What's the weather like in October
Temperatures cool off considerably in October in Nice, France, marking the end of the summer season as the city runs full steam ahead into winter. When the sun shines it's still pleasantly warm, and there are nowhere near the amount of crowds that descend during summer, so it's a great time to visit if you're looking to explore the cultural hotspots of the city with a bit of autumnal sunshine.
Temperature
Daily temperatures drop a good few degrees from the September, with averages sitting around 18°C. On warmer days and during the hottest hours over lunchtime, this can rise to 21°C. Evenings are still relatively mild at this time of year, with temperatures rarely falling below 14°C. It's pleasant enough to sit outside, but you might need a cardigan or jumper to keep the autumn chill at bay. It's best to pack layers if you're visiting Nice in October in case the weather changes from one extreme to the other, but remember to include some suncream, too, as the sun is still strong at this time of year.
Rainfall
One of the clear differences between October and September is the amount of rainfall. Nice is considerably wetter in October, with around 140mm falling over an average of 8 days throughout the month. It's likely you'll get caught in some showers, so be sure to pack an umbrella. The beauty of the Mediterranean climate means that when it does rain, it passes quickly and usually brings clearer skies afterwards.
Sea Temperature
With all the rainfall and dropping temperatures, October isn't the best time to visit Nice for beach-goers, although the sea temperatures are still pretty warm at around 20°C. If you fancy going for an autumnal dip, the water shouldn't be too cold, and it's perfect for participating in some watersports and keeping warm in a wetsuit.
Sunshine Hours
As is so typical of Nice, October is characterised by long days. There's a surprising amount of sunshine, with around 11 hours a day. This means there's plenty of time to really get to know the city and explore all it has to offer in autumn.
Nice is hugely popular in the summer months, but by October the crowds have all but disappeared particularly the beach-goers. The weather is still great for this time of year, though, so it's the perfect time to visit if you're looking for some autumnal sunshine and a city that's buzzing with fun activities.
Nice Hotels for October
Hotel les Cigales
For a stylish, low-budget accommodation option, check into the Hotel les Cigales, which sits just 150m from the seafront in a grand old French building with ornate detailing. Inside, the design is much cleaner, with a modern and simple décor popping with colour. The rooms are basic and cosy, with thick carpets, and vibrant bedclothes, and all boast views out across the city and beachfront. There's all the modern amenities, too, with internet access, satellite television, and air conditioning. Guests are welcome to enjoy the buffet breakfast, and there's a solarium roof garden, offering peace and quiet amidst lush foliage.
Hotel Villa Rivoli
The three-star Hotel Villa Rivoli is located in the historical town centre and occupies a Belle Epoque building complete with wrought iron designs. Rooms are charmingly decorated, with kitsch wallpaper, faux chandeliers, and rustic wood furniture, and all have their own balconies that offer views across the lovely surroundings.
Hotel Villa la Tour
The Hotel Villa la Tour is a downtown hotel, perfect for quick breaks. It's located in Nice's Old Town, close by to all the major attractions and boasts only 17 rooms, providing an intimate and cosy atmosphere for guests. Rooms are quirkily decorated in the styles of famous painters, including Picasso, Renoir, Dufy, Matisse, and Van Gogh, with bold colours and prints by the artists adorning the walls. Each room has WiFi and satellite television, too, and elsewhere in the hotel there is a bar-restaurant that serves traditional French cuisine with a quaint outdoor area perfect for soaking up the autumnal sun.
Nice Beaches in October
In the summer months Nice's beaches are packed out with sun-seeking tourists. In October, these crowds have all but disappeared, though the weather remains pretty pleasant. The sea temperatures are also still reasonably warm, so feel free to take an autumnal dip. If you're on the hunt for a bit more adventure, there are numerous watersporting opportunities dotted along the coastline, and you can try your hand at things like kitesurfing, windsurfing, and paragliding. The beaches in Nice are either private or public, with the former offering exclusive access for paying customers, whilst the latter is free for everyone. At this time of year the beaches tend to be fairly empty, so you shouldn't have trouble finding a spot on either kind of beach.
Ponchettes
Ponchettes is a public beach that offers so much more than simply sunbathing and swimming. It boasts an expansive stretch of fine shingle and sparkling blue waters, and is manned all day by lifeguards. There is also a huge, sandy volleyball court perfect for the slightly cooler autumnal days and a selection of bars and restaurants nearby, so refreshment is always on hand. In addition, unlike some public beaches, Ponchettes has its own well-maintained facilities, including a shower block and toilets.
Opera Beach
Opera Beach is a private section of shingle that sits right in front of the Nice Opera building and is exclusively for patrons of the Opera Beach restaurant. Beach-goers can hire out the comfortable, spacious sunbeds or try out some of the watersports at Nikaia Water Sports which lies just at the western end of the beach. Private beaches usually mean waitress service, too, and the on-site restaurant means you have access to a delicious selection of Mediterranean dishes throughout the day.
Bars and Restaurants
Royal Kashmir
You might be in France, but if you fancy an Indian, head to the Royal Kashmir. The stylish interior evokes scenes of Asia, with deep colours and intricate designs, whilst the menu boasts a fresh selection of traditional Indian dishes. There are several set menus, including the Menu Exotique, Menu Midi, and Menu Midi Thali, as well as an a la carte menu that features all your favourite dishes kormas, madras', vindaloos and there's even an extensive fish curry menu adding a dash of traditional French cuisine salmon korma, anyone?
Co-T-Café
For a great way to start the day, head to Co-T-Café, which has an impressive range of coffees and cakes ideal for breakfast. There's the usual teas, coffees, and hot chocolates, as well a huge selection of fruit smoothies and cold coffees, which are perfect for when the weather's warmer. Pair these with one of the numerous cupcakes and pastries on sale, including a wide range of croissants or wraps for if you're really hungry.
Things to do in Nice in October
Place de Palais
Nice boasts many markets, selling everything from fish to flowers. One of the better markets, the Peintures et Artisans D'Art, takes place in the bustling Place du Palais, surrounding by grand, regal buildings and colourful French design. The market itself is like an outdoor art gallery, featuring the work of hundreds of local artists, as well as those from further field, who set up their stalls on the second Saturday of every month. Here, you can browse the arts and crafts stalls and even watch some of the painters in action. Plus, there's a huge selection of cafes and restaurants lining the street, where you can sit outside with a coffee and watch the scene unfold.
Promenade de Paillon
The Promenade du Paillon is the perfect place for an autumnal stroll with all the family. It connects to the Promenade des Anglais, and is a wide boulevard that proves to be extremely popular with locals, particularly on the weekends. The scenery is lovely, with a selection of fountains and rows of palm trees, and there are numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants dotted along its length, as well as a kids play area for the younger members of the family. Some way down it, there is also a green park, ideal for October picnics, or for enjoying a coffee whilst people watching.
Galeries Lafayette
Shopping lovers might want to check out Galeries Lafayette, the second most popular international store in France after Paris. There are over 600 brands available to buy, most of which are high-end, boutique, or designer, and they cover a range of goods from home produce and beauty essentials to designer clothes and food. Brand-lovers can expect to browse goods by the likes of Hermes, Lancome, Burberry, Dolce and Gabbana, Timberland, and Lindt (for any chocolate enthusiasts!). There's even a personal shopper service on hand to sort through items for you, so you can simply sit back and relax.
