C in February, Nice is 4.2°C warmer by day and 2.8°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in February

The typical February day in Nice peaks at 12.1°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 15.4°C or more. Days over 25°C are rare. Nights average 4.8°C; one night in ten drops to 1.5°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings - it is genuinely cool after dark. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest February day here reached 19.4°C (2020-02-10) and the coldest night -7.2°C (2012-02-07).

Rain in February

Some rain (4-8 rainy days): about 8 days with 1 mm or more, 60 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest February was 2014 with 159 mm, the driest 2020 with 2 mm. Humidity averages 75%.

Sea temperature in February

The sea averages 13.3°C - too cold for most (under 18°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 12.9°C to 13.7°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (24.8°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 5.2 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 10.3 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 07:31 and sets about 17:59 local time in mid-February. Average cloud cover is 49%.

Is February a good time to visit Nice?

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

Cool days, cold evenings

February is among Nice's coolest months, so treat the mild daytime average as walking weather rather than sitting-out-in-light-clothes weather. The warmer days reach 15.4°C or more, which can make an outdoor afternoon appealing, but that is not the everyday expectation. At the colder end, nights can fall to 1.5°C or below. Pack layers beneath a proper coat, with something warm for evenings rather than relying on a light jacket. If your main aim is to spend time outside without summer heat, the temperatures may suit you. If you want warmth from breakfast through dinner, February is a poor fit.

Keep your plans flexible for rain

With about 8 rainy days, February calls for some flexibility, but rain need not define the whole trip. Bring a waterproof outer layer and shoes you are comfortable wearing in wet conditions, then keep indoor plans available rather than committing every day to being outside. There are about 5.2 hours of sunshine within 10.3 hours of daylight, so there is scope for brighter outings without expecting all-day sun. Put your longer walks into the brighter part of the day when the forecast allows. For a short stay, your experience will depend on the weather during your visit, not just the monthly averages.

Better beside the sea than in it

The sea averages 13.3°C, making February a poor choice if swimming is central to your holiday. Even the year-to-year range of 13°C to 14°C stays firmly cold, so a mild afternoon does not mean comfortable water. Think of the coast as somewhere to spend time beside the sea, with warm layers for sitting still, rather than somewhere to plan relaxed swims. This distinction matters when deciding what sort of break you want: February can work for outdoor time between warmer indoor stops, but not for a conventional sun-and-sea holiday. If warmth is the priority, June, July and August are better months to consider.