What's the weather like in Nice in September
September marks the end of summer in Nice, France, and the temperatures begin to cool off as the city heads towards winter. The crowds from the previous months start to disappear and the beaches empty out. It's the perfect time to visit if you want to catch the last of the summer sun and explore all the culture in Nice without the throngs of tourists that characterise the summer months.
Temperature
Average temperatures fall to around 22°C, though during the hottest parts of the day it can reach 25°C and above still exceptionally warm for this time of year. The lowest temperatures are still pretty high, too, sitting at around 18°C which means the evenings are very pleasant. You'll be comfortable in lightweight summer clothing including t-shirts and shorts for the daytime, but it's worth packing a couple of cardigans or jumpers for after dark. Remember to pack lots of suncream, too, as although summer is coming to end, the sun's rays are still strong at this time of year.
Rainfall
As Nice spirals towards winter the wet season the rainfall in September is higher than in previous months, with around 90mm falling throughout the month over 8 days on average. So, whilst the sun might still be hot, it's a good idea to pack an umbrella just in case you get caught in any showers. If it does rain, it will pass quickly one of the benefits of the Mediterranean climate.
Sea Temperature
Many tourists still flock to the beaches in September and the sea temperatures are still a very comfortable 22°C, having had all summer to heat up. The sands are much emptier than the previous months, providing plenty of opportunity to swim and try some watersports.
Sunshine Hours
The days are still long in September, too, with around 12 hours of sunshine a day offering a great deal of time to relax on the beach as well as wander through the city centre and explore all that it has to offer.
September in Nice is a popular time for tourists, as the summer holiday crowds have disappeared, but the weather is still extremely pleasant. If you're looking for some last minute sun before winter sets in and to combine a beach break with a cultural trip, then it's the perfect time to visit.
Nice Hotels in September
Novotel
The Novotel is a luxurious, five-star accommodation close to the Nice Convention Centre in the heart of the city centre perfect for business travellers and those who are looking for a modern, well-equipped place to stay. The rooms are sleek and cleanly designed, with splashes of colour bringing the white backdrop to life, and there are large windows in every room providing a light and airy atmosphere, as well as access to free WiFi, flat screen televisions, and great quality tea and coffee making facilities. Elsewhere in the hotel, there is a restaurant and bar, as well as a swimming pool and a selection of meeting rooms.
Servotel Saint-Vincent
If you're looking to escape into nature, check into the Servotel Saint-Vincent which lies in the "Eco Valley" in the foothills of the Bellet Vineyards. The modern, glass-fronted exterior offers a clean contrast to its natural surroundings, whilst every room is decked out in a contemporary, stylish design and boasts a large balcony with views over the surrounding landscape. There's a beautiful outdoor area with a swimming pool for guests to enjoy and an on-site restaurant and lounge that serve a selection of drinks and delicious French cuisine.
Hotel de Flore
For those looking for a more central place to stay, there's always the Hotel de Flore, which is just 20 metres from the pedestrianised Old Town of Nice and 150 metres from the famous Promenade des Anglais. The stand-out feature of the hotel is its traditional French-style terrace with ornate metal chairs, colourful décor, and lots of leafy green plants. The rooms are simple and modern, with wooden floors and colourful furnishings, and all boast free WiFi and flat screen televisions. There is a small café room where guests can get breakfast in the morning or a coffee throughout the day, too.
Nice Beaches for September
September is a great time to hit the beach in Nice because the summer crowds have disappeared and the sun is still very warm. The sea has heated up over the previous months, making it a very pleasant temperature for swimming and splashing about in the shallows. Along the coast, there's also plenty of opportunities to partake in some watersports a popular activity in the city. The beaches in Nice are either public or private. Private beaches are for paying customers only, and are usually attached to a hotel or restaurant, whereas public beaches are free for all throughout the year.
Bambou Plage
Bambou Plage is a popular private beach that provides an intimate experience for sunbathers. There's a selection of sunbeds spaced apart along the stretch of fine shingle, all with umbrellas and waitress service so you don't even have to get up if you don't want to! There's a special VIP area, too, where guests can indulge in some classic cocktails and listen to the on-site DJ, whilst the restaurant that it backs onto provides a menu full of delicious gourmet Mediterranean cuisine.
Sainte Helene Beach
For a great public beach, head to Sainte Helene beach, which is a usually a lot less crowded than other public beaches of its kind. It's located to west of the city and prides itself on its easy access for those with reduced mobility. As well as the usual selection of sunbeds and nearby bars and restaurants, there are well-maintained facilities including a shower block and toilets. Head here if you're looking to experience the less-busy side of Nice beach life.
Villefranche-sur-mer
Villefranche-sur-mer (public beach) is located in the next town along from Nice, you can easily reach it by bus, it takes around 15 minutes. This bay has been described as one of the world's most majestic sights. The entire beachfront at Villefranche-sur-Mer is free, unlike other beaches along the Riviera coastal towns that are private.
Bars and Restaurants
MelodyNice
MelodyNice offers a bright, stylish dining experience against a backdrop of monochrome design with splashes of vibrant pinks. Situated in the heart of the city centre, close to the Old Town and the seafront, it boasts a gourmet menu of classic French dishes with a modern-day twist. There is a set menu the "Menu Gourmet" which features choices like foie gras, Black Angus steak, and Saint Jaques style risotto, or there's the a la carte menu which has a wider selection, such as fish soup and fig jam to start, beef tartare, veal kidneys, and fish stew for mains, and soufflé or crème brulee for dessert.
Polly and Cie
Polly and Cie is a quirky boutique store that also has an in-house restaurant and café. There's the chance to browse racks of one-off items of clothing as well as try some of the tasty selection of cupcakes with a cup of coffee. If you're there around lunchtime you might want to grab a meal, which can you choose from a menu that changes daily so that only the freshest ingredients are used. Dishes might include French flavours like salmon with basil, reblochon gratin, and steak with pepper sauce. It's a quirky place with unusual décor the tables and crockery are in a 1950s American diner style, with lots of pastel colours and funky pictures.
Café Gecko
For a quick, affordable meal head to Café Gecko, a bistro style restaurant and café near Nice's seafront. The décor is stylish and modern and the menu boasts a cheap selection of fusion dishes that are based on traditional French flavours. There's a great deal of choice, including things like Caesar salad and fried seafood to start and a selection of fish dishes, risottos, and burgers (including vegetarian options) for mains. The meat dishes change on a daily basis to make the most of the seasonal ingredients, so be sure to ask your waiter for the day's selections.
Things to do in Nice in September
Parc de Valrose
Parc de Valrose is the perfect place to soak up the late summer sun, boasting a beautiful green garden dotted with colourful flowers, a picturesque pond, and an ornate, typically French chateau. The gardens themselves are located inside the grounds of the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis, but don't let this put you off. There is plenty of space for students and tourists to mix amongst the rows of trees, secluded benches, and private spots perfect for picnics. The Valrose Chateau provides a bit of architectural eye-candy amongst the greenery and you can enjoy a walk in its shadows on the winding pathways that loop around it and through the gardens.
Museum of Naïve Art
Art lovers should check out the Museum of Naïve Art, which is surrounding by a lush, green park decorated with stone statues. The museum itself is housed in a grand, old chateau, and features multiple rooms hanging with naïve art art that is not considered commercial or mainstream. There are regularly rotating temporary exhibitions and there's the opportunity to join a guided tour around the gallery at certain times of the day. It is set over two floors, so there's plenty to see, and there's a gift shop at the end where you can buy postcards, books, and souvenirs representing the artworks.
Casino Barriere
If you're feeling lucky, head to the Casino Barriere, which is situated on the popular Promenade des Anglais, right on the beach. The atmosphere inside is buzzing, with lots of bright lights and the whirring sounds of slot machines. Try your hand on some of the roulette tables or simply watch others whilst you enjoy a drink from one of the two on-site bars. There's also an on-site restaurant that serves up a selection of traditional French cuisine, so you can make an entire evening of it.
Grape Picking
September is the ideal time for Grape picking in Nice, Domaine of Saint Paul du Vence host a number of grape picking mornings where you can spend a few hours in the vineyard, choosing and picking grapes.
Cannes Yacht Festival
Nice to Cannes isn't far so spend the day at exciting Cannes Yacht Festival in September. The sun will most likely be shining, as it usually is this time of year in the south of France. The annual festival has recently celebrated its 40th anniversary as one of the European leading in-water boat shows, there will be around 600 boats in both the ports in Cannes (Vieux Port and Port Pierre Canto). You can find small and large yachts, sail boats, motorboats and day boats.
