Weather in Paris in May

As spring hits its stride, Paris trades its wintry grey for blooming chestnut trees. Parisians fully embrace the outdoors, filling cafes, parks, and gardens. While occasional showers may occur, the weather is generally mild and pleasant. Here's our guide to the weather in Paris in May.

Is May a good time to visit Paris?

May is an excellent month to visit Paris. Flowers bloom, outdoor events and festivals fill the calendar, and the Seine becomes a favorite spot to soak up the sunshine. It’s the perfect time to stroll the boulevards, enjoy open-air cafés, and explore the city.

The weather in Paris in May is generally mild, with sunny days and the occasional rain shower. You can expect warm temperatures during the day, perfect for walking around the city, while evenings might call for a light jacket.

Visiting in May means you can enjoy Paris without the large crowds of summer. You'll have a chance to explore outdoor markets, visit famous landmarks with shorter lines, and enjoy outdoor café terraces. 

Sunshine, average temperatures and rainfall in May

In May, you can expect mild spring weather in Paris. Daytime highs often reach a comfortable 68°F (20°C), while nighttime temperatures usually dip to around 50°F (10°C). It’s much warmer than in winter but not quite summer hot yet, making it a great time to visit. 

By the end of the month, you'll get about 15 hours of daylight, perfect for long days of sightseeing. The weather is generally stable, but you might experience a mix of sunny days and the occasional rain shower. On average, Paris gets about 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain in May, spread over roughly 12 days. So, while there's a chance of rain during your stay, it's not likely to affect your plans too much.

What about the crowds & costs?

May marks the start of the high tourist season in Paris, so you'll notice more visitors as the month goes on. While it's not as packed as in July or August, you can still expect some long lines at popular attractions, especially later in the month. Hotel rates and airfare start to climb as demand goes up, but they’re usually still quite a bit lower than during the summer peak.

Want to know more about the weather in Paris in the spring? Read our guides to the weather in Paris in March and April.

What to do in Paris in May

With spring in full bloom in the city, there's tons to do. Here are some ideas, or see our guide to the best things to do in France. 

Explore Monet's gardens at Giverny (day trip)

May is the perfect time for a day trip to Claude Monet’s gardens in Giverny, just an hour from Paris. The gardens are bursting with color, with irises, peonies, and Monet’s famous water lilies in full bloom. It’s a peaceful spot where you can stroll through the beautiful flower beds that inspired many of Monet's paintings.

Visit the Musée d'Orsay

Head to the Musée d'Orsay, housed in a stunning former railway station, to see an incredible collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. In May, you might catch special exhibitions alongside the museum’s regular displays, featuring works by Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, and Degas. Don't miss the fantastic view over the Seine from the big clock windows.

Explore the Marais district

The Marais is one of the liveliest neighborhoods in Paris, and it really shines in May. With its charming streets, trendy boutiques, and buzzing café culture, it’s perfect for a relaxed day of wandering. Visit the historic Place des Vosges, pop into the Picasso Museum or the Carnavalet Museum, and enjoy some outdoor dining in the sun.

Visit the Palace of Versailles and its gardens

May is an ideal time to explore the Palace of Versailles and its stunning gardens. The lawns are perfectly manicured, and the spring flowers are in full bloom, making the gardens a must-see, especially during the fountain shows. Don’t miss the Hall of Mirrors and the luxurious State Apartments inside the palace.

Visit the quirky Musée des Arts Forains (fairground art museum)

For something different, visit the Musée des Arts Forains in the Bercy area. This unique museum takes you back to vintage fairgrounds and carnivals, with restored carousels, carnival games, and fair stalls from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Best of all, you can actually ride some of the attractions.

Plan your trip to Paris in May

Getting ready for your trip to Paris? Begin by checking out our curated itineraries, featuring the city's top attractions—from iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower to the hidden gems of Montmartre. Need help deciding where to stay? Our detailed articles cover the best neighborhoods in Paris, filled with insider tips from local experts. For even more insights on Paris and the rest of the country, grab a copy of “The Rough Guide to France.”

Ready for your dream trip to France?

Organize your trip independently, or let our local travel experts take care of everything for you. Our tailor-made trips manage all the planning and bookings, ensuring a stress-free experience with 24/7 support. Take a look at these sample trip ideas:

• Tasting eastern France (12 days): Savor Lyon's culinary delights, then enjoy a 4-day walk in Beaujolais, staying at guesthouses with daily wine tastings.
• Taste of three (10 days): Discover Belgium's Brussels, Ghent, and Bruges. Train to Strasbourg for Alsace. From Basel, explore Switzerland's Zermatt, Matterhorn, and Mount Pilatus.
• Walking tour of out-of-the-way France (14 days): Experience Paris like a local, then journey south for a scenic walking tour through Southern France, ending near Avignon.

Ready to start planning? See our trip ideas gallery for more inspiration.