What's the weather like in Nice in August
August marks the peak of the summer season in Nice, France, with long, hot, sun-filled days characterising the month. The summer holidays bring lots of tourists at this time of year, so the city and beaches can get crowded. To avoid disappointment, book activities and restaurants in advance as they can get booked up quickly.
Temperature
Daily averages in August sit at around 24°C, with average high temperatures shooting up to 27°C and above during the hottest parts of the day. At night, temperatures rarely dip below a very pleasant 20°C, making al fresco dining a popular activity in August. Lightweight summer clothing and lots of suncream are essential packing items for this time of year, as are a hat and sunglasses. You probably won't need a cardigan or jumper, but it might be worth slipping a thin one into your luggage just in case.
Rainfall
Rainfall in August is on the rise after the minimal amount in July. Around 20mm falls throughout the month over an average of 6 days, so you probably won't encounter any showers during your trip though it might be worth packing an umbrella just to play it extra safe.
Sea Temperature
Sea temperatures are on the rise, too, having had the hot sun of June and July to heat it up. Sitting at around 24°C, it's the ideal temperature for beach-goers who fancy splashing about in the waves or trying their hand at some watersports. Even in summer, there's a slight coastal breeze that offers a gentle relief from the high temperatures.
Sunshine Hours
As the city is nearing the end of summer at this point, the daily hours of sunshine fall slightly from 14 hours in July to 13 hours in August. It's still a huge amount of sunshine, though, and plenty of time to soak up the sun on the beach and explore all the cultural offerings that are available throughout the city.
Nice in August is busy, with crowds flocking to the shores in the summer holidays. However, if you don't mind the throngs of tourists, it can be a great time to visit to experience the pleasant summer temperatures and the lively atmosphere.
Nice Hotels for August
Le Grimaldi
Le Grimaldi is a beautiful four-star boutique hotel in the centre of Nice, boasting an elaborate exterior of ornate detailing and nouveau design. Inside, the décor is clean and crisp, with a backdrop of white emphasised by splashes of muted tones. The lobby offers a rural French atmosphere, with flagstone flooring and a twisted iron lift. Rooms are large and comfortable with minimal fuss and floor-to-ceiling windows offering great views across the city. They all come with free WiFi and flat screen televisions, too. The on-site Luc Salsedo restaurant provides a gourmet dining experience, and the hotel itself runs a number of sightseeing tours throughout the city.
Hotel Apogia
The Hotel Apogia is a classy accommodation option, boasting a sleek, monochrome interior and a very smart, business-like atmosphere. The rooms are well-decorated with a muted colour palette of tans and umbers, and the furniture is extremely contemporary, featuring sleek lines and smooth black leather. The in-house bar and restaurant provide a crisp and calm environment in which guests can sample some traditional cuisine, or enjoy a tipple or two after dark.
Petit Palais
For a mid-range option, check into the Petit Palais, a three-star hotel in the centre of Nice. It's situated in a grand building surrounding by manicured gardens and boasts a nouveau terrace perfect for soaking up the summer sun on. The in-house restaurant and bar spill outside amongst the colourful flowers and charming patios, whilst the rooms are minimal but well-designed, featuring neutral, earthy tones with touches of elaborate French detail.
Nice Beaches in August
August is the perfect time for beach-goers in Nice, as the water has had the previous warm months to heat up and the sunshine is at its hottest. Due to the influx of crowds at this time of year, the beaches can get very busy. Luckily, there's enough sandy shores for everyone to enjoy, but it's worth heading down early to ensure you snag a spot. The beaches in Nice are either private or public, with the former offering an exclusive backdrop to paying guests boasting waitress service and a peaceful selection of sunbeds, and the latter providing great places for a pitstop on the beach.
Plage de Carras
Plage de Carras is the westernmost beach in Nice and is the only public beach in the city that allows visitors to bring their pets. It's hugely dog-friendly, with this point emphasised across numerous signs. Those without pets will still have a great time, though, thanks to the rows of sunbeds, numerous restaurants and cafes around it, and the beautiful views out to sea. There are also well-maintained facilities here, including showers and toilets and there are watersports opportunities dotted along its length.
Magnan
Magnan is another public beach that is spectacularly beautiful. It's flanked by tall cliff faces, providing a secluded place to soak up the sun. The sands here are wide and plentiful, with lots of space for sunbathers, and there's a picturesque creek where the Magnan River flows into the sea. During the summer months it usually runs dry, carving a surreal path through the sands, but in the wetter months or after a storm it can rush with great force into the sea, so be aware of this if you visit Magnan beach. Either way, the beach is patrolled by life guards and there are a selection of facilities and services on hand, including nearby restaurants and bars, as well as clean toilets and showers.
Bars and Restaurants
Restaurant les Garcons
Restaurant les Garcons offers a modern dining experience in the heart of Nice. Inside, the urban style décor gives it an edge, with brick walls, graffiti signs, and steel details. At the back of the tunnel-shaped downstairs dining area, there's a mural depicting an underground train track complete with works of graffiti. The menu is a traditionally French affair, with starters including foie gras, mains like sautéed duck breast and creamy scallop risotto, and typical desserts such as panna cotta and crème brulee.
Marc de Café
Marc de Café is a charming French tea room nestled down a quiet street in the centre of Nice's Old Town. The exposed brick-wall interior, with splashes of bright colours and the tiny seating area outside offers an intimate, stylish atmosphere, and Marc, the owner, is extremely welcoming and friendly to all guests, offering tips and tricks for sightseeing and insights into the history of the area. It's a great place for breakfast, serving a selection of coffees, teas, and hot chocolates, along with an expansive range of sweet dishes like croissants, as well as sandwiches and light lunch bites for later in the day.
Things to do in Nice in August
Musee des Arts Asiatiques
Art and anthropology enthusiasts should schedule some time in to visit the Musee des Arts Asiatiques, a museum focusing on the arts and crafts of Asian civilisations. It's free to enter, and the displays offer a chronological guideline to the history of artefacts in Asia, highlighting different cultures and their accompanying customs. It's set inside a beautiful building and also boasts numerous rotating temporary exhibitions throughout the year. If you get peckish whilst wandering round, there's an on-site café, plus it's right next door to the Phoenix Park which is also worth a visit.
Avenue Jean Medecin
If you want to hit the shops, there's no better street than the Avenue Jean Medecin, a wide strip of road that runs through the centre of the city, offering a huge selection of shops, eateries, galleries, and more. It's surrounded by grand, imposing nouveau buildings and opens out onto the popular Massena square, and the road is peppered with tram tracks, providing a scenic backdrop for hitting the shops. And people definitely do hit the shops here, dipping in and out of the stores which include big brands like Pylones, Zara, and Sephora lining the pedestrianised, cobblestone streets.
