Early winter · Weather & things to do
Nice in December
Nice cools off: highs slip to 56°F (13°C), from 61°F in November, with lows of 52°F (11°C) and about 3.2 in (81 mm) of rain.
Its comfort score of 72/100 is still Good, though it ranks 10th of 12 here.
- Avg high
- 56°F (13°C)
- Avg low
- 52°F (11°C)
- Rain
- 3.2 in (81 mm)
- Humidity
- 71%
- Cloud cover
- 57%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 45 min
- Comfort score
- 72/100 · Good
What December feels like
Expect mild afternoons around 56°F (13°C), good for long walks.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 52°F (11°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 3.2 in (81 mm).
Only about 8 h 45 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May – September.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, October – December.
- Shortest days of the year, about 8 h 45 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 75/100 in November to 72/100.
- Our Paris to the Riviera route recommends May – Sep, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 52°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 3.2 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Nice in December
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Jardin Exotique d'Èze
Cactus garden at the top of the perched village of Èze with sea views.
Why now December scores 72/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
Pink Belle Époque villa on Cap Ferrat with nine themed gardens.
Why now Highs near 56°F and 3.2 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Promenade des Anglais
7-km seafront walk along pebble beaches and blue chairs.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Lou Pilha Leva
Vieux Nice counter for Niçois street food: socca, pissaladière and petits farcis.
Cours Saleya Market
Morning flower and produce market in Vieux Nice; antiques on Mondays.
Nearby in December
- Avignon in December~124 mi · highs 51°F, 2.0 in rain · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, drier
- Zermatt in December~161 mi · highs 30°F, 2.7 in rain or snow · 14°C (26°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Florence in December~199 mi · highs 50°F, 2.8 in rain · 4°C (6°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Chianti in December~203 mi · highs 49°F, 3.1 in rain · 4°C (7°F) cooler by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Nice in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Nice?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 72/100, held back mainly by cloud cover. The best months are May – September. Expect highs of 56°F (13°C) and 3.2 in (81 mm) of rain. Our Paris to the Riviera route recommends May – Sep, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Nice in December?
Average highs are 56°F (13°C) and average lows 52°F (11°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Nice in December?
Some: about 3.2 in (81 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 3rd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 26.9 in (682 mm).
What should I pack for Nice in December?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 52°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 3.2 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Planning Nice in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.