10 Reasons to Visit Nice in the Winter

This famously chic city on the French Riviera has long been a draw for visitors from around the world. But while the Côte d’Azur is most often associated with long, sunny days and sizzling temperatures, you shouldn’t rule it out as a winter getaway. Here are 10 reasons why…

1. Get a blast of winter sunshine 

It may be a bit chillier during the winter months, but the sun will still be shining, giving visitors a much-needed lift during the darker months of the year. Nice is blessed with a Mediterranean climate and in winter, temperatures typically range from 9°C to 15°C, making it one of the warmest places in France in winter. 

2. Explore in comfortable temperatures 

In the height of summer, temperatures in Nice tend to be around 28°C to 31°C – perfect for soaking up the Riviera ambience at a shady pavement café, but a bit warm for the more energetic sightseers among us. The lower temperatures in winter make it much easier to really pack your agenda with all the wonderful things to see and do without feeling hot under the collar.  

3. Far from the madding crowd 

Tourist numbers are lower in winter, which means you will have a more leisurely and authentically French experience wherever you go, from restaurants to bars to shops to sights of interest. Public transport, too, is less crammed in the cooler months, making it easier to get around. Enjoy Vieux Nice without the usual crowds and explore its cobbled streets, colourful buildings, quaint shops, restaurants serving traditional niçois dishes and, of course, the delightful Cours Saleya flower market. In Parc de la Colline du Château, wander the many paths through the lush greenery as you wend your way to the top of the hill where you will find a truly breathtaking view. 

4. Hotel rates are lower  

Off-peak prices are, of course, lower than in the height of the summer season, making winter a budget-friendly time to travel. The recently renovated Suites Masséna is one such place that reduces its prices over winter. This charming boutique hotel at the heart of Nice’s most popular square, Place Masséna, is just 200m from the palm tree-lined Promenade des Anglais with its many bars and restaurants overlooking the beach. The hotel is ideally located close to a tram stop and the train station, from where you can visit the entire French Riviera!  

5. Flights are cheaper 

Who doesn’t love a bargain, especially when it comes to air fares? Travelling off-season to Nice will save you money on your flights – money which can go towards enjoying yourself while you’re there! And it couldn’t be easier to get to Nice, with Nice Côte d’Azur Airport just 20 minutes outside the city. 

6. Year-round attractions 

Being a cosmopolitan city, Nice stays open all year round. As well as the inimitable charms of the Promenade des Anglais, Vieux Nice and the Colline du Château, there are many museums and galleries to enjoy, including the Musée National Marc Chagall, Musée Matisse, Monastère de Cimiez and Palais Lascaris. 

7. Season’s greetings 

Christmas is a magical time to visit this stunning city when – as if it were possible – it’s even prettier, bedecked with twinkling festive lights. Fantastic for shopping all year round, it’s an especially wonderful spot to shop for Christmas gifts. As well as the usual food markets and flea markets, explore the festive atmosphere of the city’s Christmas market, which takes place in the heart of the city in Place Masséna and this year runs from December 7 until January 7. Some 60 stalls selling regional handicrafts, an ice-skating rink and a Ferris wheel are among the attractions. 

8. Winter sports  

Nice is blessed when it comes to location. Not only does it look out over the azure waters of the Mediterranean but just an hour away are the snow-crested Alps, with peaks reaching 3,000m. So why not combine the cultural delights of a city break with a spot of skiing or snowboarding? There’s even a bus service to take you direct to the slopes. 

9. Nice Carnival  

Arguably the most important event in the Côte d’Azur’s winter calendar, the world-famous Carnaval de Nice takes place each February and spans two weeks, during which time the city comes alive with parades day and night. The famous flower parades are a sight to behold as colourfully decorated floats move to the beat of music from around the world. The theme next year (February 15 to March 2, 2025) is the King of Oceans.  

10. Gastronomic delights 

From local produce to gourmet dishes, Nice’s culinary scene is a treat for food lovers at any time of year, but the cooler weather in winter makes the heartier Provençal dishes even more enjoyable. Try local specialities such as socca (a pancake made from chickpea flour), daube (beef stew) and pissaladière (onion tart). The city’s markets, like the Cours Saleya which boasts fruit and veg stalls alongside the famous flower stalls, are less crowded, allowing for a more pleasant shopping experience for the wandering gourmet.