Paris in May
In May, Paris averages 20°C (68°F) during the day and 11°C (52°F) at night, with around 10 days of rain (65 mm total).
High seasonConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
May offers comfortable temperatures in Paris, with some rain to plan around.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Paris
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Paris (5th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 4°C above the annual average (16°C). May runs 4°C warmer than April (16°C) and warms a further 3°C into June (23°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Paris
Times shown for Paris 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 Paris — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Paris's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Paris 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 Paris's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Paris
This is a busy month in Paris — 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 Paris
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.
Paris in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7°C / 45°F | 2°C / 36°F | 51 mm | 10 | 2 |
| February | 9°C / 48°F | 3°C / 37°F | 42 mm | 9 | 2 |
| March | 13°C / 55°F | 5°C / 41°F | 49 mm | 10 | 1 |
| April | 16°C / 61°F | 7°C / 45°F | 53 mm | 9 | 0 |
| May | 20°C / 68°F | 11°C / 52°F | 65 mm | 10 | 0 |
| June | 23°C / 73°F | 13°C / 55°F | 55 mm | 9 | 0 |
| July | 25°C / 77°F | 15°C / 59°F | 63 mm | 8 | 0 |
| August | 25°C / 77°F | 15°C / 59°F | 43 mm | 8 | 0 |
| September | 22°C / 72°F | 12°C / 54°F | 55 mm | 9 | 0 |
| October | 16°C / 61°F | 9°C / 48°F | 60 mm | 10 | 0 |
| November | 11°C / 52°F | 5°C / 41°F | 52 mm | 11 | 1 |
| December | 7°C / 45°F | 3°C / 37°F | 59 mm | 11 | 1 |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Paris in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Paris in May?
In May, Paris averages a high of 20°C (68°F) and a low of 11°C (52°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Paris in May?
May can be fairly wet in Paris, with about 10 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Paris?
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 Paris 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 Paris for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.