Traveling during the autumn months is the perfect time to visit many destinations and Nice is no exception. With children back in school, the city sees far fewer tourists during the months of September to November, which makes it a great place to explore during the off season.
Rain in Nice
For many destinations around the world Autumn means colder temperatures and more rain, however, for Nice that is not really the case. Of course it does cool down compared to the extremely high temperatures of the summer but for the most part you can still enjoy warm days in the high 20s.
In terms of rainfall, you can expect quite a few days during this time of year. In the month of September, there is an average of eight rainy days which gradually increases each month. By November you can expect between 15 and 25 days of rain. That being said when it is not raining in Nice it is almost always sunny.
Despite the rain mid September to mid November is a great time to visit Nice! With Nice being such a tourist destination, you really notice it when summer holidays are over. Popular places like the Promenade des Anglais become so quiet during the weekdays. You will also have no problem finding a place to relax on the beach.
What to Do If It Rains
On average Nice experiences over 300 days of sun in a year which makes it one of the sunniest cities in France! With that many sunny days, you are sure to experience some beautiful sunshine even when you visit. Of course Nice does experience rainy days; however, it is often followed by a few sunny ones. That being said, there is plenty to do in the city if you do experience some rain during your holiday.
One of the most common rainy day activities is to go shopping. With a variety of shopping areas in Nice, you are sure to find one that’s perfect for you. Avenue Jean Medecin is the most popular shopping destination in the city; however, you have to walk in the rain between stores unless you head to the shopping center Nice Etoile.
If you are looking to avoid the rain altogether then head to Cap 3000, a giant shopping center just past Nice’s airport. Whether you are looking for luxury brands, home decor, or electronics you are sure to find it in Cap 3000. Apart from a wide range of shops there is also an arcade, cafes, and restaurants to enjoy away from the rain.
Museums
Another great rainy day activity is to check out a museum. Nice has a variety of museums and art galleries to choose from. For art enthusiasts you can check out the Matisse Museum or the Marc Chagall National Museum to admire the works of art from two famous French painters. To learn more about the history and culture of Nice head to Masséna Museum or the Natural History of Nice.
Another great museum to visit is the Photography Museum of Charles Negre which is dedicated to the biggest names in photography. Wander through and see how many of the famous people you can recognize.
For those looking for something a little different you can head to the National Sports Museum located in the Grand Stadium of Nice. Discover memorabilia and artifacts that date back to the 16th century and learn about the history of Nice’s football team which has been around for over 120 years!
Lastly, if you are looking for a family-friendly museum I suggest checking out the Museum of Illusions located on Rue de France. This interactive museum is filled with magic tricks, optical illusions, and photo opts that everyone can enjoy.
Cafes and Restaurants
My favorite way to enjoy a rainy day is in a cozy cafe with a coffee or in a restaurant enjoying a warm meal. Thankfully, Nice has plenty of great options if you’re looking to escape the rain. Usually when it rains in Nice very few venture outside and for those that do it is to take advantage of the quiet shops and restaurants.
One of the best areas to visit when it rains is the Old Town of Nice. With a variety of quiet restaurants and shops throughout, you can explore the area without the insane crowds. This is also the perfect time to try a restaurant that is usually busy or full with reservations because many locals will cancel reservations if it is raining.
On a rainy day, I love going to Cafe Fino for a delicious coffee or to Cave Bianchi for a glass of wine in the evenings. Both with a cozy atmosphere and they tend to be quieter when the weather isn’t great.
It may not rain often in Nice but when it does there are plenty of activities to make the most of the weather. If you don’t mind the rain then take this opportunity to explore the city and visit the popular destinations like Colline du Chateau which will be very quiet during this time.
Even if you do experience rain during your holiday, there is a very good chance it won’t last long and that the sun will be shining very soon after.