What May feels like in Paris
For Paris, May is late spring on the calendar. Mild afternoons make it easy to spend hours outdoors. After dark the temperature drops clearly: nights are cool. Moist air is typical, yet it seldom feels heavy at this time of year.
Rain in Paris in May
Showers are a regular feature, arriving about one day in 3. A rainy day brings about 5.8 mm (0.2 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. Across the year Paris averages about 5.4 mm per rainy day, so May is typical. It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in May
On 15 May the sun rises at about 6:10 am and sets around 9:24 pm local time, giving 15 h 14 min of daylight. Days are getting longer: 1 h 35 min more daylight than in mid-April. About 70% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, there are plenty of bright spells.
How May compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, May comes out as the 5th warmest month in Paris. Afternoons run 3.1°C (5.6°F) warmer than in April, with 25 mm more rain. June continues the upward trend. The next month's average high: 22.7°C (72.9°F).
Who May suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — the weather rarely gets in the way of a city walk.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — good conditions for sitting outside.
Tips for visiting Paris in May
Versatile Layers
Pack pieces you can take off by noon and put back on at dusk.
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Sunglasses
Bright days make sunglasses worth packing.
Quick questions
How warm is Paris in May?
Afternoons average 19°C (66.2°F) and nights about 9.7°C (49.5°F) — mild by most people's standards. It is the 5th warmest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Paris in May?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 3 and totals about 69 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Paris in May?
The numbers point to versatile layers, rain protection and sunglasses. Add a layer for after dark.
Is May or June better for visiting Paris?
June, narrowly: it ranks #5 of 12 among Paris's months, against #6 for the other. June is warmer and has fewer rainy days.