Last updated: February 26, 2025
May in Paris, France offers a delightful blend of mild temperatures and the blossoming beauty of spring. With a maximum temperature reaching up to 30°C (86°F) and an average of 14°C (58°F), the month invites visitors and residents alike to enjoy outdoor activities. However, be prepared for some variability, as temperatures can dip to a minimum of 0°C (33°F) on cooler days. Rainfall is notable, with 75 mm (3.0 in) spread across approximately 13 days, contributing to the city's lush greenery. Humidity levels are also on the higher side at 82%, adding a touch of warmth to the Parisian air. Embrace the enchanting atmosphere of spring while navigating through occasional showers in this romantic city.
In May, Paris awakens to a delightful shift in temperatures, where the city starts to embrace the warmth of spring. With minimums around 0°C (33°F) and an average of 14°C (58°F), the days become significantly more inviting. As the month progresses, highs can reach a pleasant 30°C (86°F), perfect for leisurely strolls along the Seine or enjoying a café terrace. This upward trend from the cooler spring months signals the onset of more vibrant life in the city, making May a particularly charming time to experience Paris in full bloom. The gradual rise in temperatures not only enhances the beauty of the blooming gardens but also encourages both locals and tourists to indulge in outdoor activities and savor the essence of Parisian springtime.
May in Paris experiences a delightful surge in precipitation, with 75 mm (3.0 in) of rain falling over 13 days. This marks a slight increase from April's relatively dry weather, which saw only 33 mm (1.3 in) over 6 days. The consistent rainfall serves to nurture the blooming flora of spring, aligning perfectly with the vibrant atmosphere of the city. Interestingly, May's precipitation is on par with June, hinting at the onset of summer showers. As the month closes, Parisians can look forward to lush landscapes, although they may want to keep an umbrella handy as spring transitions to summer.
As spring transitions into summer, May humidity in Paris reflects a gradual decline, dipping to 82% from the higher levels seen in the colder months. This trend signifies a move toward more comfortable, drier conditions, especially as the city leaves behind the damp chill of winter. While May is among the months with relatively high humidity, the overall decrease hints at the upcoming warmth of summer, where June takes it even lower to 80%. This change can be refreshing for residents and visitors alike, offering a delightful experience in the enchanting streets of Paris as flowers bloom and outdoor cafés brim with life.
In May, Paris experiences a significant surge in the UV Index, peaking at 8, categorizing it as very high. This notable increase from the previous months indicates a marked shift in sun exposure, with the burn time dropping to just 15 minutes for those with lighter skin tones. This trend suggests that as spring transitions into summer, Parisians and visitors alike should be particularly vigilant about sun safety. The UV Index remains elevated as summer approaches, with similar readings in June, making it essential to stay informed about the daily UV forecasts. For more detailed information, check out the Paris UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
As spring blooms into summer, May shines brightly in Paris, boasting an impressive 388 hours of sunshine. This month marks a clear turning point in the year, where the days grow longer and warmer, following April's promising 355 hours. The trend of increasing sunlight continues smoothly into June, highlighting the vibrant days of Parisian life. With each passing month from January's meager 127 hours to May's generous offerings, the city transforms into a sun-drenched paradise, inspiring locals and tourists alike to savor outdoor cafes and strolls along the Seine. The gradual rise in sunshine hours reflects the transition from winter's gray to an exhilarating summer glow, making May a truly enchanting time to experience the City of Light.
As May arrives in Paris, the city enjoys a significant shift in weather patterns, with a 35% chance of sunny days. While this marks a dip from the previous month's 57% likelihood of sunshine in April, it still showcases an improvement compared to the chillier winter months, where January and February struggled with only 16% and 26% chances, respectively. This transitional period hints at the approach of summer, signaling that although May may not guarantee extended sunlit days, it does offer a delightful blend of spring blossoms and the potential for bright blue skies, making it a charming time to explore the city's outdoor cafés and gardens. As temperatures warm and the chance of sun fluctuates, the allure of Paris grows ever stronger, beckoning both locals and visitors to revel in its beauty.
In Paris, the journey through the year reveals a captivating evolution of daylight, with May standing out as a highlight of 15 hours of daylight. As winter wanes, the city awakens from the grips of shorter days, gradually gaining sunlight from a mere 8 hours in January to a vibrant 13 hours in April. The trend peaks in June when daylight extends to 16 hours, creating a luminous backdrop for outdoor adventures and late-night strolls along the Seine. However, as summer progresses, daylight begins to taper off, with July and August enjoying 15 and 14 hours, respectively. By the time September arrives, the daylight diminutely shrinks to 12 hours, signaling the slow return to winter's shorter spans. This rhythmic dance of light not only marks the passage of seasons but also paints the tapestry of Parisian life throughout the year.
In May, Paris experiences a noticeable uptick in wind speed, averaging 4.3 m/s (10 mph), slightly higher than the preceding months. This increase ushers in a refreshing breeze, making it an ideal time for outdoor strolls along the Seine or picnics in the city's lush gardens. Compared to April, when winds were calmer at 3.5 m/s (8 mph), May's gusts set the stage for vibrant spring activities. Interestingly, this month marks a peak before the winds begin to subside in the summer months, contributing to the unique charm of Paris in springtime. With May's lively breezes, the city invites both locals and visitors to embrace its enchanting outdoors.
The weather in Paris 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 Paris and find detailed weather information for every month.
May weather in Paris showcases a significant warming trend compared to January. With minimum temperatures around 0°C (33°F) and average highs reaching up to 30°C (86°F), May offers pleasant conditions, perfect for outdoor activities. In contrast, January is much colder, with minimum temperatures dipping to -8°C (18°F) and average highs only reaching 14°C (58°F). Additionally, May experiences more humidity at 82% while January remains slightly more humid at 91%. Rainfall is slightly higher in May at 75 mm (3.0 in) over 13 days, compared to 57 mm (2.2 in) over 10 days in January. Overall, May provides a lively and warm memory of spring, while January’s chill invites cozy indoor experiences. For more details on January weather, you can visit Paris weather in January.
May and February present quite different weather experiences. In May, temperatures range from a chilly 0°C (33°F) at night to a warm 30°C (86°F) during the day, with an average of 14°C (58°F). The month sees about 75 mm (3.0 in) of precipitation over 13 days, combined with a humidity level of 82%. In contrast, February is much colder, with temperatures dipping as low as -8°C (17°F) and reaching a maximum of 20°C (68°F), averaging 6°C (43°F). Precipitation is slightly lower at 67 mm (2.6 in) over the same number of days, but humidity is slightly higher at 89%. For a detailed look at February weather, check out Paris weather in February.
The weather in May is significantly warmer than in March, with average temperatures rising from March's 8°C (47°F) to May's 14°C (58°F). While May sees a maximum of 30°C (86°F), March peaks at a cooler 24°C (75°F). Both months experience similar levels of precipitation, with May recording 75 mm (3.0 in) and March just slightly less at 74 mm (2.9 in), although May has fewer rainy days than March, which has precipitation on 14 days compared to May's 13 days. Humidity levels are also quite high in both months, with May at 82% and March at 85%. For a more detailed look at March weather specifics, you can visit Paris weather in March.
In comparing the weather conditions of April and May, we see a notable shift in temperature and precipitation. April experiences a minimum temperature of -3°C (27°F) and an average of 11°C (52°F), while May sees a warmer minimum of 0°C (33°F) and an average temperature of 14°C (58°F). The maximum temperatures also rise in May, reaching up to 30°C (86°F), compared to April's maximum of 28°C (82°F). Additionally, May is significantly wetter, with 75 mm (3.0 in) of precipitation over 13 days, compared to April's 33 mm (1.3 in) across just 6 days. Humidity remains fairly high in both months, with April at 84% and May at 82%. For a more detailed look at April's weather, visit Paris weather in April.
In May, the weather often presents a wide range of temperatures, with a minimum of 0°C (33°F), an average of 14°C (58°F), and a maximum reaching up to 30°C (86°F). The month experiences moderate precipitation, totaling 75 mm (3.0 in) over 13 days, and maintains high humidity levels at 82%. In contrast, June sees a noticeable rise in both minimum and average temperatures, starting at 7°C (44°F) and averaging 19°C (66°F), while the maximum can soar to 36°C (97°F). Precipitation is slightly lower at 74 mm (2.9 in) over 12 days, with humidity decreasing slightly to 80%. This transition from May to June indicates a shift towards warmer and drier conditions, making it a vibrant time of year. For more information, visit Paris weather in June.
May and July exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of 0°C (33°F) to a pleasant average of 14°C (58°F), peaking at a warm 30°C (86°F). The month also sees considerable rainfall, with approximately 75 mm (3.0 in) of precipitation spread over 13 days and an average humidity of 82%. In contrast, July brings warmer conditions, with a minimum temperature of 8°C (46°F) and an average of 20°C (69°F), reaching a scorching maximum of 41°C (106°F). Additionally, July experiences less precipitation, totaling 51 mm (2.0 in) over just 8 days, and a slightly lower humidity of 73%. For more specific details on July weather, you can refer to Paris weather in July.
May weather in Paris is characterized by a cool average temperature of 14°C (58°F), with minimums dropping to 0°C (33°F) and maximums reaching up to 30°C (86°F). The month experiences about 75 mm (3.0 in) of precipitation over approximately 13 days, accompanied by high humidity levels averaging 82%. In contrast, August brings warmer conditions, with an average temperature of 20°C (68°F), minimums of 7°C (44°F), and maximums soaring as high as 37°C (99°F). The precipitation is less in August, totaling 60 mm (2.3 in) over about 10 days, and humidity decreases to an average of 68%. For more details, you can check Paris weather in August.
May and September offer distinct weather experiences, showcasing the transition from spring to fall. In May, temperatures can range from a chilly 0°C (33°F) to a warm 30°C (86°F), with an average of 14°C (58°F). The month receives about 75 mm (3.0 in) of precipitation spread over 13 days, contributing to a humid atmosphere with an average humidity of 82%. In contrast, September sees slightly warmer temperatures, with minimums of 4°C (40°F) and maximums reaching 34°C (93°F), averaging 17°C (62°F). Rainfall decreases to 49 mm (1.9 in) over just 8 days, and the humidity is a bit lower at 76%. For a detailed overview of September weather in Paris, check out Paris weather in September.
May and October exhibit notable differences in weather patterns, with May generally experiencing warmer temperatures. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 0°C (33°F) to a maximum of 30°C (86°F), leading to an average of 14°C (58°F). In contrast, October's temperatures are slightly cooler, ranging from a minimum of 2°C (35°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F) and averaging at 13°C (55°F). Both months receive a similar amount of precipitation, approximately 75 mm (3.0 in) in May and 79 mm (3.1 in) in October, while rainfall occurs on around 13 days in each month. Humidity is also high in both months, with October seeing a slightly elevated level at 88% compared to May's 82%. For more details on October specifically, you can refer to Paris weather in October.
May and November present quite contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 0°C (33°F) to a pleasant maximum of 30°C (86°F), with an average of 14°C (58°F). The month sees about 75 mm (3.0 in) of precipitation over 13 days and registers a humidity level of 82%. In contrast, November experiences cooler conditions, with temperatures dropping to a minimum of -4°C (26°F) and peaking at 19°C (67°F), averaging around 8°C (46°F). While November receives slightly less precipitation at 65 mm (2.6 in) over 12 days, it has a higher humidity level at 92%. For more insights on weather specifics for November, check out Paris weather in November.
May and December exhibit markedly different weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a cool minimum of 0°C (33°F) to a warm maximum of 30°C (86°F), with an average of 14°C (58°F). The month experiences about 75 mm (3.0 in) of precipitation over 13 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 82%. In contrast, December sees much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -4°C (26°F), an average of 6°C (43°F), and a maximum of 15°C (60°F). This month receives more precipitation, totaling 102 mm (4.0 in) over 17 days, along with a higher humidity of 93%. For detailed weather information, check Paris weather in December.
As May unfolds in Paris, the weather shifts into a vibrant tapestry, marked by warmer temperatures and increased humidity compared to the earlier spring months. With an average of 14°C, the city begins to shed its chill, often reaching delightful highs around 30°C. However, May is also characterized by a fair share of precipitation, with about 13 days experiencing light rain, making it essential for visitors and locals alike to embrace the unpredictable spring showers. This transitional month not only welcomes the blooming of flowers but also invites a mix of sun and clouds, creating an atmosphere that is refreshingly optimistic. If you want to explore more about the city's climate, check out Paris Climate for in-depth insights.