France, Europe
The French Riviera in September
Arguably the best month: summer water, thinner crowds, and yacht season events.
The straight answer
September is one of the best months of the year to visit the French Riviera. Arguably the best month: summer water, thinner crowds, and yacht season events.
- Weather
- Warm, highs near 78F (26C), sea still warm
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 4 of 5
What September is like in the French Riviera
September is arguably the best month on the Riviera. Highs sit near 78F (26C), the sea is still summer-warm, and the crowds thin out as French schools go back. Beach clubs and restaurants are still open. Prices stay fairly high, especially in Monaco during the Monaco Yacht Show in late September.
September suits couples, beach lovers, food lovers and families with young kids not yet in school. It gives you summer water without summer crowds. Avoid Monaco during the yacht show unless you are going for it. Budget travelers can find better deals in October.
Make the most of September
What is especially good about the French Riviera this month.
Summer water, fewer people
The sea is still warm enough for long swims, and beaches have room again.
Monaco Yacht Show
In late September, superyachts fill Port Hercule. It is fun to see, but Monaco hotels fill up.
Relaxed hill villages
Eze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence are pleasant again, with warm days and thinner tour groups.
What to pack for September
- Swimwear and water shoes
- Sunscreen and a hat
- A light layer for evenings
- Comfortable shoes for village streets
Our timing tip
Come in the first half of September for the warmest sea, and book dinners in Monaco early if your trip overlaps the yacht show.
Book The French Riviera for September.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for September
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in The French RivieraOpens a hotel search for The French Riviera in September, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in The French RivieraWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in The French RivieraTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in The French Riviera for September. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in September
Monaco Yacht Show
Late September
The world's superyacht show fills Port Hercule and the hotels of Monaco.
Things to do in the French Riviera
Old Nice and the Promenade des Anglais
The Cours Saleya market in the morning, then a walk along the seafront. Castle Hill has the classic view over the bay.
Musee Matisse, Nice
In a hilltop villa in Cimiez, with the artist's grave nearby. Much calmer than the seafront on busy days.
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
A pink Belle Epoque villa with themed gardens and musical fountains on Cap Ferrat.
Eze village
A medieval hill village with an exotic garden at the top. Go early or late to avoid tour groups.
Oceanographic Museum, Monaco
A grand museum and aquarium built into the cliff above the sea.
Fondation Maeght
Modern art in a garden setting near Saint-Paul-de-Vence, with works by Miro, Giacometti, and Chagall.
Beat the crowds
- Base yourself in Nice and use the train. It is cheaper than Cannes or Monaco and avoids the summer traffic and parking problem on the coast.
- Check the calendar before booking May: the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix can double hotel rates in those towns.
- Go to the hill villages (Eze, Saint-Paul-de-Vence) before 10am or after 5pm, when tour coaches are gone.
- Swim at smaller coves and public beaches around Villefranche, Cap d'Antibes, and Cap Ferrat rather than the central Nice and Cannes beaches in peak weeks.
Know before you go
- Most private beach clubs operate from about April or May to late September or October, and close for the winter.
- Saint-Tropez is highly seasonal: many shops, hotels, and restaurants close from about November to March.
- Nice, Monaco, Cannes, and Antibes stay fully open all year, with museums and markets running through winter.
- Many Nice city museums close one day a week, often Tuesday. Check before planning a museum day.
The French Riviera in September, quick answers
Is September a good time to visit the French Riviera?
September is one of the best months of the year to visit the French Riviera. Arguably the best month: summer water, thinner crowds, and yacht season events.
What is the weather like in the French Riviera in September?
Warm, highs near 78F (26C), sea still warm.
Is the French Riviera crowded in September?
Crowds in the French Riviera are moderate in September; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
What is happening in the French Riviera in September?
Monaco Yacht Show (late september).
Keep planning The French Riviera.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in September
Before you book.
Sort these two things first.
Sponsored links. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Visit Faye
Travel insurance.
FayeA missed connection, a bag that never turns up, a hospital abroad: far cheaper to cover before departure than to argue about after.
- Visit Saily
eSIM data.
SailySet up an eSIM before you fly so your phone has data the moment you land, without roaming charges.
Our top-rated travel gear
Whatever you decide, this is the gear we actually travel with: verified, priced, and ranked. Live price check on each.
As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.