French Riviera: When To Go

Peak Season: mid-May-mid-September If swimming is high on your agenda, you’ll want to plan your trip between June and September. Just be aware that the summer high season is nearly always hot (average temperature is 80 degrees), humid, crowded, and expensive.

Off Season: November-mid-March While low-season winters are mild (averaging 50°F), you’ll still need a light jacket and swimming isn’t an option (on rare instances, the region has even seen sprinklings of snow). Nice’s famous Carnival celebrations draws crowds in February.

Sweet Spot: mid-March-mid-May; mid-September-October Plan your trip for spring or early fall to get the best bang for your buck. Although temperatures in the low 60s are too cold for a dip, they’re just right for sunbathing and sightseeing. Hotel rates are comfortably lower, as well.