The French Riviera is known for sunny skies and balmy weather, but it’s still best to arrive prepared. Weather in the region can vary from month to month.
Cannes’ weather adheres to a Mediterranean climate, meaning summers are hot and sunny. and winters are generally mild.
This guide is meant to help you plan to make sure you get the best out of your Cannes getaway.
Cannes Weather in January
January is often the coldest month of the year in Cannes. Temperatures hover at around 50 to 55 degrees during the day and can drop down to 40-45 degrees. Rainfall in January is moderate, meaning you shouldn’t count on an entirely sunny stay.
While this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit Cannes in January, you should pack warmer clothes and plan some indoor activities.
Bad weather may also mean that some ferry services in the area may experience closures or delays. However, many hotels, restaurants, and businesses in town are open year-round, so don’t worry about missing out.
January might be a great time to visit if you’re dreading the crowds that summer usually brings to the area.
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Cannes Weather in February
Cannes weather in February is generally similar to January. Temperature highs reach about 55 degrees, and there is moderate rainfall.
This is a great time to take advantage of some cool-weather activities. Hiking trails like those located in La Croix des Gardes may not be pleasant in scorching temperatures.
Planning a trip around the French Riviera’s natural attractions is better suited for cooler temperatures. The area’s windblown beaches can still be charming in the winter, especially if you enjoy long walks and stunning landscapes.
Cannes Weather in March
In March, Cannes weather begins to warm up. Highs reach the low 60’s, while lows remain in the low 40’s. As springtime approaches, Cannes remains pretty dry, measuring low rainfall.
If you’re visiting in March, you should still pack a warm wardrobe with some lighter items sprinkled in.
Walks along Cannes’ Boulevard de la Croisette and the adjacent beach are bound to be pleasant this time of year. As evenings cool down, grabbing a bite to eat at a local café can make for a cozy night out.
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Cannes Weather in April
As April rolls around, Spring begins to take hold in Cannes. High temperatures bounce around the 60’s, while lows rarely dip below 48 degrees Fahrenheit.
This is a perfect time to take advantage of hiking trails in the region. Calanques National Park, located south of Marseilles is gorgeous this time of year.
The park is often closed throughout the summer because of fire risk, so take advantage of the cool weather and explore. The national park is a two-hour drive from Cannes and is an ideal day trip destination.
April in Cannes is still not the peak tourist season, so you’ll be able to experience a less hectic side of the town.
Cannes Weather in May
May in Cannes is synonymous with the famed Cannes Film Festival, which happens yearly. The weather at this time is comfortably warm but not yet hot. Temperatures reach highs in the 70’s, with lows in the mid-50s. Some rain is to be expected, but you’ll likely experience plenty of sun as well.
As you can imagine, the town makes various preparations for the festival. This means you may experience street and venue closures, traffic congestion, and more.
However, if you’re a fan of the festival and want to be in the midst of the action, some screenings are open to the public. If you’d rather have Сannes to yourself, consider visiting in early spring or late fall.
Did you know? Cannes belongs to the amazing Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region
Cannes Weather in June
Cannes weather in June is quite warm, with temperatures staying around the high 70s. June is somewhat humid, and there is a chance of rainfall throughout the month. The sea around Cannes reaches about 70-71 degrees Fahrenheit in June.
This is still quite cool for most swimmers, so you may want to stick to sunbathing. June is an ideal time of year to stroll around town, take day trips and visit the islands off the coast of Cannes.
Cannes Weather in July
Temperatures in July exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit in Cannes, with lows around 65 degrees. July is not usually a wet month, so expect dry weather, plenty of sun, and hot days.
July is better for swimming and beach days, so you’ll be enjoying the town with plenty of other tourists. Since Cannes tends to get extremely crowded at this time, you may want to consider booking a private yacht getaway during your trip.
Booking a yacht charter in Monaco, Cannes, or Nice is a unique way to enjoy the sun privately. Yacht tours can take you along the French Riviera coastline with stops along the way.
July is an ideal month for a yacht experience, as is as any other time between June and September.
Must-read: Best Mediterranean stop-off points
Cannes Weather in August
August in Cannes gets very warm, with highs in the 80’s. This is the perfect season for classic beach activities like sunbathing, swimming, windsurfing, and more. Expect plenty of tourists out to enjoy the sunshine.
At night, temperatures can drop to 69-70 degrees Fahrenheit, so a light sweater or jacket could be handy. Other than that, you’ll need your lightest summer wardrobe, swimming gear included.
Cannes Weather in September
Cannes weather starts to cool down in September, but summer isn’t over just yet. The average temperature is around 77 degrees Fahrenheit, which is still very warm. Visiting in September might be a good way to avoid Cannes’ hottest days while still enjoying the weather.
The water temperature in Cannes dips to about 71 degrees around this time. This might be too cold for some swimmers, so plan to enjoy the sandy beach in other ways.
Ferry destinations are a great idea this time of year, as you get to enjoy coastal waters without actually taking a dip. Consider a short day trip to the Lérins Islands. These two islands are a short ferry ride away from Cannes and are a real treat for both nature and history lovers.
Keep reading: Languedoc-Rousillon guide
Cannes Weather in October
October is a great month to visit Cannes if hiking is at the top of your list. October temperatures rarely exceed 66 degrees Fahrenheit, and dip down to 55 degrees. Rainfall becomes more frequent as fall comes along. Cannes sees about 8 days of rainfall in October, on average.
If you don’t mind a few clouds, this is still a great time to visit the region and avoid the crowds. Be sure to plan a few indoor activities in case of rain.
Indoor options include visiting the Musée Des Explorations Du Monde or ducking into the shops along Rue d’Antibes.
Cannes Weather in November
In November, the high in Cannes reaches about 62 degrees Fahrenheit, with lows of 45-50 degrees. October and November usually see the most rain in Cannes, so pack an umbrella!
While some ferries may experience closures during this season, most restaurants, tourist destinations, and shops should be open.
Day trips to locations like neighboring Antibes, Nice, and even Monaco offer a change of pace on a rainy day.
Monaco is an especially intriguing option, as it allows you to experience an entirely new country in a matter of hours. Rainy day activities in Monaco include the Oceanographic Museum, the Prince’s Palace, and H.S.H. Prince Rainier’s Private Collection of Antique Cars.
Also read: Camping in Southern France
Cannes Weather in December
In December, temperatures in Cannes reach a high of 59-60 degrees and drop down to about 43 degrees. This makes December one of the coldest months in the region. You’ll want to pack a few layers to add to your fall wardrobe.
While this is not the best time to enjoy a beach getaway, the Christmas season in Cannes can be just as rewarding.
A yearly ice show, city lighting ceremony, giant Christmas Tree, and more transform this seaside town into a holiday wonderland. Cannes also hosts a Christmas Village and market where you can sip hot drinks and stock up on local gifts. You can even go ice skating at the town’s temporary ice rink, which is open through December.
The same goes for Nice- with Christmas on the horizon, the whole city gets into the spirit. An hour-long train ride from Cannes can quickly transport you to Nice’s iconic Promenade des Anglais.
Lit up for the holidays, the Promenade is a sight to behold. Nice also has a Christmas Village and market. There is also a Christmas parade, a series of concerts, and a Christmas mass at the stoic Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate de Nice.
The best part is that you’ll still get to enjoy mild weather without the snowfall and freezes of conventional winter. December is a great time to experience a different side of Cannes and Nice. And here are a few great Nice day trip ideas to help you make the most out of your time there.
Cannes is a versatile destination any time of year. Cannes weather varies, but is generally predictable throughout the year, making it easier to plan the perfect trip.
Balmy winters and cool spring and autumn seasons invite you to explore without summer crowds.
If summer is your preferred time to visit, cloudless skies and warm temperatures guarantee the French Riviera getaway you’ve been dreaming of.
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