Still Dreaming of Summer? Where to Soak Up the Sun in the South of France in October

The Fall is my favorite season. I love those stunning autumnal colors and the crispness of leaves underfoot. However, the thought of the oncoming winter doesn’t thrill me. I need sunshine and plenty of it, and I’m always looking for a quick getaway in the sun before we head into the colder months.

But where can you go where you’re more or less guaranteed to find some sun? As usual, the South of France has the answer.  October is the perfect time to visit this region. The summer tourists have gone home, and you can explore without the crowds.

Plus, it’s harvest season with plenty of fabulous festivals to keep you entertained, allowing you to experience French life at its best. The question is, where should you go for the best weather in the South of France in October?

The Weather in the South of France in October

The region typically enjoys mild weather, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F), depending on where you go. Along the Mediterranean coast, places like Nice, Cannes, and Marseille often bask in sunshine, with highs still comfortably above 20°C. 

Rain showers are more common in October than in the summer months, but they’re usually brief, leaving plenty of time to enjoy outdoor activities. Although the oppressive heat of summer has faded, it’s still warm enough not to need sweaters. 

The sea is often pleasant for a swim, as the water retains some summer heat. Plus, it’s the perfect time to explore vineyards and coastal towns or enjoy a café terrace without battling peak-season throngs.

Five Places to Go in the South of France in October

There are so many places to choose from when thinking of visiting the South of France, so narrowing it down to just five isn’t easy. However, I’ve been to all five of these places in October, so I can vouch for the sun, or at least it was in plentiful supply when I went. Don’t hold me to it, though, as we all know how variable the weather can be.

Narbonne, Languedoc Roussillon

Narbonne in October

• Average Temperature: 15°C to 21°C (59°F to 70°F)
• Daily Sunshine: About 7 hours of sunshine per day
• Monthly Rainfall: Approximately 80mm over 9-10 days

Narbonne is often bypassed in favor of some of the more famous cities in the region, which is such a shame, as it’s a lovely city to spend time in. There is some lovely architecture, and the Canal de la Robine, a branch of the famous Canal du Midi, runs through the city. 

A climb to the top of Donjon Gilles Aycelin, the main tower in the city center, is worth doing as you get amazing views of the city. And the Narbonne market, Les Halles de Narbonne, won the award for France’s most beautiful covered market in 2022.

For history buffs like me, there is a lot to take in. Narbonne served as a major maritime hub during the Middle Ages, when it became one of the most important trading ports in the Mediterranean. It wasn’t until the 14th century that the River Aude silted up, cutting off Narbonne from the sea and forever changing its fortunes.

What To Do in October

• Grape Harvest Tours: October is harvest season, and several vineyards around Narbonne offer tours that let you see the harvest in action. You can sample freshly pressed grape juice or the early stages of the year’s wines.
• Le Fascinant Weekend: a wine and tourism festival held every October in various wine regions across France, including Narbonne. Expect to sample wines from the Corbières and Minervois regions, known for their bold reds and unique terroir.
• Roman Heritage Walks: With cooler weather, walking the Via Domitia, the ancient Roman road that runs through the town, becomes a pleasant experience. Few people realize that this road connected Rome to Spain and is still visible in the town center.

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Carcassonne, Languedoc Roussillon

Carcassonne in October

• Average Temperature: 13°C to 19°C (55°F to 66°F)
• Daily Sunshine: Around 6 hours of sunshine per day
• Monthly Rainfall: Approximately 75mm over 9-11 days

It’s no great secret that I love the city of Carcassonne. I fell in love with it through reading the Kate Mosse Languedoc trilogy. I was drawn into life in the 13th century through the tumultuous period of the Albigensian Crusade, when Simon de Montfort led his army against the Cathars.

It’s best known for its medieval citadel, La Cité de Carcassonne, but what many don’t realize is that it nearly didn’t survive. In the 19th century, the French government considered demolishing La Cité to build more modern structures. It wasn’t until architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc led a large-scale restoration effort that the city was saved. 

The best time to experience the city is at night when the soft hum of distant voices echoes through the ancient walls. The Basilica of Saint Nazaire has a spooky glow that mesmerizes you. Walking the citadel under the stars made me feel like I had the place to myself—something nearly impossible in the summer months.

What To Do in October

• Fête de la Châtaigne (Chestnut Festival): A short drive from Carcassonne, in the Montagne Noire region, you’ll find the annual chestnut festival. October is the season for chestnuts in this part of France, and the festival celebrates the harvest with local vendors selling roasted chestnuts, chestnut-flavored delicacies, and artisanal products. It’s a perfect day trip from Carcassonne.
• Medieval Falconry Show: These shows feature trained birds of prey, such as hawks, falcons, and eagles, as they soar above the castle walls and demonstrate traditional hunting techniques used in medieval times. 
• Carcassonne Halloween Market: In October, Carcassonne’s streets become a festive Halloween market filled with seasonal treats, decorations, and crafts. 

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Grasse, Côte d’Azur

Grasse in October

• Average Temperature: 13°C to 21°C (55°F to 70°F)
• Daily Sunshine: About 7 hours of sunshine per day
• Monthly Rainfall: Around 100mm over 10-12 days

Grasse is the perfume capital of the world. The first time I visited was in October, and it was perfect. The weather was fabulous, and I wasn’t fighting off the tourists. I was staying in an old chateau with a beautiful pool, so we sat around the pool in the late afternoon with a glass of wine; it was just fabulous.

Although perfume is a big trade now in Grasse, the city’s prominence in scent-making started with the tanning industry. In the Middle Ages, Grasse was a major center for leather tanning. The tanning process’s smell was so foul that local artisans began perfuming their leather gloves to mask the odor. 

What To Do in October

• Visit the Jasmine fields at Domaine de Manon: While Grasse is synonymous with roses, Domaine de Manon, one of the exclusive suppliers for Chanel, also grows jasmine. Walking through the jasmine fields will give you a glimpse into the world of perfume making. You also learn how they process the flowers into the essential oils that make Grasse famous.
• Perfume Workshops: October sees fewer tourists, and perfume workshops at Fragonard or Molinard are less crowded. You can try creating your own scent, mixing various oils and essences under the guidance of a master perfumer. It’s the perfect time to take home a fragrance that will remind you of your visit every time you wear it.
• Fête de la Citrouille (Pumpkin Festival): The annual pumpkin festival celebrates the autumn harvest in nearby towns just a short drive from Grasse. You’ll find pumpkin-themed dishes, pumpkin carving contests, and a local market selling autumn produce. It’s a quirky but fun way to spend an October day in the region.

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Nice, Côte d’Azur

Nice in October

• Average Temperature: 14°C to 21°C (57°F to 70°F)
• Daily Sunshine: About 7 hours of sunshine per day
• Monthly Rainfall: Around 140mm over 8-10 days

Who doesn’t want to go to Nice? In October, I visited Castle Hill, the ancient fortress site that once overlooked the city. Climbing the steps and looking over the Baie des Anges was amazing, as the light in October is softer, making the Mediterranean look even more inviting. 

As we all know, Nice is part of the French Riviera and its glamorous beaches, but not many people know that it was part of Italy until 1860. It was only ceded to France after a referendum. This Italian influence is still visible in the city’s architecture and cuisine, especially in Vieux Nice, where you’ll notice a blend of French and Italian styles.

What To Do in October

• La Semaine du Goût (Taste Week): In October, Nice participates in La Semaine du Goût, a national celebration of gastronomy. Restaurants, markets, and food artisans throughout the city offer special tastings, cooking workshops, and local food-themed events. It’s a fantastic time to explore Niçoise cuisine, especially regional specialties like socca, pissaladière, and ratatouille. You’ll also find pop-up food stalls in Place Masséna and along the Promenade du Paillon, where local chefs showcase the best of the season.
• Fête de la Sainte Réparate: Held annually in early October, the Fête de la Sainte Réparate honors Sainte Réparate, the patron saint of Nice. According to legend, Sainte Réparate was a young Christian martyr from Palestine, and her relics were brought to Nice in the 11th century. She is believed to have protected the city through various hardships, including invasions and plagues. During the festival, the Nice Cathedral in Place Rossetti, dedicated to the saint, becomes the focal point of the celebrations. Events include a solemn mass, a procession through the streets of Vieux Nice, and various religious and cultural activities. 
• The Festival de Guitare: This festival celebrates the art of guitar playing, showcasing a range of styles from classical to flamenco, jazz, and rock. It attracts top international and local guitarists and offers a series of concerts across different musical genres. The concerts are usually held in intimate venues throughout the city, such as the Théâtre Francis Gag in Vieux Nice. Performances range from solo guitarists to ensemble pieces, plus workshops and masterclasses, providing aspiring guitarists and music lovers a chance to learn from the professionals.

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Menton, Côte d’Azur

Menton in October

• Average Temperature: 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F)
• Daily Sunshine: Around 7 hours of sunshine per day
• Monthly Rainfall: Approximately 110mm over 9-11 days

Menton is called the “Pearl of France,” and with good reason. It enjoys a microclimate that makes it one of the warmest places in the region during October. It sits between the mountains and the Mediterranean, offering a peaceful escape with mild weather, stunning sea views, and gorgeous streets lined with pastel-colored buildings. 

It’s famous for its citrus fruit, and in February, it holds an annual lemon festival with amazing displays of oranges and lemons. But that’s not its only claim to fame. It was once part of Monaco but declared itself independent in 1848 due to a tax dispute with Monaco. It eventually became part of France in 1861 after Napoleon III brokered a deal. 

If there is any place in France to try a tarte au citron, it’s in Menton. It is melt-in-your-mouth good.

What To Do in October

Fête de la Brebis Brigasque: Held in October in La Brigue near Menton, Fête de la Brebis Brigasque celebrates the local Brigasque sheep and the region’s pastoral traditions. The festival features sheep herding demonstrations, tastings of artisanal cheeses made from Brigasque sheep’s milk, a craft and food market, traditional music, and dancing. 

Citrus Tasting and Tours: October is an excellent time to visit Menton’s citrus groves and sample local products like Limoncello, marmalades, and lemon-flavored pastries. Many local producers offer tours of their lemon orchards, where you can see how the fruit is grown and processed.

Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden: Open until the end of October, Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden has a unique blend of Mediterranean and tropical plants thriving in the mild autumn climate. You’ll find exotic flora, including rare species like the Sophora toromiro and various citrus trees. 

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October in the South of France Weather FAQs

Is October a good time to visit South France?
Yes, October is a good time to visit South France. The weather is mild, crowds are smaller compared to summer, and it’s an ideal time to enjoy outdoor activities or explore historical sites without the peak season rush.

Is the French Riviera hot in October?
The French Riviera is warm but not hot in October. Daytime temperatures average between 18°C and 22°C (64°F and 72°F), making it pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Is Nice, France, warm in October?
Yes, Nice is warm in October, with average daytime temperatures around 20°C (68°F). While it’s cooler than the summer months, it is still comfortable for exploring the city or the nearby coastline.