May Weather in Lyon, France

Last updated: February 26, 2025

In May, Lyon experiences a delightful range of temperatures, with a maximum reaching 32°C (89°F) and an average of 15°C (60°F), providing a pleasant backdrop for outdoor activities. However, the month is marked by a cool minimum of 0°C (33°F), reminding residents of the lingering chill in the air. May also sees substantial precipitation, totaling 113 mm (4.5 in) over approximately 14 days, contributing to a humidity level of 77%. This combination of warmth, moisture, and mild temperatures makes May a unique time in Lyon, ideal for enjoying its lush gardens and vibrant streets.

May Temperature in Lyon

In May, Lyon experiences a delightful transition into warmer weather, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 0°C (33°F) to a maximum of 32°C (89°F). The average temperature reaches a comfortable 15°C (60°F), signaling the arrival of spring in full bloom. This month marks a distinct warming trend compared to the chillier early months of the year, such as January’s average of just 3°C (38°F) and April’s 12°C (53°F). With the sun shining more brightly and longer days unfolding, May is the ideal time for outdoor activities and exploring Lyon's picturesque streets. The temperature not only beckons visitors to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere but also foreshadows the even hotter months ahead, as June’s figures rise significantly.

May Weather in Lyon: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates May temperature patterns in Lyon, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec384347536068727164554541
Data source: Temperature data for Lyon generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Choose your preferred temperature unit
The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

May Precipitation in Lyon

In May, Lyon experiences a notable surge in precipitation, with an impressive total of 113 mm (4.5 in) spread across approximately 14 days. This marks a significant increase from the preceding months, particularly after April's drier spell of only 51 mm over just 8 days. As spring reaches its peak, the rain transforms the landscape, providing a lush backdrop for the city’s vibrant flora. With its temperamental weather patterns, May sets the stage for a lush transition into summer, characterized by a heightened frequency of rain that helps nourish the growth of plants and gardens across Lyon.

May Precipitation Trends in Lyon

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Lyon, with values for each month alongside May's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the amount of precipitation, providing insights into how May's conditions compare to those of other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec66537051114848069659293116
Data source: Precipitation data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Choose your preferred precipitation unit

May Humidity in Lyon

In May, Lyon, France enjoys a noticeable drop in humidity, reaching 77%, a refreshing change from the higher levels seen in the earlier months. This decrease is part of a broader trend that begins in winter, where humidity starts at a high 91% in January. As spring unfolds, humidity gradually decreases, hitting 81% by April. This decline continues into June, where it dips further to 76%, ushering in the warmer summer months. The trend reflects a shift towards a more comfortable atmosphere that accompanies the blossoming landscapes of May, making it an ideal time to explore the vibrant city.

May Average Humidity in Lyon

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Lyon, with May's data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, allowing you to see how May's humidity levels compare to other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec91%88%84%81%77%76%68%61%72%88%91%92%
Data source: Humidity data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

May UV Index in Lyon

As May settles in Lyon, the UV Index surges to 8, categorized as very high, signifying a dramatic jump in sun intensity compared to earlier months. This uptrend continues from April’s 6, where exposure was already deemed high. With a burn time of just 15 minutes, it's crucial for residents and visitors alike to take precautions against potential sunburn. This pattern hints at the increasing UV exposure typical of late spring, which paves the way for a similarly intense June. Be sure to stay informed and protect your skin as Lyon basks in the growing warmth of the sun. For more details, check out the Lyon UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Lyon for May

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Lyon in May, representing the highest UV radiation level. The UVI measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, indicating the potential risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2356810986532
Data source: Lyon May UVI data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

May Sunshine in Lyon

May in Lyon, France, is a radiant month that marks the pinnacle of sunshine, boasting 366 hours of glorious light. As spring blossoms into full swing, the city basks in a noticeable increase from the 351 hours of April, setting the stage for vibrant outdoor gatherings and leisurely strolls along the Rhône. This trend of increasing daylight emerges strongly from the stark contrast of the winter months, where January lingers at a mere 148 hours. With each passing month, Lyon steadily accumulates sunlight, peaking in the early summer before a gradual tapering off. As the days grow longer, May invites locals and travelers alike to revel in its warmth and brightness, heralding the joys of the sunny season ahead.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Lyon: May Highlighted

The May sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Lyon experiences direct sunlight during the month of May, excluding cloudy or obstructed periods. This chart compares the sunshine duration of May with the other months of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec148h229h296h351h366h412h419h393h331h276h214h188h
Data source: Lyon May Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Lyon During May

In May, Lyon, France experiences a 36% chance of sunny weather, which marks a notable dip from the previous months of April and March, both hovering around the 54% and 55% likelihood of sun respectively. This trend suggests that while spring begins to wane, increasing cloud cover may start to set in as the city transitions toward the summer months. Interestingly, the chance of sunshine will gradually rise again in June to 43%, hinting that brighter days are just around the corner. Overall, May's weather can be somewhat unpredictable, making it a month where both sun and shade can share the stage as the season shifts.

Percentage of Sunny Days in May in Lyon

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Lyon throughout the year, with May highlighted. It highlights the variation in sunshine across each month and provides an overview of the typical frequency of sunny days, offering insights into how often Lyon experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec21%41%55%54%36%43%40%49%45%44%27%27%
Data source: Lyon May chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Lyon in May

As spring blossoms into summer, May in Lyon heralds a delightful shift in daylight duration, offering an impressive 14 hours of sunshine. This marks a significant increase from the 13 hours of daylight in April, continuing a steady trend that began back in January, when the days were just 9 hours long. Each month gradually unveils more light, peaking in June with 15 hours, before gently tapering off in the warmer months of July and August. The gradual progression from fewer hours of daylight in winter to the long, sun-filled days of late spring and summer not only enhances the city's vibrant outdoor culture but also invites residents and visitors alike to savor the blooming beauty of Lyon under the radiant sky.

Average Daylight Hours in Lyon for May

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Lyon throughout the year, with May highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec9h 7m10h 22m11h 56m13h 33m14h 56m15h 38m15h 16m14h 2m12h 29m10h 52m9h 27m8h 43m
Data source: Lyon daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

May Winds in Lyon

In May, Lyon experiences a gentle breath of wind, with an average speed of 2.4 m/s (5 mph). This marks a notable dip compared to the slightly stronger gusts of previous months, where the winds hovered around 3.0 to 3.3 m/s (7-8 mph) from January to April. As spring continues to unfold, the softer breezes in May signal a transition into the warmer months, setting the stage for languid summer days. Interestingly, the trend remains consistent into the following months, with similar low averages in June, July, and August, all around 2.3 to 2.7 m/s (5-6 mph), creating a calm and inviting atmosphere for outdoor activities. Overall, May's serene wind patterns evoke a sense of tranquility, perfectly complementing the blossoming beauty of the season.

Average May Wind Speed in Lyon

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Lyon, with values for each month shown alongside May's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It illustrates the average wind speed, offering insights into how May's wind conditions compare to the rest of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec3.03.23.13.32.4 m/s2.72.32.32.13.02.42.2
Data source: Lyon May wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How May Weather in Lyon Compares to Other Months

The weather in Lyon changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of May's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Lyon and find detailed weather information for every month.

In May, temperatures in Lyon soar from a chilly minimum of 0°C (33°F) to an average of 15°C (60°F) and can peak at 32°C (89°F), making it a much warmer month compared to January. While May experiences higher precipitation at 113 mm (4.5 in) over 14 days, January offers a cooler climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -8°C (17°F) to a maximum of 15°C (60°F) and less rainfall at 66 mm (2.6 in) across 12 days. Additionally, January's humidity is higher at 91%, compared to May's 77%, contributing to the distinct seasonal differences between these months. For more detailed information, you can check Lyon weather in January.

May and February demonstrate stark contrasts in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 0°C (33°F) to a maximum of 32°C (89°F), with an average temperature of 15°C (60°F). The month experiences significant rainfall, totaling 113 mm (4.5 in) over approximately 14 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 77%. In contrast, February sees colder conditions, with temperatures dipping as low as -9°C (16°F) and reaching a maximum of 20°C (68°F), averaging around 6°C (43°F). This month is also drier, recording 53 mm (2.1 in) of precipitation over 11 days, though it has a slightly higher humidity at 88%. For more details on February weather, you can visit Lyon weather in February.

May and March present distinct contrasts in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 0°C (33°F) to a warm maximum of 32°C (89°F), with an average of 15°C (60°F), creating a much milder atmosphere compared to March. March, on the other hand, sees colder temperatures, with a minimum of -12°C (11°F) and a maximum of 23°C (74°F), resulting in a cooler average of 8°C (47°F). Moreover, May experiences higher precipitation levels at 113 mm (4.5 in) over 14 days, compared to March’s 70 mm (2.8 in) over 12 days, indicating that May is not only warmer but also wetter. Humidity is relatively high in both months, with March at 84% and May slightly lower at 77%. For a deeper insight into March conditions, you can check out Lyon weather in March.

In comparing the weather of May and April, we can observe a noticeable warming trend as the spring progresses. May boasts a wider temperature range with a minimum of 0°C (33°F), an average of 15°C (60°F), and a maximum of 32°C (89°F), while April's temperatures span from a colder -4°C (25°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F), averaging at 12°C (53°F). Precipitation also increases in May, with 113 mm (4.5 in) falling over 14 days, compared to April's 51 mm (2.0 in) over just 8 days. Humidity remains relatively high in both months, with May at 77% and April slightly higher at 81%. For more detailed information on April's weather patterns, check Lyon weather in April.

In May, the weather in Lyon experiences a wider temperature range, with minimums dropping to 0°C (33°F) and maximums reaching up to 32°C (89°F), resulting in an average temperature of 15°C (60°F). The month sees considerable rainfall, totaling 113 mm (4.5 in) over 14 days, and humidity levels are relatively high at 77%. In contrast, June brings warmer conditions with minimum temperatures of 8°C (46°F) and maximums soaring to 38°C (100°F), leading to a higher average temperature of 20°C (69°F). Precipitation decreases to 84 mm (3.3 in) spread over 12 days, while humidity remains slightly lower at 76%. For more detailed insights into June weather, you can check Lyon weather in June.

May and July exhibit distinct weather characteristics, highlighting the transition from spring to summer. In May, temperatures range from a chilly 0°C (33°F) to a warm 32°C (89°F), with an average of 15°C (60°F). The month experiences higher rainfall, totaling 113 mm (4.5 inches) across about 14 days, combined with a relatively high humidity level of 77%. In contrast, July sees a considerable increase in both minimum and average temperatures, ranging from 11°C (52°F) to a scorching 39°C (102°F), with an average of 22°C (73°F). Precipitation decreases in July to 80 mm (3.2 inches) spread over 10 days, and humidity drops to 68%. For more detailed information on July weather, you can check Lyon weather in July.

May and August present distinct weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly 0°C (33°F) at night to a warmer 32°C (89°F) during the day, with an average temperature of 15°C (60°F). The month is relatively wet, with 113 mm (4.5 in) of precipitation spread over 14 days, accompanied by a higher humidity level of 77%. In contrast, August exhibits milder nighttime temperatures starting at 9°C (48°F) and can reach a scorching 39°C (103°F), averaging 22°C (72°F). Precipitation decreases to 69 mm (2.7 in) over just 9 days, contributing to a lower humidity of 61%. This makes August noticeably drier and warmer compared to May. For more detailed insights, check out Lyon weather in August.

May and September present a transition in weather as spring shifts to autumn. In May, temperatures range from a chilly 0°C (33°F) at night to a warm 32°C (89°F) during the day, with an average of 15°C (60°F). The month sees a fair amount of rainfall, totaling 113 mm (4.5 in) over 14 days, contributing to a higher humidity of 77%. In contrast, September exhibits a more moderate climate, with minimum temperatures of 4°C (40°F) and a pleasant average of 18°C (64°F). The maximum temperature can reach up to 33°C (93°F), while total precipitation drops to 65 mm (2.6 in) over just 8 rainy days, resulting in a slightly lower humidity level of 72%. For a closer look at September weather specifics, check out Lyon weather in September.

May and October present distinct weather patterns, showcasing the transition from spring to autumn. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 0°C (33°F) to a maximum of 32°C (89°F), with an average of 15°C (60°F). The month experiences relatively high humidity at 77% and a significant amount of rainfall, totaling 113 mm (4.5 in) over approximately 14 days. In contrast, October has a more moderate temperature range, with lows of 1°C (33°F) and highs reaching 26°C (80°F), averaging 13°C (55°F). Although October is slightly drier with 92 mm (3.6 in) of precipitation spread over about 10 days, it has higher humidity at 88%. For more details about Lyon's climate in October, you can visit Lyon weather in October.

May and November present quite different weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 0°C (33°F) to a maximum of 32°C (89°F), with an average of 15°C (60°F). This month sees a fair amount of precipitation at 113 mm (4.5 in) over about 14 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 77%. Conversely, November is cooler, featuring temperatures that dip as low as -4°C (25°F) and peak at 20°C (69°F), averaging around 7°C (45°F). The precipitation is slightly less in November at 93 mm (3.7 in) spread across 13 days, but humidity rises to 91%. For more details on the conditions specific to November, you can visit Lyon weather in November.

May and December present contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 0°C (33°F) to a maximum of 32°C (89°F), with an average of 15°C (60°F). The month sees about 113 mm (4.5 in) of precipitation over 14 days and a humidity level of 77%. In contrast, December is much colder, with temperatures ranging from -4°C (25°F) to a maximum of 16°C (62°F) and an average of 5°C (42°F). It experiences slightly more rainfall at 116 mm (4.6 in) across 17 days and higher humidity at 92%. For a detailed look at the conditions, you can check Lyon weather in December.

Compare Lyon's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From May Weather in Lyon

May in Lyon marks a striking transition as the city awakens from its winter slumber. With temperatures rising dramatically, days become warmer and sunnier, offering a delightful contrast to the chilly winters. Although the month experiences notable rainfall, the humidity adds a refreshing touch to the air, making the blooming landscapes even more vibrant. This blend of warmth and moisture creates an enchanting atmosphere for outdoor exploration, particularly as the city prepares for the bustling summer season. For a deeper understanding of Lyon's diverse weather patterns throughout the year, be sure to explore Lyon Climate.