Bordeaux in May

In May, Bordeaux averages 21°C (70°F) during the day and 11°C (52°F) at night, with around 11 days of rain (78 mm total).

High season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.

May offers comfortable temperatures in Bordeaux, with some rain to plan around.

21°C
Avg high
11°C
Avg low
11
Rain days
78 mm
Rainfall

How May compares to the rest of the year in Bordeaux

5th
warmest month of the 12
8th
wettest month of the 12
9%
of yearly rainfall falls in May
14 h 49 min
daylight on the 15th

May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Bordeaux (5th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (8th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C above the annual average (19°C). May runs 3°C warmer than April (18°C) and warms a further 4°C into June (25°C).

May sunrise & sunset in Bordeaux

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:34 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
9:23 PM
Day length
14 h 49 min

Times shown for Bordeaux local time (Europe/Paris), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Bordeaux — May

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Bordeaux's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:34 AM – 6:14 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:14 AM – 7:14 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
8:43 PM – 9:43 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
9:43 PM – 10:23 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Good
Galactic core is up but lower on the horizon; head well outside city limits for a clean view.

📅 When to book — Bordeaux in May

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on May's tier (High season) and Bordeaux's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
2-3 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-3 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.

Crowds & pricing — May in Bordeaux

High season

This is a busy month in Bordeaux — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.

Why this tier: excellent tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — May in Bordeaux

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
11.4
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●○○
Moderate
Active mosquito season. DEET 25-30% repellent recommended, especially at dawn/dusk.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Bordeaux in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 10°C / 50°F 4°C / 39°F 96 mm 14
February 12°C / 54°F 4°C / 39°F 70 mm 11
March 15°C / 59°F 6°C / 43°F 68 mm 13
April 18°C / 64°F 8°C / 47°F 67 mm 12
May 21°C / 70°F 11°C / 52°F 78 mm 11
June 25°C / 77°F 15°C / 60°F 109 mm 12
July 27°C / 81°F 17°C / 62°F 42 mm 8
August 27°C / 81°F 17°C / 62°F 50 mm 9
September 25°C / 77°F 15°C / 58°F 49 mm 9
October 20°C / 69°F 11°C / 53°F 79 mm 10
November 15°C / 58°F 7°C / 45°F 96 mm 14
December 12°C / 53°F 5°C / 41°F 88 mm 12

Other cities with similar May weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Bordeaux in May →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Bordeaux in May?

In May, Bordeaux averages a high of 21°C (70°F) and a low of 11°C (52°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in Bordeaux in May?

May can be fairly wet in Bordeaux, with about 11 rainy days on average.

Is May a good time to visit Bordeaux?

May is mild and pleasant. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Bordeaux in May?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Bordeaux for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Bordeaux on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.