Nice in December & January: Winter on the French Riviera
Nice, France, is the perfect winter destination. Like Barcelona and Rome, the weather is mild and usually sunny in December and January. Expect daily highs in the 50s.
At the same time, you can expect plenty of Christmas festivities in Nice and the other cities along the French Riviera in the winter months.
Key Info on Nice in Winter:
- It’s an easy 1-hour flight from Paris.
- Nice is a walkable city, with a beautiful “old town.”
- While some people swim in December & January, it’s too cold for most!
- Nice and each city along the coast has its own Christmas Market (Marche de Noel).
- Expect much smaller crowds and open tables at restaurants in the winter!
Where to Stay in Nice
Nice is easy to get around. It’s a quick Uber ride from the airport to the center city area.
You can plug your dates into this interactive map to check rates on hotels and rentals. If you’re traveling as a family or group of friends, I’d recommend renting a multiple-bedroom flat from one of the VRBO options below. I’ve centered it on the Promenade des Anglais, the city’s famous boulevard along the Mediterranean Sea:
Best Winter Tours in Southern France
Southern France is known for its lavender fields and vineyards. While it’s the off-season for some of those sites and activities, you’ll find plenty of options for day trips and tours. These are three of the best:
➡️ Click to Book: Several Riviera Towns in One Day
➡️ Click to Book: Nice to Medieval Towns
➡️ Click to Book: Nice to Provence Vineyards
The Perks of a Winter Visit to Nice, France
There are two huge perks of visiting Southern France in December and January: small crowds and low costs.
While Christmas week might bring higher hotel prices (and definitely higher airfares), you’ll save BIG by visiting the Mediterranean Coast in the winter. Airfares might be 50% lower in December and January, compared to the summer months. Plus, a family or group of friends can find a great multi-bedroom rental for a fraction of the cost you’d pay in the summer.
As you’d guess, Nice, which thrives on its beautiful blue Mediterranean Coast activities, is much slower in the winter months. This means that restaurants will always have open tables for you in December and January.
The trains won’t be as jam-packed as you’re taking them to neighboring cities.
Plus, if you plan to rely on Uber or rideshare drivers to get to Eze or Saint Paul de Vence, you’ll have a much easier time (and shorter wait) finding a driver.
While some of the activities and stores in the neighboring villages, like Eze and Saint Paul de Vence, are limited, you’ll find plenty to do on the Riviera in December and January. The major cities of Nice and Cannes are fully open, with all shops and restaurants operating in the winter months.
Things to Do in Nice in Winter
Just walking around Nice is enough! The warm pastel-painted buildings still give a coastal vibe in December and January, even if you’re wearing a jacket and sweater.
You’ll come across local shops, countless souvenir stores, and more restaurants than you’ll be able to sample.
Boulangeries for Breakfast
It sounds so basic and simple, but you’ll have to start each morning with a quiche and/or pastry from one of the boulangeries in Nice. Each will cost about 2 Euros, and you’ll want to sample them all!
My personal favorite is the croissant amande, which is a sweet croissant with an almond paste baked in. I especially like when they come “crushed” or semi-flattened.
Marche de Noel (Christmas Market)
The Christmas market in Nice is more of a carnival than a quaint, charming market full of local vendors.
For one thing, the centerpiece is a Ferris wheel.
Still, it’s pretty to check out the displays and scenes setup for photo opportunities.
Marche Aux Fleurs
The daily (except Mondays) market is a highlight of a visit to Nice in the winter or any time of year.
It’s mostly vendors selling local produce and flowers, but it gives you a slice of Riviera life.
The awnings are vibrantly striped, and cover displays of vegetables, teas, spices, and more.
While it’s largely for locals, you’ll also find some souvenir options and art at the market.
Beach Walks
It’s another recommendation that goes without saying. I’m not brave enough to venture into the Mediterranean Sea in the winter, but you’ll definitely see people swimming.
I love climbing the 200+ steps up to the park at the east end of the city. Follow signs for Tour Bellanda (Bellanda Tower), which will lead you up stone staircases to the public park at the peak. The views from here are stunning, especially at sunset.
Shopping
Aside from the daily market, you’ll find every kind of store in Nice, from high-end down to second-hand.
There are several decor stores you’ll walk by, selling winter-themed items and Christmas decorations for souvenirs.
There are a few large shopping centers, including Nice Etoile and Galeries Lafayette, a smaller version of the famous Parisian department store.
Christmas Markets in Southern France
The markets (Marches de Noel) in Southern France aren’t as impressive or memorable as they are in other parts of Europe or even in Strasbourg/Colmar, France.
Still, each village and city has a market, and they’re fun to walk around.
Toulon Christmas Market
If you’re taking the train down from Paris, the first stop is likely to be Toulon.
- Location: Place de la Liberte
- Dates: Late November until New Year’s Eve.
Monaco Christmas Market
- Location: Port Hercule, Monaco
- Dates: Typically early December to early January (exact dates for 2024-2025 to be confirmed)
- Highlights: Set against the glamorous backdrop of Port Hercule, this market offers themed decorations, gourmet food stalls, and an ice rink. Each year presents a unique theme, adding a distinctive charm to the festivities.
Menton Christmas Market
- Location: Esplanade Francis Palmero, Menton, France
- Dates: December 6, 2024, to January 5, 2025
- Highlights: Known for its citrus festival, Menton brings a unique flair to its Christmas market with illuminated decorations, entertainment, and a festive market offering local products and crafts.
Cannes Christmas Market
- Location: Allées de la Liberté, Cannes, France
- Dates: Typically early December to early January (exact dates for 2024-2025 to be confirmed)
- Highlights: Cannes transforms its famous promenade into a festive wonderland with chalets offering crafts, gourmet foods, and holiday decorations. The market often features an ice rink and various entertainment options for children.
Antibes Christmas Market
- Location: Place Nationale, Antibes, France
- Dates: Typically early December to early January (exact dates for 2024-2025 to be confirmed)
- Highlights: This market offers a cozy atmosphere with stalls selling artisanal products, festive foods, and holiday gifts. Activities often include ice skating and visits from Santa Claus.
Menton in Winter
Menton is a quick 30-40 minute ride on the train east of Nice. It’s a bright, colorful town that’s worth visiting in the winter or any time of year.
In December, you’ll find the main city park turned into a Christmas-themed playland for kids.
Walk toward the Plage des Sablettes, where all the boats and yachts are docked east of the main city. The view from the piers here is spectacular.
You’ll see Menton’s famous zigzag staircase up from the beach to the Basilique Saint-Michel Archange and the narrow, winding streets of the old city. The cathedral dates back to the 1650s.
Cannes in December & January
While Cannes is internationally famous for its annual film festival, the city itself is fun to visit year-round. Actually, I’d specifically avoid it during Film Fest time! I’d imagine the streets are a total cluster to maneuver through.
In the winter, Cannes, like the rest of the Riviera cities, is decorated beautifully for Christmas.
The Marche de Noel here even includes an ice-skating rink!
Monaco in Winter
Monaco is known as a playground for the rich and privileged, but the rest of us can still enjoy a visit during the winter months.
It’s an easy train ride, about half-an-hour east of Nice. You can walk around the city/country, or take the bus. The #1 and 2 bus lines are loops which go from the train station to the palace, old city, casino, and everything in between. Just swipe your credit card as you walk on. They run very frequently.
The harbor transforms into a Christmas Market and carnival, and the iconic Monte Carlo Casino is decked out in Christmas decor.
Oceanographic Museum
Monaco has a beautiful museum dedicated to the Mediterranean.
The Palace
Monaco’s royal grounds are open to the public. It’s like walking around a fairy tale. Everything is perfectly painted and neat.
The cathedral near the palace, the Cathédrale de Monaco, is also decorated and open to visitors all winter.
New Years Eve
If you happen to be in the region for New Year’s, Monaco puts on a dazzling fireworks display over the harbor.
Any day of the year, it’s fun to walk around the harbors and check out the mega-yachts!
More Day Trips from Nice in the Winter
The Nice-Ville Gare (train station) is walkable from most parts of the city, and it’ll bring you to other charming towns and cities along the French Riviera in both France and even into Italy. Here are a few of my favorite towns to visit along the SNCF’s TER (train).
Pro Tip: I use the Trainline website and app to book. It’s a free download, with easy searches. The tickets immediately appear as QR codes on your phone.
Eze in Winter
Eze is a stunning hilltop village, which is best to visit spring through fall. In the winter, you might find some of the shops and restaurants closed for the season.
Also, a warning: the SNCF TER (train) stop called Eze will actually bring you to Eze sure Mer, the beach. It’s a strenuous hike up the mountain to the village. For most people, I’d suggest taking the bus or a car.
Saint Paul de Vence in December
Saint Paul de Vence is a medieval hilltop town about 30 minutes from Nice.
You can pay about 50 Euros for an Uber driver, or take the bus for far less. I’ve done both, and suppose I prefer the car or van just for the convenience factor.
Anyway, the village will be lit for Christmas. The shops and restaurants might be closed on the weekdays during the winter, so it won’t be a full experience. Still, it’s such a picturesque setting that it’s worth half a day on your trip to the region.
Ventimiglia, Italy, in December
Since my family is Italian, every time I go to Nice, I venture across the border into Italy.
Ventimiglia lacks some of the charm of the French Riviera towns, but I still really like going over.
You can walk through one of the markets that’s open. During the winter, they’re selling Christmas decor in addition to the typical meats and cheese.
Mercato Coperto is the biggest market in Ventimiglia, which is open most days.
By the way, you can buy all the cheese you want to bring home. It transports very well as long as it’s vacuum-sealed.
Many of the restaurants operate on the typical Italian schedule. They’re open for lunch, then close for a few hours before opening again around 6:30pm for dinner.
Nice, France: Weather in Winter
The winter weather in Nice and much of Southern France is mild and enjoyable … just with a bit of chill in the air.
December in Nice:
- Temperature: Highs around 57°F, lows around 41°F.
- Weather: Generally mild and pleasant with a mix of sunny days and occasional rain. Snow is extremely rare.
- Feel: Cool but not too cold, perfect for strolling or exploring holiday festivities.
January in Nice:
- Temperature: Highs around 55°F, lows around 39°F.
- Weather: Similar to December, with sunny days interspersed with brief rain showers. Mornings and evenings can feel brisk.
- Feel: A bit cooler than December but still mild compared to much of Europe, making it ideal for off-season travel.
Wrap: Southern France at Christmas
Southern France is one of my favorite places to visit any time of the year!
It’s slower and quieter in December and January, compared to the summer, yet still festive and lively with Christmas markets and lights illuminating the boulevards and walkable streets. The same applies to the other cities and villages along the beautiful French Riviera, all of which are easy to get to from a base in Nice!
Nice is a quick, one-hour flight from Paris (or a five-hour train ride). There are plenty of things to do in Paris in the winter, too, even on cold, rainy days.
