Monaco can be discovered all year round, thanks to its exceptional climate, prestigious events and enchanting setting. Whether you’re dreaming of strolling through gardens in bloom, vibrating to the rhythm of the Formula 1 Grand Prix, or enjoying a peaceful, festive atmosphere in winter, the Principality offers a unique experience in every season. Tour Azur guides you in your exploration of Monaco.
The best seasons to visit Monaco
Every season has something unique to offer.
Spring in Monaco: mild weather and blooming gardens
Spring is one of the most pleasant seasons to discover Monaco, which enjoys mild temperatures of between 13°C and 22°C.
Don’t miss out on a visit to the many gardens, which alone cover almost 20% of the Principality. Most are free of charge:
- The Japanese Garden and its typical features: waterfalls, bridges, teahouses and lanterns.
- The Jardins Saint-Martin and Sainte-Barbe nestling on the cliffs of Monaco-Ville, combine breathtaking sea views with flower-lined paths.
- The Princess Grace Rose Garden features over 300 varieties of roses.
- The Fontvieille Landscape Park is a family-friendly space where flora and fauna coexist in a peaceful atmosphere.
The Exotic Garden is not free. With its succulent plants from Africa and America and spectacular views over the Mediterranean, it’s a must-see. Currently closed for renovation, it is due to reopen in 2025.
🌹Our advice: If you love flowers, we recommend a visit to the Fragonard perfumery in Grasse just 1 hour’s drive away.
Spring in Monaco isn’t just about its gardens. The Principality also vibrates to the rhythm of prestigious events, such as the Printemps des Arts de Monte-Carlo, the Bal de la Rose the Monaco Historic Grand Prix and the F1 Grand Prix.
Summer: beaches and luxury
Monaco offers summer temperatures between 24°C and 30°C. Summer is the perfect season to enjoy the Principality outdoors.
The beaches in and around Monaco are a paradise for sea lovers. Don’t miss the Larvotto beach, a must for families and sports enthusiasts alike, the beach offers shaded areas, restaurants and water sports facilities. The beach Monte-Carlo Beach is a jewel box of luxury. A chic atmosphere, top-of-the-range service and absolute peace and quiet for those seeking tranquillity.
🌊Our advice: Just a few minutes from Monaco, more discreet coves such as Cap-d’Ail and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin offer an unspoilt natural setting.
When the sun goes down, Monaco lights up to offer a vibrant nightlife in exceptional venues such as the Casino de Monte-Carlo, the iconic club Jimmy’z Monte-Carlo or the Buddha-Bar Monte-Carlo. That’s why Tour Azur offers an excursion Monaco by Night.
Monaco celebrates summer with top-flight musical events, such as the Monte-Carlo Summer Festival In July and August, the world’s greatest artists perform in iconic venues such as the Salle des Étoiles and the Opéra Garnier. Likewise, The Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra enchants the Cour d’Honneur of the Princely Palace with concerts under the stars.
Autumn: quieter streets and pleasant temperatures
Monaco remains bathed in sunshine, with temperatures between 15°C and 25°C. In September, summer sometimes continues with hot days, while October and November are pleasantly cool. Rainfall is rare.
After the hustle and bustle of summer, Monaco catches its breath. The streets are emptied of their streams of tourists, leaving a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere.
But as you can imagine, there’s more to come! It’s the start of the musical season at Monte-Carlo Opera.
In addition, the Monaco Yacht Show and the Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival take place, as detailed below.
Winter: festive events and a peaceful atmosphere
Winter in Monaco means temperatures between 8°C and 14°C. Far from the rigors of winter in Europe, the Principality enjoys sunny days.
It’s an ideal time to visit museums museums and monuments Monaco’s museums and monuments, such as the Oceanographic Museum or the New National Museum of Monaco (NMNM). Although the Palais Princier is closed, the changing of the guard remains a not-to-be-missed attraction.
January is also a month of major events, with the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival. At the Monte Carlo RallyIn the evening, vintage and modern cars are paraded from the legendary Place du Casino. Finally, it’s the start of the opera.
Key events and festivals in Monaco by season
These events are extremely popular. To attend, don’t leave no room for improvisation :
- Book your tickets and accommodation as early as possible.
- Dress elegantly for the event.
The Monaco Grand Prix: a thrilling spring tradition
The Monaco Grand Prix is much more than just a race: it’s a celebration of motor sport luxury and elegance, held every year in May.
In 2025, it will take place from May 23 to 25, with free practice on Thursday, qualifying on Saturday, and the eagerly-awaited race on Sunday.
Monaco’s urban circuit is one of the most emblematic and technical technical of the season. With a length of 3.3 km and 78 laps, it puts drivers’ talents to the test, with its tight corners, narrow streets and lack of clear zones.
🏎️ Our advice Access by car is limited at weekends, so take the train instead. You’ll need to budget for a ticket, ranging from around €40 to over €1,700.
The Monaco Yacht Show: summer elegance at its best
This event brings together the elite of the nautical world shipbuilders, brokers, designers and companies specializing in luxury technologies and services, with over 560 exhibiting companies and around 100 yachts.
The next edition will take place from September 24 to 27, 2025.
In recent years, the Monaco Yacht Show has integrated eco-responsible initiatives notably with its Sustainability Hub dedicated to sustainable yachting innovations.
💡Good to know: Access to Port Hercule is strictly regulated to ensure the safety of the event.
Access to the Monaco Yacht Show in 2024 will cost between €700 and €1,900, depending on the ticket.
The Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival: a winter cultural delight
Created in 2006, this festival celebrates the essence of jazz while exploring its modern influences. For around two weeks between November and December, it brings together some of the world’s most talented artists, including Chick Corea, Marcus Miller, Gregory Porter, Melody Gardot, Ibrahim Maalouf, Macy Gray…
The festival takes place at the Opéra Garnierlocated in the heart of the Casino de Monte-Carlo, with a capacity of 500 spectators. But it’s not limited to concerts meetings with artists, conferences lectures on the history of jazz and exhibitions enrich the experience.
This year, it takes place between November 20 and December 1, 2024. Ticket prices vary according to artist, seating category and concert date. For the 2024 edition, prices range from around 15 to 100 euros.
What factors should you take into account when planning your visit?
Year-round climate and weather in Monaco
Enjoy an exceptional exceptional climate in Monaco, with mild winters and pleasantly temperate summers.
With an average annual temperature of over 16°C, the Principality enjoys ideal conditions all year round. Precipitation is rare, with only 62 days of rain a year, while sunshine reaches 7 hours a day.
To make the most of Monaco, take into account your climatic preferences and the seasonal events that punctuate the Principality.
Economical travel tips for every season
Monaco is an expensive destination, but you can enjoy it on a budget.
First, book accommodation outside Monaco. In Italy, for example, you can choose to stay in cities such as Beausoleil, Nice, Menton or Ventimiglia. Similarly, Airbnb or a youth hostel are ideal for those on a budget.
Then, walk or take the bus. A bus ticket costs just 2€. Monaco is a compact city where walking is ideal for exploring the main sights. Admittedly, the gradients are steep, but there are free public elevators and escalators.
💡Good to know: Monaco is well served by train. Avoid renting a car: limited parking, high rates and heavy traffic make this an impractical option.
You can also take advantage of numerous free activities such as the gardens, a stroll through the old town, a visit to the cathedral, or seeking out the panoramic views we’ve detailed in a full article on visiting Monaco in 1 day.
If you enjoy cultural visits, tickets in Monaco are inexpensive and sometimes offer reduced rates or even free admission.
Examples :
- Villas Sauber and Paloma (New National Museum of Monaco): €6 and free for children under 26.
- The Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology Admission: €7 and free for children under 10.
- Visit Museum of Stamps and Coins 3 € and free for children under 12.
Finally, for good food, we recommend the Marché de la Condamine for local dishes at reasonable prices.
Visitor numbers and peak tourist periods
Attendance is particularly high in the summer period and during major major international events especially sporting events such as the Monaco Grand Prix or the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters tennis tournament.
When is the best month to visit Monaco?
The best month to visit Monaco depends on your preferences. If you like prestigious events, May is ideal, with the Formula 1 Grand Prix and pleasant spring weather.
To enjoy sunny days and the beach, opt for June to September, when the weather is perfect for outdoor activities.
If you prefer a quieter atmosphere with fewer tourists, the months of March, April, October or November offer mild temperatures and often more affordable hotel rates.
Finally, December is magical thanks to the Christmas decorations and festive village set up on Port Hercule.
Is Monaco worth a visit in winter?
Absolutely.
In December, Monaco is decked out in all its festive finery. Visit Christmas Village offers craft chalets, local specialities and entertainment for young and old. The Stade Nautique Rainier III is transformed into a magnificent skating rink. De plus, les illuminations illuminate the streets, adding to the enchanting atmosphere of the festive season.
🎄Did you know? This year, the “Gingerbread and Delicacies” theme of the Christmas Village promises a gourmet and festive immersion.
When is the least busy time to visit Monaco?
It’s winter, in fact.
Although the weather can be bad for beach lovers, it’s a great time of year for those looking for a quieter vacation. You can even take advantage of off-season rates for accommodation.
It’s also a good time to take advantage of the many indoor activities, such as shopping, visiting the Casino and sampling the local cuisine.
Book your guided tour of Monaco all year round with Tour Azur
Tour Azur offers you many options.
First, we organize private toursThese are fully customizable guided tours. In a vehicle reserved for you (maximum 8 people), our private driver-guide accompanies you on a guided tour of each site.
Monaco by night from Nice or Cannes
At dusk, follow the coastal road to the Rock of Monaco, then explore the iconic Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit.
Monaco Monte-Carlo & Eze from Nice
Visit the village of Eze and a perfume factory, admire the Princely Palace, the Monaco Grand Prix track and the legendary Place de Monte-Carlo.
Monaco, Monte-Carlo & Eze
Visit the village of Eze and a perfume factory, admire the Princely Palace, the Monaco Grand Prix track and the legendary Place de Monte-Carlo.
Riviera Panorama
Join the village of Èze and then Monaco to discover the old town, palace and cathedral. From the Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit, contemplate Monte-Carlo. Then discover Cannes and Antibes.
French art of living
Discover the village of Èze and the Principality of Monaco before visiting the Villa de la Baronne de Rothschild and its botanical gardens. Enjoy a gourmet break at the Baronne’s salon.
Tour Azur also offers shared toursThese are tours with a predefined itinerary, during which other customers join you in a vehicle for up to 8 people. The driver takes you to the various places on your itinerary, without giving a guided tour.
Monaco, Monte-Carlo & Eze from Cannes
Visit the village of Eze and a perfume factory, admire the Princely Palace, the Monaco Grand Prix track and the legendary Place de Monte-Carlo.
Monaco, Monte-Carlo & Eze from Nice
Visit the village of Eze and a perfume factory, admire the Princely Palace, the Monaco Grand Prix track and the legendary Place de Monte-Carlo.
Riviera Panorama
Join the village of Èze, then the Principality of Monaco to discover the old town, its palace and cathedral. From the Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit, drive to Monte-Carlo. Then discover Cannes and Antibes.
☀️Tour Azur bonus: whether you choose a private or shared tour, our driver will transport you in a luxury vehicle: Mercedes Luxury Vito Tourer minivan, Mercedes Prestige Class V minivan or Porsche Panamera sedan.
In conclusion, Monaco promises a memorable experience in every season. Plan your trip according to your desires with Tour Azur and let yourself be seduced by the elegance and magic of the Principality. If you enjoy unusual visits on the Côte d’Azur, we can also recommend the Saint-Tropez Gendarmerie Museum.
