Last updated: February 26, 2025
May in Marseille, France offers a delightful blend of warm days and refreshing breezes. With maximum temperatures reaching up to 27°C (82°F) and a pleasant average of 17°C (63°F), the month's climate encourages outdoor adventures. Nighttime brings a cooler touch with minimum temperatures dipping to around 8°C (46°F). While there’s a bit of rain with 63 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation spread across 8 days, the 74% humidity adds a soft, balmy feel to the air. This vibrant month beckons visitors to explore the city's charms under a sunlit sky.
In May, Marseille 12 experiences a delightful transition into warmer weather, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 8°C (46°F) to a maximum of 27°C (82°F). This month averages a comfortable 17°C (63°F), marking a significant rise from the chill of the previous months. The pleasant temperatures invite both locals and visitors to enjoy the city's vibrant outdoor life, with many taking advantage of the increasing warmth to explore the stunning coastline and charming streets. As the days stretch longer and sunnier, May truly heralds the arrival of a Mediterranean summer, making it one of the most enjoyable times to experience all that Marseille has to offer.
In May, Marseille experiences a moderate precipitation amount of 63 mm (2.5 in), with rainfall occurring over 8 days. This marks a slight decrease compared to the previous month, which saw 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain during April. Interestingly, May strikes a balance between the wetter months of spring and the drier conditions of summer, as June brings a sharp drop to just 24 mm (0.9 in). The consistency in rain during May not only supports the lush blooming of flora but also sets the stage for warmer, sunnier days ahead, bridging the transition to the summer season while echoing the variations seen earlier in the year.
In May, Marseille experiences a comfortable humidity level of 74%, marking a slight decrease from the spring months. This humidity is consistent with April's figure, which hints at a transition into the summer season. As the year progresses, a gradual decline in humidity is observed, particularly from July onward, when levels drop to 69% and continue to decrease, reaching their lowest in August at 66%. This trend indicates that while May offers a pleasant atmosphere, the city is on the cusp of sunnier, drier days perfect for outdoor activities and enjoying its stunning coastal views. The overall pattern showcases Marseille's relatively higher humidity in the earlier months, balancing out as summer approaches.
As May unfolds in Marseille, the UV Index reaches a notable 9, indicating very high exposure potential. This is a significant uptick from the previous months, where the UV Index in April was already rated at 7. With burn time dropping to just 15 minutes, it's clear that sun safety becomes paramount as summer approaches. April's transition from moderate to high exposure foreshadows the more intense rays of May and beyond, leading into June's peak. This trend signals the necessity for residents and visitors alike to take precautions against overexposure. To stay informed about UV conditions throughout the year, check out the Marseille 12 UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
May in Marseille shines brightly with 406 hours of glorious sunshine, marking a delightful peak in the spring season. As the city awakens from the winter chill, the sunshine hours steadily increase from 199 hours in January to a vibrant 352 hours by April. This upward trend not only enhances the charm of the Mediterranean landscape but also invites locals and tourists alike to enjoy the outdoors. June continues this sunny spell with 423 hours, showcasing the city’s transition into the sun-drenched summer months. Marseille’s abundant sunshine not only brightens the days but also paints a picturesque backdrop for the myriad of cultural events and seaside activities that flourish this time of year.
In Marseille 12, the chances of encountering sunny weather in May stand at 48%, showing a slight dip compared to the previous month. As spring progresses, the sun begins to peek through more frequently, with March experiencing a notable 65% likelihood of sunshine, making it the sunniest month so far in the year. Although May's percentage falls below this peak, it is followed by a rise in sunny days in June, which boasts a 61% probability. This trend suggests that while May might not be the sunniest month, it serves as a bridge to the more reliably sunny months of summer. With the likelihood of sunny weather increasing in the following months, May still offers a fair chance for those looking to enjoy the outdoors in Marseille's charming pre-summer atmosphere.
In Marseille, the shift in daylight duration throughout the year is a captivating reflection of the changing seasons. Starting with 9 hours of daylight in January, the days gradually lengthen, with March bringing 11 hours and April extending to 13 hours. As May arrives, residents and visitors can enjoy a generous 14 hours of sunlight, signaling the peak of spring. This trend continues into June, where daylight reaches its zenith at 15 hours. However, as summer wanes, daylight gradually diminishes, returning to 14 hours in July before tapering off to 13 hours in August, and further decreasing to 12 hours by September. The cycle completes with shorter days in the fall and winter months, settling back to 9 hours by December. This rhythmic transformation not only marks the progression of the year but also sets the stage for various outdoor activities and celebrations unique to each season.
In Marseille, France, the winds of May usher in a refreshing breeze, with an average wind speed of 5.4 m/s (12 mph), slightly stronger than April's gentle gusts. This month showcases a subtle resurgence in wind intensity compared to the preceding spring months, which recorded a gradual decline from January's robust 6.4 m/s (14 mph). As summer approaches, the trend reveals a gradual decrease in wind speeds, peaking in early winter with November's similar average, hinting at the city's dynamic maritime climate. Overall, May encapsulates a transitional phase, where the mild winds become a prelude to the warmer days ahead, inviting both locals and visitors to embrace the outdoor charm of this enchanting Mediterranean port.
The weather in Marseille 12 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 Marseille 12 and find detailed weather information for every month.
In comparing the weather conditions of May and January, May presents a considerably warmer atmosphere, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 8°C (46°F) to a maximum of 27°C (82°F) and an average of 17°C (63°F). This month experiences 63 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over 8 days, accompanied by a relative humidity of 74%. In contrast, January is much cooler, featuring temperatures that range from a minimum of 1°C (34°F) to a maximum of 16°C (62°F), with an average of 9°C (48°F). January sees slightly less precipitation at 55 mm (2.2 in) over 7 days, along with higher humidity at 80%. For more detailed weather information, you can check Marseille 12 weather in January.
May offers a significantly warmer climate compared to February, with average temperatures rising from a chilly 10°C (50°F) in February to a pleasant 17°C (63°F) in May. While February experiences minimum temperatures that can dip to -1°C (31°F), May showcases a much milder low of 8°C (46°F). Precipitation also differs, with May receiving 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain over 8 days, compared to February's 40 mm (1.6 in) over 7 days. The humidity levels are quite similar, with May at 74% and February slightly lower at 73%. For more detailed information, you can refer to Marseille 12 weather in February.
In comparing the weather between March and May, May enjoys significantly warmer temperatures, with average highs reaching 27°C (82°F) compared to March's maximum of 20°C (68°F). The minimum temperature in May is also more comfortable at 8°C (46°F), while March starts off chillier at 1°C (34°F). Additionally, May experiences slightly more precipitation, with 63 mm (2.5 in) over 8 days, whereas March sees 49 mm (1.9 in) across 6 days. Humidity is relatively comparable, with May at 74% and March at 71%. For more detailed information on March weather, you can check Marseille 12 weather in March.
In comparing the weather of May and April, May boasts warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 8°C (46°F) and a maximum of 27°C (82°F), compared to April's range of 4°C (39°F) to a maximum of 21°C (70°F). The average temperature in May is also noticeably higher at 17°C (63°F), surpassing April's 14°C (57°F). While both months experience a similar number of rainy days, with precipitation recorded on 8 days, May has slightly less rainfall at 63 mm (2.5 in) compared to April's 70 mm (2.7 in). Humidity remains quite comparable, with May at 74% and April slightly higher at 75%. For more detailed insights on April weather, you can visit Marseille 12 weather in April.
May typically experiences a broader temperature range, with minimums dipping to 8°C (46°F), an average of 17°C (63°F), and maximums reaching 27°C (82°F). The month also sees relatively high precipitation, averaging 63 mm (2.5 in) over about 8 days, combined with a humidity level of 74%. In contrast, June offers warmer temperatures, starting from a minimum of 14°C (57°F) and peaking at 31°C (88°F), with an average of 21°C (71°F). Additionally, June is much drier, with only 24 mm (0.9 in) of precipitation over just 4 days and slightly lower humidity at 72%. To learn more about the specific weather conditions in June, you can check out Marseille 12 weather in June.
May and July present distinctly different weather patterns. In May, temperatures exhibit a wider range, with a minimum of 8°C (46°F) and a maximum of 27°C (82°F), averaging around 17°C (63°F). The month also experiences relatively high humidity at 74% and sees about 63 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over 8 days. In contrast, July brings warmer conditions, with a minimum temperature of 17°C (62°F) and a maximum of 30°C (86°F), averaging 24°C (75°F). This month has significantly less precipitation, dropping to just 9 mm (0.4 in) over only 1 day, and humidity decreases slightly to 69%. For more details on the weather in July, check out Marseille 12 weather in July.
In May, the weather is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 8°C (46°F) to a maximum of 27°C (82°F), resulting in an average of 17°C (63°F). This month sees a higher precipitation level of 63 mm (2.5 in) over approximately 8 days, contributing to a humidity level of 74%. In contrast, August experiences warmer temperatures, with minimums of 17°C (63°F) and maximums reaching 32°C (90°F), averaging around 24°C (76°F). Precipitation drops significantly to only 16 mm (0.6 in) across just one day, and humidity decreases to 66%. For more details, check Marseille 12 weather in August.
May and September showcase distinct weather patterns as spring transitions into autumn. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 8°C (46°F) to a max of 27°C (82°F), with an average of 17°C (63°F). This month experiences relatively high humidity at 74% and about 63 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation spread over 8 days. In contrast, September offers a warmer experience with minimum temperatures of 11°C (53°F) and an average high of 28°C (83°F), settling at an average of 21°C (70°F). Additionally, September sees less rainfall, accumulating only 39 mm (1.5 in) over approximately 5 days and slightly lower humidity at 71%. For an in-depth look at the weather norms, you can check Marseille 12 weather in September.
May and October both feature mild average temperatures of around 17°C (63°F), but they differ slightly in their extremes. May enjoys warmer days with maximum temperatures reaching 27°C (82°F), while October tends to be cooler, peaking at 25°C (77°F). Precipitation is also more prominent in October, with 88 mm (3.5 in) spread over 7 rainy days compared to May's 63 mm (2.5 in) across 8 days. Additionally, humidity levels creep up slightly in October to 78%, compared to May's 74%. For a more detailed look at October weather, you can check Marseille 12 weather in October.
May and November present distinct contrasts in weather. In May, temperatures generally range from a minimum of 8°C (46°F) to a pleasant average of 17°C (63°F), peaking at a comfortable 27°C (82°F). The month sees moderate rainfall, with about 63 mm (2.5 inches) spread over approximately 8 days and humidity hovering around 74%. In contrast, November experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 5°C (42°F) and an average of 13°C (56°F), reaching a maximum of 19°C (67°F). This month is also significantly wetter, with precipitation totaling 127 mm (5.0 inches) over about 12 days, and humidity levels rising to 82%. For a closer look at November's weather in Marseille, you can check this link: Marseille 12 weather in November.
May and December present contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures typically range from a mild 8°C (46°F) at night to a warm 27°C (82°F) during the day, with an average of 17°C (63°F). The month sees relatively less precipitation, totaling 63 mm (2.5 in) over about 8 days, and the humidity stands at 74%. In contrast, December experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 2°C (36°F) and a maximum of 18°C (64°F), averaging only 10°C (50°F). Precipitation increases slightly to 76 mm (3.0 in) over 9 days, and humidity rises to 79%. For more details on December's climate, you can visit Marseille 12 weather in December.
May in Marseille brings a delightful transition into warmer weather, showcasing a beautiful blend of sunny days and occasional rainfall. With average temperatures comfortably nesting around 17°C and peaks reaching up to 27°C, it marks a clear departure from the cooler months. April’s chill fades away, but the onset of humidity at 74% reminds us that summer is just around the corner. Expect about eight days of rain, providing a refreshing contrast to the bright sunshine. If you're curious about how this month’s climate stacks up against others, delve deeper into the details at Marseille 12 Climate.