Paris Weather in May: How to Plan & Pack For Your Trip
The month of May is when Paris fully embraces spring — and even starts flirting with summer. By now, the deep chill of winter is a distant memory, and Paris weather in May will give you plenty of warm, sunny days perfect for Seine-side picnics, café-hopping, and long strolls through Paris’s blooming parks. But before you start picturing endless blue skies and heatwaves, it’s important to know: May in Paris still keeps you on your toes.
While May is generally mild and pleasant, it’s not completely free from surprise rain showers or the occasional cooler day. One afternoon you might be basking in golden-hour sunshine on a café terrace; the next, you might be reaching for a jacket as clouds roll in. That said, May offers some of the most enjoyable weather of the year — long daylight hours, vibrant gardens, and lively neighborhoods coming back to full life after winter.
Packing smart is key to making the most of it. With a little preparation (and some strategic layering), you’ll be ready for anything May in Paris throws your way — and you’ll be dressed perfectly whether you’re sipping wine along the Seine or exploring a sun-drenched Montmartre.
So, what exactly should you expect from Paris weather in May, and how do you pack like a pro? Let’s dive in!
Paris Weather in May: Warmer, Sunnier, and Still a Little Unpredictable
May in Paris is when the city truly settles into spring — and even starts tipping toward early summer. It’s noticeably warmer than April, but that doesn’t mean it’s completely free of surprises. Most days are pleasantly mild or even warm, but occasional spring showers and a few brisk mornings and evenings still make layers a smart choice.
Average Temperatures in Paris in May
Temperatures in May continue to rise steadily, with daytime highs typically ranging from 65°F (18°C) to 72°F (22°C). Mornings and evenings are cooler, hovering around 50°F (10°C) to 55°F (13°C), but not nearly as brisk as the earlier spring months of March & April. A light jacket is still worth packing, but you’ll often find yourself shedding layers by midday — especially on sunny afternoons when the city feels more like early summer than late spring.
While Paris weather in May usually feels pleasant overall, the “feels like” temperature can still vary depending on wind and cloud cover. On a breezy, overcast day, you might be glad you brought a sweater or jacket, but most of the time, you’ll be comfortable with lighter layers.
May Rain: Still Part of the Paris Experience
Rain showers are less frequent in May than in April, but they’re still part of the Parisian spring experience. On average, Paris sees about 8 to 10 rainy days throughout the month of May. Just like in earlier months, these showers tend to be light and short-lived rather than full-on rainstorms. It’s wise to keep a compact umbrella or lightweight rain jacket handy, but there’s no need to let the possibility of rain change your plans. A quick drizzle often just becomes an excuse to linger over a coffee at a cozy café.
Longer Days, Perfect for Exploring
May is one of the best months for enjoying the longer daylight hours in Paris. With the clocks already moved forward at the end of March, the days are gloriously long by now — sunset doesn’t arrive until 9:00 PM at the beginning of May, and nearly 10:00 PM toward the end of the month. This extra daylight means more time for sightseeing, relaxed strolls along the Seine, or al fresco dinners without rushing to beat the dark.
If you love fitting in as much as possible without feeling rushed, May is a dream. You can visit a museum in the morning, wander through parks and gardens in the afternoon, and still have plenty of time for a leisurely evening walk or a golden-hour photo session around landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or Montmartre. Plus, the summer crowds haven’t hit their peak yet, giving you the best of both worlds: lively energy without the overwhelming tourist rush.
What to Pack for Paris in May
Packing for Paris weather in May is all about embracing spring-to-early-summer style: lighter layers, breathable fabrics, and outfits that can transition from a warm afternoon to a breezy evening. The weather is generally mild and pleasant, but you’ll still want to be prepared for occasional rain showers and cooler mornings.
Clothing: Light, Versatile, and Polished
For Women:
Flowy midi or maxi dresses – Perfect for warm afternoons and stylish enough for café hopping or sightseeing.
Lightweight skirts and trousers – Breezy and comfortable for walking, while still looking chic.
Short-sleeve blouses, linen shirts, or tank tops – Great for layering under a light jacket or blazer.
Light cardigan or denim jacket – Ideal for early mornings, breezy evenings, or cooler days.
Blazer – Perfect for elevating an outfit without adding heavy layers.
For Men:
Short-sleeve button-up shirts or polo shirts – Crisp and breathable for sunny afternoons.
Light chinos or slim-fit trousers – A more polished alternative to jeans, especially in warmer weather.
Light sweaters or a casual blazer – Good for layering when temperatures dip slightly in the evening.
Casual linen or cotton shirts – Keep you cool during midday walks or terrace lunches.
Lightweight jacket or windbreaker – In case of rain or unexpected cool fronts.
Shoes: Comfortable and Weather-Smart
Minimalist sneakers – Sleek, neutral styles are ideal for sightseeing and casual dinners.
Loafers, ballet flats, or stylish sandals – Great for dry, sunny days when you want a slightly dressier option.
Low block-heel sandals or espadrilles – A comfortable way to add a bit of height and style.
Water-resistant footwear – If rain is in the forecast, you’ll want something that can handle it without soaking through.
Must-Have May Accessories
Lightweight scarf – Still very Parisian and practical for cooler mornings or overly air-conditioned spaces.
Compact umbrella – May has fewer rainy days than April, but showers can still surprise you.
Sunglasses – An absolute must for bright spring days and long golden-hour strolls.
Crossbody or structured tote bag – Ideal for keeping essentials handy without sacrificing style.
May in Paris: What to Do (Rain or Shine)
On a Sunny Day:
Attend an outdoor festival or event – May kicks off a ton of outdoor events in Paris. Check out local street fairs, open-air markets, and the Fête du Pain (Bread Festival) near Notre-Dame, where you can sample freshly baked French bread straight from the source. The Jazz Festival in Saint-Germain-des-Prés also begins in late May, offering open-air concerts in historic settings.
Cruise the Seine by boat – Spring is the perfect time for a Seine river cruise, especially in May when the days are long and the temperatures are comfortable. You can do a sightseeing Bateaux-Mouches cruise or opt for a dinner cruise at sunset to see the city light up.
Rent a bike and explore on two wheels – Paris is increasingly bike-friendly thanks to the Vélib’ system (bike rentals located all around the city). May is perfect biking weather — not too hot, not too cold. You can bike along the Seine, through the Bois de Vincennes, or take a leisurely ride across the Île de la Cité.
Plan an evening picnic – With sunset after 9:00 PM in late May, evenings are golden. Set up an evening picnic at Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, Parc Montsouris, or even along the Seine near Pont des Arts. Bring a bottle of rosé, some strawberries from a local market, and enjoy the laid-back, golden-hour vibes.
Explore rooftop bars and terraces – With warm nights finally here, it’s the perfect time to visit Paris rooftops. Try Rosa Bonheur sur Seine, an indoor/outdoor bar built on a boat docked in the river, Rooftop Café Oz, which boasts an expansive rooftop, or the Terrass’’ Hotel in Montmartre for great city views and sunset cocktails.
Take a day trip to the Château de Chantilly – Less touristy than Versailles but just as gorgeous, Chantilly offers a stunning château, manicured gardens, and one of France’s most famous horse racing tracks. In May, everything is in full bloom, and it feels like stepping into a French fairytale.
When It’s Cloudy or Raining:
Visit the lesser-known museums – Skip the crowds at the Louvre and explore smaller gems like the Musée Jacquemart-André (a gorgeous former mansion), the Musée Nissim de Camondo (focused on 18th-century French decorative arts), or the Musée de Montmartre (dedicated to the art history of the Montmartre neighborhood).
Experience a tea room or historic café – Paris isn’t just about wine and coffee. Spend a cozy afternoon at Angelina (home of the famous hot chocolate), Mariage Frères (luxury tea house), or Carette for classic pastries. These atmospheric tea rooms are perfect for rainy-day indulgence.
See a show or concert – May is a fantastic month for live performances. Catch a ballet or opera at Palais Garnier or a concert at Philharmonie de Paris. If you want something more casual, check local listings for pop-up jazz shows or small theater performances, or download the Shotgun app to browse electronic music events if you’re in the mood to dance.
Tour Parisian passages and covered markets – Instead of just sticking to Galerie Vivienne, explore other covered spots like Passage Jouffroy or the Marché des Enfants Rouges in Le Marais (perfect for sampling international foods under shelter).
Relax at a hammam or spa – Embrace the Parisian art of self-care. May is a great time to book a few hours at a traditional Moroccan hammam (like the historic Hammam de la Mosquée de Paris) or a boutique spa for a deep relaxation day if the weather turns.
May is the Perfect Month to Visit Paris
If you’re trying to decide when to visit the City of Light, May should definitely be in the running. The city feels alive with color and energy, as flowers bloom across every park and café terraces buzz with locals soaking up the sunshine. Long daylight hours and comfortably warm temperatures make it ideal for wandering through charming neighborhoods, enjoying open-air markets, or picnicking along the Seine — all without the heavy crowds and stifling heat of peak summer.
While May still brings an occasional rain shower, it’s usually nothing more than a brief interruption. Dressing in light layers, carrying sunglasses and a compact umbrella, and keeping a flexible mindset will help you make the most of whatever the weather brings. With Paris at its most picturesque and vibrant, May captures the magic of the city better than almost any other time of year.
Bon voyage!
