Monaco experienced a year of climatic contrasts in 2024, marked by soaring temperatures, a notable decrease in sunshine, and a dramatic resurgence of rainfall. According to the latest “Focus Météo” report from the Monegasque Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (IMSEE), the Principality recorded its third warmest year since 1990, alongside significant shifts in precipitation and sunlight patterns. The average temperature in 2024 reached 17.9°C, 1.1°C above the 1991-2020 norm.
This places 2024 behind only 2022 and 2023 in terms of warmth. The year began with unseasonably mild temperatures, particularly in February, which saw the third highest minimum temperature since 1990. While the summer months experienced two heatwaves, August 12th saw a record high of 35.3°C at the Exotic Garden weather station. Overall, 2024 continued the trend of rising temperatures, with each decade since the 1970s setting new records.
Monaco experienced a significant drop in sunshine in 2024. The average daily sunshine was 5.6 hours, a 22.6% decrease from 2023. This totaled 2,059 hours for the year, 600 hours less than the previous year. August remained the sunniest month, despite a decrease in sunshine, while October was the least sunny. After four years of below-average rainfall, Monaco saw a significant increase in precipitation in 2024. The total rainfall reached 1,016 mm, 15% higher than the 2011-2020 average. This made 2024 one of the 12 wettest years since 1966. February recorded the highest single-day rainfall, and March saw the highest monthly total. Seven months of the year experienced above-average rainfall.
The report also highlighted decadal trends. The average maximum temperature for 2021-2024 was 20.4°C, with an average minimum of 15.7°C. Absolute temperatures reached 35.3°C and 4.1°C, setting new heat and mildness records. Rainfall for 2011-2020 averaged 883 mm, lower than previous decades. The “Focus Météo” report is based on data from the Jardin Exotique weather station, supplemented by sunlight and wind data from the Department of Environment at the Oceanographic Museum.
