I have some time in mid March after a conference in Europe to visit Nice from March 8 to 12. I was wondering if this Was a good time to see the city. Beachside and poolside activities are not really a priority for me. I would really just like to explore the city and surrounding region. I am not sure if the infamous Mistral winds are a problem this far south.
Posted by
UK (London - Chelsea Harbour)
463 posts
Is mid March a good time to visit Nice?
YES.
The mistral winds do not generally blow in Nice… but even if they did, why would that stop you? They bring bright sunny skies and fresh air, so what’s not to like?
Nice is glorious in March. High temps can reach 60F. There’s some rain, but it is mostly pleasant and sunny.
Posted by
WI
396 posts
We were in Nice for 4 nights in March 2025. The weather on our visit was cool (50s for highs), some rain, breezy, and a good bit of cloud cover. We did get one brilliant sunny day, and you can certainly see the colors pop in the sea and with the pastel colors of the buildings when the sun is out - you may miss some of that in March. However, we enjoyed time in Villefranche, Eze, Monaco, Menton, etc. - lots of interesting places to visit nearby which are accessible by a short train, bus or taxi ride. A taxi driver we spoke with told us that March is actually a very good time to visit as he said summer is overwhelmingly busy.
Posted by
Arctophilia, Northamptonshire, England
36038 posts
emphatically yes!
I've gone at about that time for years and years and years. They must be doing something right.
I usually stay a little further down the coast towards or in Monaco.
Lovely area, great time of the year.
Posted by
1467 posts
You can check weather from @25 years ago until now on a daily and hourly basis on timeanddate.com. It will tell you temperature, wind mph, direction of the wind, barometer readings, etc. I use it often to help me make travel plans.
Posted by
68 posts
I stayed in Nice in mid-April 3 years ago. There was some rain but also sunny days. Temperatures were in the low 60s, colder in the mornings and at night. Not really weather to linger on the beach but walks along the Promenade des Anglais were still enjoyable. This corridor was far less busy than when we visited in June the next year, which I took as a good thing.
Posted by
Philadelphia
132 posts
This might help you regarding mid-March. I was in Nice for 5 days in early May 2024 and the weather was changeable. I had 3 days of rain. One day was a downpour. It was a huge downer but so be it. On the rainy days, I visited some museums and Monaco. I had 2 days of warm sunny weather when I was able to go to the beach. In fact, I hadn't planned on any beach time so I came without a bathing suit and had to buy one. But the water was ice cold even by my standards (East Coast ocean in summer can be in the 60s). I don't remember any problem with wind.
Posted by
Arctophilia, Northamptonshire, England
36038 posts
at around that time of year I've usually had a bit of rain more than balanced by plenty of sun. Certainly way better than English weather at that time of year - why we go.
One year when we were staying in Beaulieu-sur-Mer we had more than our fair share of rain, but we were happy. As always, late winter, early spring we were on top of the world.
Another year, when we stayed in Monaco, it was gloriously sunny and warm every day.
Most years, a mixture.
A quick word to the wise - a car in Nice is like an albatross around your neck. Parking techniques are creative because spaces are so few. Trains, buses, trams all work well, and the airport is practically in town. Italy and Menton are just beyond Monaco.
Many people here speak against Monaco - I actually like it very much, and love its uniqueness.
I've never had any problem with the wind while there.