Weather in Nice in January

How January compares

January is the 12th warmest month of the year in Nice and ranks 110th of 134 destinations we compare for January - see where else is hot in January. Within France it is 1st of 2 (France in January). Against London's average high of 7.4°C in January, Nice is 4.2°C warmer by day and 2.9°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in January

The typical January day in Nice peaks at 11.6°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 14.4°C or more. Days over 25°C are rare. Nights average 5.1°C; one night in ten drops to 2.2°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings - it is genuinely cool after dark. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest January day here reached 19.3°C (2007-01-19) and the coldest night -1.3°C (2004-01-30).

Rain in January

Some rain (4-8 rainy days): about 7 days with 1 mm or more, 66 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest January was 2014 with 223 mm, the driest 2000 with 8 mm. Humidity averages 76%.

Sea temperature in January

The sea averages 13.9°C - too cold for most (under 18°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 13.2°C to 14.8°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (24.8°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 4.5 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 9.1 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 08:02 and sets about 17:18 local time in mid-January. Average cloud cover is 51%.

Is January a good time to visit Nice?

January 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.

Milder than London, but still winter

Nice averages 4.2°C warmer than London during the day in January, a useful improvement rather than a change of season. A coat and layers still make sense, particularly if you plan to stay out after dark. The warmest 10% of days reach at least 14.4°C, so a sheltered spot in the sunshine can be pleasant, but do not pack around those warmer spells. At the other end, the coldest 10% of nights fall to 2.2°C or below. Bring a warm evening layer rather than relying on a light jacket. January is Nice's coldest month, so it suits travellers who value mild winter afternoons more than reliable warmth.

Make the most of daylight and allow for rain

Expect some useful sunshine, but not an uninterrupted run of clear days. January averages about 4.5 hours of sunshine within 9.1 hours of daylight, making the middle of the day a sensible time for longer walks and sitting outside if conditions feel comfortable. About 7 rainy days means rain need not dominate your trip, although a short stay could still coincide with a wet spell. Pack a waterproof outer layer and shoes you are happy wearing in the rain, and keep indoor alternatives in mind. Plan your outdoor time around the forecast rather than filling every day with fixed plans; the monthly averages cannot promise how a particular visit will turn out.