The Best Time to Visit Monaco in 2023 | When to Go

A modern-day playground for those with deep pockets, Monaco is the ideal destination to explore your decadent tastes. Although the world’s second smallest country, Monaco offers more fun than most large cities in the world.

But is there such a thing as the best time to visit Monaco, or is this Mediterranean gem amazing all year round? Follow along to find out!

Why You Should Visit Monaco in 2023

Monaco is arguably going to be an expensive getaway, but every penny is absolutely worth it — here’s why:

• Frequently featured in films and music videos, the Monte Carlo Casino is a world-famous gambling and entertainment complex. You can gamble and play a variety of games such as stud poker, blackjack, and craps, hit the slot machines, or simply marvel at the majestic buildings — most visitors do both.
• Monaco isn’t just about expensive restaurants, majestic buildings, casinos, and urban vibes. There’s lovely nature to be explored too! Just head to the Princess Grace Rose Garden — you’ll find more than 150 varieties of roses. Next, there’s Jardin Exotique, known for its phenomenal cactus collection and majestic views overlooking the principality.
• Fancy visiting museums? You’re in luck, as Monaco has plenty of these! We suggest heading to the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology, Museum of Stamps and Coins, Nouveau Musée National De Monaco (NMNM), Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, and the Museum of “Vieux Monaco” (the lattermost one reopens in 2024, though).
• Many are fascinated by Europe’s longest-ruling royal family, the house of Grimaldi. This is what makes the Prince’s Palace of Monaco one of the top main points of interest for travelers. If you’re lucky enough, you may even catch the guard-changing moment, which is an astonishing experience on its own.
• A luxurious lifestyle goes hand in hand with top-notch nightlife. Be it a glamorous club or a fancy bar, you can’t go wrong with any Monaco-based venue.
• If you wish to go on a shopping spree while buying items from the best brands in the world, you’re in the right location. You can shop in Le Metropole Shopping Center, Fontvieille Shopping Centre, One Monte-Carlo, and the YCM Gallery.
• Although Monaco has just one public beach, Larvotto Beach, it’s very lovely. That said, if you wish to do some beach hopping, you can always check out some of the beaches near Monaco, such as La Plage d’Eze Beach, Baie de Garavan Beach, Baie du Soleil Beach, Plage du Borrego.
• If safety is one of your main criteria, Monaco is the perfect destination. Frequently referred to as “the safest square mile” in Europe, Monaco sees very low crime rates thanks to its wealthy population and armed police force. That said, having common sense and being aware of your belongings at all times wouldn’t hurt.
• Finally, if you ever wish to see some of the most luxurious cars in the world, you’ll find them on the streets of Monaco.

Overall Best Time to Visit Monaco

The overall best time to visit Monaco is in summer (June–August). Yes, the beaches are crowded, the temperatures are high, and the restaurants rarely have an empty table, but this is when you can experience Monaco at its absolute best.

Besides soaking in vitamin D on the beach, summers in Monaco are perfect for travelers wishing to take part in outdoor activities, such as joining a sea fishing charter or sailing.

These three months see lows of 65°F and highs of 78°F. Those looking to cope with the summer heat can always unwind in some local cafe or sample delicious food in some top-notch restaurant.

Visiting some of the gardens, such as the one near Casino de Monte Carlo, the UNICEF Garden, or the Japanese Garden, is a nice way to cool off and seek shade when the weather gets too much.

Summers in Monaco aren’t complete unless you make time for Fête de la Mer (June). Hosted by the Yacht Club of Monaco, together with the Monaco Nautical Society, the Festival of the Sea is a day-long event featuring traditional fishing boats, a grand parade, and plenty of water-based activities.

If you come in July/August, be on the lookout for the Monaco International Fireworks Festival. Held annually, the Monaco International Fireworks Festival shows displays of top-notch fireworks from some of the best Europe-based fireworks manufacturers.

Hands down the most popular summer event, the Monte-Carlo Summer Festival Monaco has a lineup including some of the biggest celebrities in the world.

Some of the popular artists who have performed so far include Norah Jones, Rihanna, Frank Sinatra, Joe Cocker, Eros Ramazzotti, Tarkan, and Ricky Martin Symphonic, to name a few.

The Prince’s Palace of Monaco also hosts summer concerts, which are always a great time. However, while these outdoor concerts are open to the public, tickets must be purchased in advance.

Curious as to how you can interact with some of your favorite TV stars?

Make sure you arrive in time for the annual Monte Carlo Television Festival in June. There’s a Festival Fan Zone too! Finally, summers in Monaco are always perfect because there’s something going on at all times.

Whether you decide to attend a festival in the evening or enjoy an open-air cabaret, such as Maona Monte-Carlo and enjoy retro songs, you’ll never get bored with Monaco’s cultural scene.

Cheapest Time to Visit Monaco

We’re going to be straightforward here — your Monaco getaway is going to be expensive, regardless of the airfare deals or reduced hotel rates you may find.

It’s not a budget destination, and considering the types of travelers it attracts, it’s meant to be pricey. Be prepared to pay. A lot.

However, heading to Monaco during the least expensive month (November) may be just the thing you need to save some money (extra tip: you can find the cheapest accommodation in La Condamine quarter).

This allows you to spend more of your allotted budget on fantastic events such as the Monte Carlo Jazz Festival, where you can get immersed in jazz music in a majestic setting. If you’re more of a foodie, check out the Monte Carlo Gastronomy Fair.

From champagne, wine, and the best liquor you’ve ever tried to caviar, cheese, meat, salmon, and jams, the Monte Carlo Gastronomy Fair will surely pamper your taste buds.

Held annually, the Monaco International Film Festival (Angel Film Awards), is a celebration of films and the impact they have worldwide. Being the last fall month, November has average temperatures between 53°F and 61°F.

Least Busy Time to Visit Monaco

The least busy time to visit Monaco is either in spring (March–May), or in the fall (September–October).

The temperatures are mild, making these shoulder months ideal for visitors who wish to enjoy Monaco’s restaurants with more elbow room, go shopping without large queuing, and experience the overall destination from a resident’s perspective as opposed to a tourist one.

If you visit in spring, expect average temperatures between lows of 49°F and highs of 67°F. Fall travelers should get ready for average temperatures between 67°F and 75°F.

Both seasons also have ideal weather for outdoor activities, such as rock climbing; yep, as it turns out, not everything is about wealth and luxury venues in Monaco!

In terms of events, be on the lookout for March’s Rose Ball, a Cinderella-like ball event taking place at Salle de Étoiles. There’s also the Monte Carlo Spring Arts Festival, running in March and August.

A music festival founded in honor of Princess Grace of Monaco, the Monte Carlo Spring Arts Festival is known for its rich and highly versatile program.

As one of the most popular tennis tournaments in the world, the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters (April) invites all tennis lovers to enjoy an entertaining program and see their favorite tennis stars live.

Adrenaline seekers will be thrilled to hear all about the Monaco Grand Prix event in May. If attending it is out of your budget, you may opt for something such as the Monaco Formula 1 Walking Tour instead.

Those wishing to explore the world of yachting should consider the Monaco Yacht Show (September-October). Located in the majestic Port Hercules, this world-famous trade exhibition is all about accentuating Monaco’s luxurious character.

A biennial event, the Monaco Classic Week – La Belle Classe unites traditional sailing boats, vintage motor boats, and classic yachts to honor the process of sailing.

Note that although these shoulder months are the least busy time to head to Monaco, if you decide to visit during some popular events, chances are you’ll find Monaco to be more crowded as well as more expensive.

Finally, if you’re time-restricted and can’t visit during these months but are keen to steer away from the crowds, head to popular places early.

That said, if you head way too early to a place such as Le Rocher, for instance, Monaco’s old part, you may find most shops haven’t opened yet, and the streets tend to be “sleepier” than usual.

Worst Time to Visit Monaco

Monaco is always majestic, but if we had to pick a season when it’s not at its prime, we’d go with winter (December–February).

While winters in Monaco are never extreme, they’re nowhere near as glamorous as its summers. A chilly winter with temperatures varying between 46°F and 56°F means beachgoing and taking a dip in the sea is off the table.

That said, Monaco has its way with visitors — it offers special winter magic around the holiday season. Be it a light stroll at the Christmas markets and villages or sipping mulled wine, Monaco won’t disappoint you in its holiday offerings.

Monaco’s Christmas markets mean exclusive holiday shopping, decadent displays, charming Christmas villages, and tons of winter fun.

However, note that most businesses resume work as usual and don’t close during winter like other places may do (if you’re lucky enough, you might even score some off-season deals, too!).

If you’re up for fun, the Winter Party at the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort is an absolute must. Its Blue Gin bar gets remade into a chalet on Thursdays in December. Also, just because it’s winter, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy lush landscapes and green views.

Just head to Jardin Exotique and see for yourself. Having been blessed to be in bloom for the entire year, Jardin Exotique is loved by both locals and visitors alike.

Museums and exhibitions are always an option, as well as booking an evening at the famous Opera House. For an indoor activity, consider heading to the Monte-Carlo covered market, open daily from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

If you visit in January, keep an eye out for the International Circus Festival of Monte Carlo. Created with the idea that the festival would promote circus artists at the peak of their career, the International Circus Festival of Monte Carlo provides one-of-a-kind entertainment.

Wish to step away from the urban city vibes and spend some time skiing? Just a brief helicopter ride away, Courchevel and St. Moritz welcome winter visitors ready to hit the slopes each year.

Things to Consider

Upon embarking on your Monaco adventure, there are several things worth keeping in mind for a satisfactory stay, so here they are:

• American citizens can travel to Monaco visa-free as long as they stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
• The currency in Monaco is the euro.
• Monaco may be small, but it’s densely populated.
• Monaco doesn’t have its own airport — arriving at the Nice Airport is convenient, as it’s only 30 minutes away from Monaco.
• Regular sightseeing may be somewhat “difficult” around major events such as the Formula One: French Grand Prix event. Unless you plan to attend such events, avoid heading to Monaco then, as you may find closed streets, and the entire region focused on the major event at the time rather than catering to “regular” visitors’ needs.
• If you wish to see Monaco but don’t wish your holiday to cost an arm and a leg, consider staying in Nice instead. You can find way more affordable accommodation options outside of Monaco, yet they’re close enough for you to travel back and forth if you wish to spend time in Monaco.
• Renting a car can be pricey, not to mention completely unnecessary — we suggest walking, biking, or using trains and buses. If you decide to drive, however, note that if you have a driving license issued by a country outside of EEA or EU, you need an IDP to drive in Monaco.
• If you wish to gamble and visit the Monte Carlo Casino, make sure to follow the rules. The casino allows men and women aged 19 and above — you must dress smart, and after 8 p.m., the casino recommends wearing a suit jacket. That said, during the day, the dress code is somewhat less strict. Also, you’ll be asked to show your ID. Gamblers are allowed to stay for a maximum of 30 minutes.
• Visitors need to follow local laws at all times. For instance, you may get a fine if you walk barefoot or in swimwear. Such outfits are allowed only at the beach.
• Campsites and caravans are illegal in Monaco.
• If you know French and/or Italian, you’re in luck, as French is the main language spoken in Monaco. Italian comes second. While many can speak English fairly well, you may face some language obstacles every now and then.
• Tipping isn’t mandatory.
• If you decide to visit some of the gardens, avoid going there in the morning — they’re still quite damp thanks to the sprinkling system.
• Get travel insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few frequently asked questions to help you find the best time to visit Monaco:

So, What Is the Best Time to Visit Monaco?

👍 Best Time to Visit	June to August
💲 Cheapest Time to Visit	November
🗓️ Least Busy Time to Visit	March to May or September to October
👎 Worst Time to Visit	December to February

• On the whole, the best time to visit Monaco is in summer (June–August). Travelers flock to Monaco to see it at its prime — from warm temperatures to entertaining summer festival lineups, Monaco in the summer has everything a traveler can ever wish for.
• Consider visiting Monaco in November if you hope to find attractive airfare deals and more reasonable hotel rates, although chances are that they’ll still be pretty high.
• If fighting the peak season crowds and large queues aren’t your thing, go to Monaco either in spring (March–May) or in the fall (September–October). Just because this is the least busy time to head to Monaco doesn’t mean you’ll run out of things to see or do once in Monaco — for starters, the events during this time are quite awesome.
• If possible, avoid going to Monaco in winter (December–February). Monaco in winter lacks the charm it has in summer, but that doesn’t mean it’s not enjoyable. If the beach and sunny weather aren’t your main criteria for visiting Monaco, you’ll find the chilly temperatures and the holiday festivities quite entertaining.

There you go! Monaco may be an expensive getaway, but once you’re there you’ll stop worrying about your budget — all you’ll care about will be making the most out of your stay, and we hope we helped in that regard. Happy travels!