Weather in Nice in October

How October compares

October is the 6th warmest month of the year in Nice and ranks 117th of 134 destinations we compare for October - see where else is hot in October. Within France it is 1st of 2 (France in October). Against London's average high of 14.6°C in October, Nice is 4.9°C warmer by day and 5.4°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in October

The typical October day in Nice peaks at 19.5°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 22.6°C or more. Roughly 1 in 77 days top 25°C. Nights average 13.8°C; one night in ten drops to 10.6°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings - it is genuinely cool after dark. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest October day here reached 26.9°C (2018-10-04) and the coldest night 6.6°C (1997-10-29).

Rain in October

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 9 days with 1 mm or more, 110 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest October was 2000 with 260 mm, the driest 2017 with 2 mm. Humidity averages 78%.

Sea temperature in October

The sea averages 20.2°C - bracing (18-22°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 19.3°C to 21.2°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (24.8°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 4.8 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 10.8 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 07:45 and sets about 18:48 local time in mid-October. Average cloud cover is 55%.

Is October a good time to visit Nice?

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

Comfortable for walking, bracing for swimming

The daytime warmth is useful rather than intense: light layers should suit walking, with something warmer ready for the evening. The warmer days reach 22.6°C or more, so sitting outside can feel pleasant, but that is not the everyday expectation. Colder nights can fall to 10.6°C or below, making a proper jacket more useful than a bag packed mainly with summer clothes. The sea averages 20.2°C, which puts it firmly in the bracing category. If you enjoy cooler water, a swim may appeal; if you want to linger comfortably in the sea, October is a less convincing choice. Pack swimwear as an option, not a promise.

Keep outdoor plans flexible

Rain is the main compromise, so a waterproof jacket earns its place in your luggage. About 9 rainy days means you should allow for wet weather, though it does not tell you which part of your stay will be affected. Sunshine averages 4.8 hours within 10.8 hours of daylight: there is time to be outdoors, but daylight should not be mistaken for uninterrupted sun. Use brighter spells for your longer walks and leave room to rearrange plans when it rains. October works best for travellers who are comfortable changing their plans with the weather, rather than those who need consistently dry days to enjoy a break.