What December feels like in Nice
Early winter arrives in Nice with December. The daytime air has a chill to it, though it is rarely bitter. Little changes after sunset — nights are cold, only slightly below the daytime level. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Nice in December
It is a changeable month: rain comes about one day in 4, with dry spells in between. Rainy days are intense, averaging about 11.7 mm (0.5 in) — downpours rather than drizzle. That is heavier than Nice's usual 9.1 mm per rainy day across the year. It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in December
On 15 December the sun rises at about 7:57 am and sets around 4:55 pm local time, giving 8 h 57 min of daylight. Days are getting shorter: 45 min less daylight than in mid-November. The sun is out for roughly 78% of those daylight hours, so there are plenty of bright spells.
How December compares to the rest of the year
December is the 3rd coolest month of the year in Nice. Compared with November, afternoons are 3°C (5.4°F) cooler, with 46 mm less rain. Temperatures keep falling into January. The next month's average high: 11.9°C (53.4°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — the weather rarely gets in the way of a city walk.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
- Hiking: less ideal — trails are cool.
Tips for visiting Nice in December
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Light Jacket
Bring a sweater or light coat for cool afternoons.
Sunglasses
Bright days make sunglasses worth packing.
Quick questions
How warm is Nice in December?
It feels chilly: typical highs are 12.9°C (55.2°F), with lows near 6.3°C (43.3°F).
Does it rain a lot in Nice in December?
Quite a lot — 93 mm spread over about 8 days.
What should I wear in Nice in December?
Based on the averages: rain protection, a light jacket and sunglasses. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is December or January better for visiting Nice?
December, clearly: it ranks #9 of 12 among Nice's months, against #12 for the other. January is cooler.