Cannes or Nice in August?
On climate data, Nice comes out ahead overall in August. See the per-criterion details below.
CannesPhoto: Mister No · CC BY 3.0
NicePhoto: Spike · CC BY-SA 4.0Key figures in August
| Criterion | Cannes | Nice |
|---|---|---|
| Average daily high | 29 °C | 26 °C |
| Average daily low | 21 °C | 23 °C |
| Sea | 25 °C | 25 °C |
| Rainy days | 5 rainy days (est.) ★ | 6 rainy days (est.) |
| Sun | 8 h/day | 8 h/day |
| Humidity | 59 % | 73 % |
Winner by travel type
Trade-offs
- Cannes is about 3 °C warmer by day.
Cannes or Nice in August: the short answer
In August, Nice comes out ahead on the overall climate score (Cannes 88/100 vs Nice 93/100). That is a snapshot of one month, though — which one truly fits depends on what you want from the trip, so the breakdown below goes criterion by criterion.
This comparison focuses on August as a representative month for the pair; for any other month, use each destination's month-by-month pages. Across the whole year Cannes averages a climate score of 66/100, Nice 65/100. Both profiles below are historical monthly averages, not a forecast.
Weather in August, side by side
The average daily high is about 29 °C in Cannes and 26 °C in Nice — warmer in Cannes. Average daily lows are around 21 °C versus 23 °C.
On rain, Cannes sees about 5 rainy days in August and Nice about 6 — drier in Cannes. Sunshine is comparable (8 vs 8 hours a day).
Sea temperature and swimming
In August the water is about 25 °C at Cannes and 25 °C at Nice. Over the year, Cannes is comfortable for swimming (from ~21 °C) in June, July, August and September, Nice in June, July, August and September. Peak sea warmth is August for Cannes and August for Nice.
Rain and sun across the year
Over a full year Cannes records roughly 82 rainy days and Nice about 87 — the drier of the two overall is Cannes. At their sunniest, Cannes reaches about 9 hours of sun a day (July) and Nice about 9 (July). If dependable dry, sunny weather is your top priority, weigh these annual totals alongside the single month above.
Best time to visit each
Climatically, Cannes is at its best in June, July, August and September, while Nice peaks in June, July, August and September. If your dates are fixed, pick the destination whose strong season overlaps them; if you are flexible, plan around these windows.
Which suits which kind of trip
Based on the August scores for each travel style:
Beach & swimming: both are close (Cannes 97 vs Nice 97).
City breaks: Nice scores higher in August (Cannes 82 vs Nice 93).
Active & hiking: Nice scores higher in August (Cannes 72 vs Nice 80).
Family: Nice scores higher in August (Cannes 94 vs Nice 97).
Verdict: which should you pick?
In August, Nice leads overall and for city breaks, active trips and family trips, while the beach score is effectively tied. Over the year, Cannes carries the higher overall climate score. Your own priority still matters, and the month-by-month pages give you the full picture before you book.