Nice, in the Alpes-Maritimes department of France, recorded 2,802 hours of sunshine in 2025, placing it among the top five sunniest prefectures in the country. The high level of sunshine is attributed to the Mediterranean climate and the city’s geographical protection by the Alps to the northwest, isolating it from the humid westerly currents that affect much of the rest of France.
The Alpes-Maritimes experienced a generally warm year, with an average temperature of 17.1°C in 2025, an increase from 15.5°C in 1998. The department received 622 millimeters of rainfall throughout the year, below the national average of 772 millimeters. This positions the Alpes-Maritimes as the 74th wettest department in France.
December 2025 saw a pattern of infrequent rainfall, except in the Southeast and Corsica, where active southerly flows generated substantial precipitation, leading to flooding. Prior to this, November experienced unusually mild autumnal weather, followed by a cold snap and snowfall across the mountainous regions, and even at lower elevations in some areas.
The climate of the Alpes-Maritimes is notably varied despite its relatively small size. A Mediterranean climate prevails in the south, whereas a mountainous climate dominates the north. Around Cannes, a particularly warm microclimate exists, created by the warming effect of the hills descending air. The coastal strip enjoys mild winters and warm, but not excessively hot, summers, although periods of intense heat do occur. The autumn and spring months are characterized by rainfall, particularly in April and September, often accompanied by frequent thunderstorms. Summers are typically dry.
East of the department, near Menton, the altitude increases rapidly inland, and the sea significantly moderates the atmosphere. Average summer maximum temperatures are around 25°C, and winters are milder than in the western interior. Frosts are rare in this region. Conversely, inland areas west of the coast, such as around Grasse, experience a slightly less temperate but still sunny climate. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 30°C, compared to an average of 27°C along the Nice coastline. However, light frosts are possible in winter, unlike in Nice where they are uncommon.
Météo-France’s annual climate review for 2025 indicates that France experienced its fourth warmest year since records began in 1900, with an average temperature of 14.0°C. The year saw more days with above-normal temperatures than below-normal temperatures, signaling a rapid shift in the climate. Records for high temperatures were ten times more frequent than those for low temperatures.