Climate Considerations
The Riviera's Mediterranean climate varies significantly by location and season:
Coastal Climate
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Summer (June-September): Hot and dry, 25-30°C (77-86°F), minimal rain
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Autumn (October-November): Warm days, occasional storms, 15-22°C (59-72°F)
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Winter (December-February): Mild and sunny, 8-15°C (46-59°F), most rainfall
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Spring (March-May): Pleasant and increasingly dry, 15-22°C (59-72°F)
Mountain Climate
- Temperatures drop 6°C per 1000m elevation
- Snow possible above 1000m December-March
- Year-round hiking below 800m
- Always pack layers for elevation changes
Microclimates
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Menton: Warmest year-round, subtropical vegetation
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Nice: Mild winters, hot summers moderated by sea breezes
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Interior valleys: More extreme temperatures, cooler nights
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Hilltop villages: 5-10°C cooler than coast, refreshing in summer