diff --git a/homeassistant/components/climate/nest.py b/homeassistant/components/climate/nest.py
index 4feadebdf12..e44c6baaebf 100644
--- a/homeassistant/components/climate/nest.py
+++ b/homeassistant/components/climate/nest.py
@@ -62,6 +62,15 @@ class NestThermostat(ClimateDevice):
         """Return the unit of measurement."""
         return TEMP_CELSIUS
 
+    @property
+    def state(self):
+        if self.device.hvac_ac_state:
+            return STATE_COOL
+        elif self.device.hvac_heater_state:
+            return STATE_HEAT
+        else:
+            return STATE_IDLE
+
     @property
     def device_state_attributes(self):
         """Return the device specific state attributes."""