Menton

French Riviera Weather in December

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in the French Riviera, France in December.

Planning a getaway to the French Riviera, France this December and curious about the weather you should prepare for? Discover all the vital details you need on this page, solving your puzzle:

What to Expect in the French Riviera in December

The French Riviera, France is a region in France. December in the French Riviera generally has temperatures that range from cold to mild, with moderate precipitation. December is a winter month.

Temperatures

Based on our climate data spanning from 1990-2020, the average maximum temperature is cold in Grasse at 12°C (54°F) to mild in Saint-Tropez at 14°C (57°F). Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 8°C (46°F) in Saint-Tropez and 4°C (39°F) in Grasse.

To learn more about the conditions in specific areas of the French Riviera, France, check out the map below.

Precipitation

In December, precipitation varies across different areas. From moderate rainfall in Saint-Tropez with an average of 80 mm (3.1 in) to moderate rainfall in Menton with 91 mm (3.6 in).

Average sunshine

Sunshine levels are moderate in most locations. Cannes typically sees 137 hours of sunlight, creating comfortable conditions that aren't too bright or too dim. Looking for something sunnier? Our weather planner helps you discover destinations with more reliable sunshine.

Explore the French Riviera by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in the French Riviera — and find the best time to visit. (based on Cannes)

Best Places to Visit in the French Riviera in December

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across the French Riviera.

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

Popular Destinations in the French Riviera

What is the weather like in December for some of the most popular destinations in the French Riviera, France?

Temperature range in the French Riviera (December)

Precipitation variation in the French Riviera (December)

Cannes

In December Cannes generally has moderate temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 13°C (55°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 8°C (46°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are unpleasant that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
16°C (61°F)
13°C (55°F)
12°C (54°F)
Min temperature
10°C (50°F)
8°C (46°F)
6°C (43°F)
Monthly sun hours
156 hours
137 hours
150 hours
Monthly rainfall
135 mm (5.3 in)
83 mm (3.3 in)
68 mm (2.7 in)
Monthly rainy days
9 days
8 days
9 days
Weather conditions

Nice

In December Nice generally has moderate temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 13°C (55°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 6°C (43°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are unpleasant that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
15°C (59°F)
13°C (55°F)
12°C (54°F)
Min temperature
9°C (48°F)
6°C (43°F)
5°C (41°F)
Monthly sun hours
156 hours
137 hours
150 hours
Monthly rainfall
137 mm (5.4 in)
86 mm (3.4 in)
70 mm (2.8 in)
Monthly rainy days
10 days
8 days
9 days
Weather conditions

Saint-Tropez

In December Saint-Tropez generally has moderate temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 14°C (57°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 8°C (46°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are tolerable that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
17°C (63°F)
14°C (57°F)
13°C (55°F)
Min temperature
11°C (52°F)
8°C (46°F)
7°C (45°F)
Monthly sun hours
205 hours
146 hours
150 hours
Monthly rainfall
121 mm (4.8 in)
80 mm (3.1 in)
65 mm (2.6 in)
Monthly rainy days
9 days
9 days
9 days
Weather conditions

Antibes

In December Antibes generally has moderate temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 13°C (55°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 8°C (46°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are unpleasant that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
16°C (61°F)
13°C (55°F)
12°C (54°F)
Min temperature
10°C (50°F)
8°C (46°F)
6°C (43°F)
Monthly sun hours
156 hours
137 hours
150 hours
Monthly rainfall
136 mm (5.4 in)
84 mm (3.3 in)
68 mm (2.7 in)
Monthly rainy days
9 days
8 days
9 days
Weather conditions

Saint-Raphaël

In December Saint-Raphaël generally has moderate temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 13°C (55°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 8°C (46°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are unpleasant that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
16°C (61°F)
13°C (55°F)
12°C (54°F)
Min temperature
10°C (50°F)
8°C (46°F)
7°C (45°F)
Monthly sun hours
140 hours
119 hours
156 hours
Monthly rainfall
129 mm (5.1 in)
83 mm (3.3 in)
68 mm (2.7 in)
Monthly rainy days
9 days
9 days
9 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in the French Riviera, in France.

In our records: France December extremes

Notable December records observed across cities in France in our climate database (1976 – 2026). Historic readings can vary in quality, so treat these as illustrative.

  • Based on our data, the coldest December night in France dropped to -25°C (-13°F) in Val Thorens on December 29, 2014.

Popular cities in December

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in the French Riviera in December.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Cannes 13°C (55°F) 8°C (46°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Nice 13°C (55°F) 6°C (43°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Saint-Tropez 14°C (57°F) 8°C (46°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Antibes 13°C (55°F) 8°C (46°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Saint-Raphaël 13°C (55°F) 8°C (46°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Menton 12°C (54°F) 7°C (45°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)

The French Riviera weather in December: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in the French Riviera, France in December?

Expect unpleasant weather across the French Riviera, France in December. The popular destination of Cannes averages 13°C (55°F) by day and 8°C (46°F) at night during this winter month.

What is the average temperature in the French Riviera, France in December?

Average temperatures in the French Riviera, France during December range from a nighttime low near 8°C (46°F) to a daytime high around 13°C (55°F) in Cannes.

Does the French Riviera, France get a lot of rain in December?

December is on the drier side in the French Riviera, France. Cannes averages only about 83 mm (3.3 in), with most days staying dry.

Is December a Good Time to Visit the French Riviera, France?

In our opinion, December may not be the ideal time to visit the French Riviera, France due to the typically unpleasant weather in Cannes.

Generally speaking, May, June, July, August and September provide perfect weather in Cannes. In contrast, January, February, November and December tend to have unpleasant weather conditions.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in the French Riviera.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to France? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in France.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.