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European Museum night

Paris in May: Weather, What to Wear, What to Do

by stillinparis

Are you planning a visit to the French Capital during the month of May and wondering about the Parisian climate? In this article, you will find tips about the weather in Paris in May, what to pack and how to make the most of your stay in the City of Light.

Restaurants, Museums and attractions are open in Paris in 2023.

Average Weather in May in Paris

  • minimum average temperature in May: 9°C / 48°F
  • maximum average temperature: 18°C / 64°F
  • average rainfall: 65 mm
  • average rainy days a month: 12
Paris in May
Paris in May: Cloudy with Sunny Intervals

In May, Paris is usually mild and sunny – ideal conditions for a pleasant stroll through the city, or a spot coffee on the terrace.

Be sure to bring your umbrella though, as the Spring showers make May the month of highest average rainfall.

Although evenings remain generally colder, during Spring sunny spells, the temperature can rise noticeably, making May an excellent month to visit the French Capital.

Parisian rain usually falls as showers, so it can rain several times a day with a few dry breaks in-between. If you are planning a stroll, be advised to avoid wearing warm clothes as temperatures rarely fall lower than 15°C at noon.

read more :

 What to pack, what to wear in May in Paris?

You will need to bring a variety of spring clothing, including jackets for cold evenings, but also be prepared for an occasional hot day. You will probably experience both rainy and windy conditions, especially in Paris. Your packing list should include:

  • A warm jacket for chilly evenings
  • Sweaters or jackets
  • Comfortable shoes for walking
  • A sturdy umbrella (May can be a showery month for Paris)
  • Sunglasses
  • Smart clothes for going out in the evenings

>> Find out our itinerary to visit Paris in 4 or 5 days

French Public Holidays in May 2024

  • May, 1st: Workers Day, almost every museum, monument, shop, and restaurant is closed for the whole day.
    • Public holiday activities include visits to Monceau, Luxembourg or Buttes Chaumont Park – or simply exploring the streets of Paris.
    • Open on May, 1st:  Jacquemart-André Museum, Maillol Museum, Eiffel Tower., Sacré coeur, Notre Dame.
    • Closed on May, 1st: Most Museums: The Louvre Museum, Orsay Museum, Carnavalet …
  • May, 8th: VE Day:  Most museums, shops, and monuments open on Wednesday will open
  • May, 9th: Ascension: Most museums, shops, and monuments are open

Though they may seem inconvenient at first, public holidays can be the best opportunity to discover Paris districts on foot.

>Online reservation for Parisian museums

You can discover more about many of the Parisian districts here: Paris districts and neighborhoods.

Things to do in Paris in May

With Springtime, they are many things to do in Paris in May: festivals, excursions…

Read our selection of fun things to do in Paris.

  • Museums Night – La Nuit des Musées (The Free Museum Night). Sat. May 18 2024
European Museum night

Museums open up to share in music, theater, food, games, and movies whilst also promoting the city’s tourist attractions as well as their own collections. Art takes over the museum and illuminates the night, inviting visitors to lose themselves in the dream-like atmosphere. Museums are free this night.

more about free museums in Paris

 

Monet's house and garden at Giverny - 1 hour from Paris
Monet’s house and garden at Giverny

The Monet’s gardens are bursting with color, making Spring the best season to visit the beautiful village of Giverny where the impressionist lived.

It’s worth knowing you can go and pay tribute to Van Gogh at Auvers sur Oise, where the artist lived his last days, and enjoy the surrounding landscapes which inspired more than 50 of his paintings. This special place was also a highly-appreciated by the founders of impressionism.

  • International Paris Fair – La Foire de Paris

from May 1st to May 12th 2024

For over 110 years, the Paris Fair (Foire de Paris) has been presenting innovations, products and also services that allow you to get the most out of your daily life. This year, surprise events and increasing numbers of exhibitors promise to impress visitors and locals alike.

With over 3,500 brands in attendance,  this unique European experience allows you to discover, test and compare all of the products and services designed to improve the day-to-day  – all in one place! Foire de Paris is a trip to the world’s cultures with an abundance of gourmet food for all tastes.

Foire de Paris may also inspire you to breathe some fresh life into your home, with ideas on construction, renovation, furniture, fireplaces, kitchens, and bathrooms. The fair provides an unparalleled outdoor swimming pool, veranda, and outdoor furniture.

  • Jazz Festival at Saint Germain des Près – Mid-May to Mid-June 2024

Rooted in the birthplace of European Jazz (where Duke Ellington, Sydney Bechet, and others lived), Saint-Germain des Près Jazz Festival offers unique and exceptional concerts in which collaborations between artists seek the discovery of new talent. This festival also provides conferences and exhibitions in unusual settings.

  • Take a Walk in Paris’ Most Charming Quarters

With the spring weather, May is one of the best months for a romantic stroll through one of Paris’ Neighborhoods. So, you have the choice between the romantic Montmartre, the trendy Marais, the bohemian Canal Saint-Martin quarter, the lively Latin quarter or the historical Saint-Germain.

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6 comments

berliner 23/02/2014 - 4:02 pm

Hello, Thanks for this interesting post. I will be in Paris on early Mayand I want to do shopping.
Shops are they open in Champs Elysées on May 1st?

Reply
Anonymous 27/04/2014 - 11:45 pm

How do you witch air port you are going to be in when you land in paris in france

Reply
Alvaro 29/03/2015 - 7:04 pm

Do you recommand to pack sun protection for a visit in Paris in May? I Know it can be sunny, but is the sunshine strong?

Reply
Nicolas 19/12/2015 - 7:04 pm

Of course. It can be very useful for sunny days during spring

Reply
Maria Paula Langer 25/04/2022 - 6:35 pm

Hi ! I want to know what is happening the last week of may that everything is booked. Very hard to make any reservation.
If you know there is something special please let me know .
Thank you very very much

Reply
stillinparis 25/04/2022 - 8:35 pm

During the last week of may there is a bank-holiday in France on May 26 (ascension )and schools are closed on May 27. It is the reason why a lot of french are traveling during this period. The tennis french open of Rolland Garros take place at this time. What type of reservation are you looking for? You can find a selection of hotels there : https://www.still-in-paris.com/visit-paris/hotels/best-hotels-paris/

Reply

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