Nice takes first place in the 2026 ranking of France’s sunniest cities. The Luko by Allianz Direct study, based on sunshine hours, rainfall, and temperatures, places the Azure Coast capital ahead of Toulon and Marseille. This ranking confirms the South’s position in the climate competition among the fifty largest metropolitan areas in the country.
Nice records 2,821 hours of sunshine per year, annual rainfall of 606 mm, and an average temperature of 15.8°C in 2025. These figures lead to an overall score of 9.49/10 in 2026, placing the Azure Coast capital at the top of this ranking. The city benefits from a regular climate, marked by mild winters, bright summers, and limited rainfall for a Mediterranean metropolis. This balance attracts residents seeking climate stability, as well as remote workers and expatriates who identify Nice as a territory where weather, infrastructure, and coastline form a coherent whole.
A dynamic observed over the past two years
In 2024, national data showed a general decline in sunshine hours, but the Southeast remained at the top. Nice was not in the top positions published, but measurements indicated a very sunny area with a deficit limited compared to normal averages.
In 2025, Nice occupied the 4th place in the national ranking relayed by Météo-France with 2,724 hours of sunshine. This position confirmed climate stability and a high volume of sunshine, already higher than many French metropolitan areas.
The 2026 edition therefore marks an important milestone. Nice moves from fourth place nationally in 2025 to first place in 2026. This progression illustrates a lasting trend where the Côte d’Azur consolidates its role in the country’s brightest territories.
The regional dynamic reinforces this interpretation. Toulon follows with 3,401 hours of sunshine and a score of 9.45/10. Marseille ranks just behind with 9.40/10 and 2,865 hours of sunshine. Aix-en-Provence achieves 9.38/10. Occitanie also occupies a notable place thanks to Montpellier, Nîmes, and Perpignan, ranked between fifth and seventh place.
The end of the ranking includes cities in the Northwest. Rouen scores 2.90/10 with 1,890 hours of sunshine. Brest follows with 3.07/10, penalized by 1,254 mm of rain and 1,734 hours of sunshine. Caen ranks just above with 3.84/10.
Experts from Luko by Allianz Direct place this ranking in a broader context.
“Climate plays an increasingly important role in the choice of travel destinations, particularly for French people seeking sunshine, outdoor activities, and pleasant stays for a large part of the year,” explain the experts. “But this study also shows that a very sunny climate can sometimes be accompanied by episodes of intense heat, even extreme heat waves, particularly in cities like Nîmes, Perpignan, or Marseille,” they add.
“With extreme weather events multiplying in Europe, trip planning becomes almost as important as the destination itself, whether for organizing vacations or considering a future place to live.”
The complete study compiles the most recent data from several sources. This ranking provides a precise reading of climate trends and makes it possible to identify territories where sunshine influences quality of life, tourism practices, and residential choices.
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