Paris in May: Guide to Weather, Events, & Things to Do

Paris in May may be my favorite time to visit overall. I know, it’s SO tough to choose a favorite month in Paris! But May is a special time here.

For starters, there are TONS of events happening around the city, the days are long and mostly warm, and it’s overall pleasant.

So if you’re visiting Paris in May, congrats! You’ve picked a beautiful time to be there. So let’s talk about weather, what to wear, events, things to do, and answer your questions before you go!

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Paris in May Weather

One of the biggest questions I get asked when making my Paris-by-month videos on TikTok and Instagram is “What is the weather like?” So here are averages for the weather in May in Paris. 

• Average high: 66-71ºF / 19-22ºC
• Average low: 51-55ºF / 11-13ºC
• Number of days with precipitation: 9 days
• Hours of daylight: 14.5-almost 16 hours

Yes, the days are getting nice and long! The sun rises around 6:30 am and sets around 9 pm on May 1, and on May 31, the sun rises around 5:50 am and it sets around 9:45 pm. Enjoy ALL that blissful daylight.

However, historically, Paris in May can be a rainy month. That being said, Paris is all over the place with rain depending on the year. Some months can be dry and sunny, and even this past winter, they went like a month without sun and a ton of rain. 

Every time I’ve been in Paris in May, it’s been amazingly sunny, but that isn’t always the case. 

So just carry an umbrella, because you know the second you forget, Paris will rain. 

Also, note these are historical averages and not a guarantee. Weather will weather and do what it wants, even in the most beautiful city in the world.

What to Wear in Paris in May

Temperatures can be mild to even pretty warm depending on when you’re there and the weather during that time! But mornings in Paris can be cooler than the afternoons. Here is what to wear:

• Sneakers. Sneakers are the main shoe in Paris, let’s be real. It’s practical for walking long distances, which you’ll likely be doing there. I love my Adidas sneakers. You can maybe wear loafers for nicer dinners and in the evenings, but I wouldn’t walk around all day in them. Men’s sneakers here. Men’s loafers here.
• Socks. Bring socks for your sneakers, whether that is short or long socks, that’s up to you. I just wear my shorter, running socks with mine.
• Jeans/trousers. These are always a classic staple in Paris. Men’s version here.
• Short-sleeve shirts. I love my simple short-sleeve tops or mockneck tops. Men’s shirts here.
• Long-sleeve shirts. Most days in Paris in May, I’d just wear a long sleeve top and trousers/jeans and that would be great for walking around all day without my jacket depending on weather! Men’s version here. I particularly like my white button down to layer over short-sleeve shirts too!
• Skirts/dress. While you can wear a skirt with tights in the cooler months, this is the time of year you can wear cute skirts/dresses if you like on warmer days!
• Trench coat. While it isn’t super cold, and you may not need a coat if you’re wearing a long-sleeve top or something, having a coat for chillier mornings can be nice. Men’s version here. These are water resistant jackets.
• Umbrella. Surprisingly, Paris actually gets more rain than London! So yes, having an umbrella is key. 
• Light scarf. If you run cold, having a light scarf can be nice, particularly in the mornings!

No matter what, always dress to your comfort levels. If you run cold, bringing more layers can help. If you run hot, you can bring less. No matter what though, always check the weather forecast before you go so you know what to expect! 

Need help planning your trip to Paris? I have an entire guide with EVERYTHING you need to know including itinerary ideas, hidden gems, restaurants, and more! Get it here!

Paris Events in May

In France, many people tend to compare the month of May to Swiss cheese. Why? It has a lot of holes in it!

Yes, that is because May has the most public holidays in France than any other month. There are a whopping 4 bank holidays this month! So, as you can imagine, many French people tend to take long weekends to take advantage of the extra days off.

So here are public holidays to keep in mind in Paris in May:

• May 1 (Labour Day): Similar to many other countries who celebrate Labor Day, it is to honor workers’ rights and contributions. This is a key date to know, because many museums and attractions are closed on this day. The Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, etc. are even closed on May 1. So check ahead of time to see what is open.
• May 8 (Victory Day): This celebrates the end of WWII in Europe.
• May 14 (Ascension Day): This is a Christian holiday that is celebrated 40 days after Easter and commemorates when Christ ascended into Heaven after being raised from the dead. This does change based on the date of Easter each year.
• May 24 & 25 (Whit Sunday/Whit Monday): This is another Christian holiday that celebrates when the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles of Jesus. This changes based on the date of Easter. As this is a Sunday holiday, the following Monday is a bank holiday. 
• Bonus May 31 (Mother’s Day): This isn’t a bank holiday, but typically the last Sunday of May is Mother’s Day in France! 

Other Events in Paris in May

Aside from the big holidays, Paris is full of events this time of year. 

• Foire du Trone (March 27-May 25, 2026): This is a fun fair that lasts through the spring months with attractions and rides for the family! It takes place in Pelouse de Reuilly in Bois de Vincennes.  
• Fete du Pain (May 8-17, 2026): This is usually held around May 16, near the feast day of the patron saint of bakers, Saint Honoré. It is on the square in front of Notre Dame and there are baking demonstrations, and you can purchase bread and baked goodies! It also honors the year’s winner of the best traditional baguette!
• Supersonic Block Party Festival (May 14-16, 2026): This is an Indie Music Festival held in the Bastille neighborhood of Paris. 
• Saint-Germain-des-Pres Jazz Festival (May 18-24, 2026): Jazz and Paris go hand-in-hand, and the Saint-Germain-des-Pres Jazz Festival is one to attend if you love jazz. Check out concerts at several venues! 
• Roland-Garros (May 18-June 7, 2026): The French Open tennis tournament is back and is typically in May/early June. 
• Night of the Museums (May 23, 2026): This is a special night each year where attractions around the city open up to the public for free and stay open later in the evening. There are also special performances and things happening around the many attractions. 
• Les Fetes Galantes at Versailles (May 24 & 25, 2026): I was lucky enough to attend the Grand Masked Ball at Versailles last year, and it was incredible! I wore a traditional Baroque dress and danced the night away at an all-night rave in the Orangerie of Versailles. But this is another iconic ball at Versailles that is more traditional with traditional music and dancing. It’s also inside the palace itself and ends with the fireworks at Versailles (versus starts afterward like the Grand Masked Ball does!). This year, they’re also doing a complementary event the evening before at Trianon. It is sold out this year, but sign up for the Versailles Spectacles email list to find out when tickets go on sale for next year! 
• Paris Beer Festival (May 25-31, 2026): If you love craft beer, be sure to check this one out! Enjoy learning more about craft beer at partner bars and beer shops. Then, that weekend, they have their finale with tons of beer on tap. 
• Belleville Artists’ Open Studios (May 29-31, 2026): For art lovers, you can meet artists and visit studios to enjoy various kinds of art! 
• Printemps des Rues (May 30-31, 2026): This takes place in the 10th, 18th, and 19th arrondissements of Paris and is an art festival featuring theatre, puppet shows, singing, dancing, etc. 
• Mother’s Day (May 31, 2026): And, of course, there is Mother’s Day at the end of the month! It is typically the last Sunday of May. So if you’re visiting with your mom, go out to brunch and enjoy time together!

As you can see, Paris has a LOT going on in May, and it increases as you enter the summer months (well, until August when everyone is “en vacances”).

Things to Do in Paris in May

Here are some great things to do in Paris during this later spring month.

1. Enjoy a Springtime Picnic.

On a fabulously warm day in Paris, there is nothing better than a picnic. Paris is full of parks, making this an easy and fun thing to do! A fun idea is to head to Barthélémy for cheese and La Grande Epicerie to get wine, baguettes, butter, and charcuterie, and then head to Jardin du Luxembourg for a dreamy picnic. 

Just beware that you may attract ducks (or pigeons)!

Some other great places to picnic include:

• Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
• Parc Monceau
• Place des Vosges
• Jardin des Tuileries

2. Enjoy the Outdoor Museums.

Okay, these museums are indoors, but have an outdoor component. And when it’s a nice day, going outside is the best! So here are great museums with lovely outdoor spaces.

• Rodin Museum: This actually has an outdoor sculpture garden complete with a little fountain and the famous The Thinker statue.
• Musée de Montmartre: Learn about the history of Montmartre, see the famous Montmartre vineyard here, Suzanne Valadon’s apartment and atelier, and even Renoir’s gardens outside. There is also the Cafe Renoir. This was once home to many artists in the past such as Auguste Renoir, Suzanne Valadon, Émile Bernard, and more.
• Musée de la Vie Romantique: This was the former home of Dutch-French painter Ary Scheffer. This artist hosted many famous artists and intellectuals at his home, and there are many works by George Sand, Ary Scheffer, and other renowned artists of his time. Plus, there is the most charming outdoor tearoom to enjoy! 
• Petite Palais: This fine arts museum in Paris is free to visit and has pieces from many famed artists. But I love their inner courtyard with a garden! 
• National Archives: Discover the archives of French history before exploring the gardens at this free museum. 

3. Attend the Night at the Museums.

If you’re here during that evening in May (dates mentioned above), I would 100% take advantage of that and enjoy the events and free late-night museum openings around the city!

4. Sit at a Cafe and People-Watch.

Is there anything better to do in Paris than to grab a coffee, glass of wine, or spritz and enjoy time sitting outside at a cafe watching the world go by?

It’s one of the best things to do in Paris, in my opinion! The charm of Paris lies within the simplicity of an outdoor terrace. 

And honestly, you can’t go wrong with any one that you find! Even if it is a touristy spot, who cares? You’re going for drinks, not for food. I do love Les Deux Magots in the morning when the world wakes up with my hot chocolate and filter coffee pot. 

I also love Le Barav, which is a lovely wine bar with outdoor seating.

5. Seine Evening Cruise.

While the sun sets much later in the evening, you can still go on a lovely sunset cruise to catch the Eiffel Tower sparkling at night! Also, you get to see the city of Paris lighting up at sunset…could it be more beautiful?!

Check out a great evening cruise here!

6. Enjoy the markets!

I say this in most of my monthly guides, and that is because there are weekly markets all over Paris! But you can enjoy the fresh fruits and veggies of the season including peas, strawberries, artichokes, new potatoes, and rhubarb. 

Some markets to check out include: 

• Raspail Market: Tuesday & Friday from 7 am-1:30 pm.
• Rue Mouffetard Market Street: Everyday except Monday from around 8 am-1 pm. However, weekends are the best time to go.
• Rue Cler Market Street: There are many shops and things that have varying opening times. Many are closed on Monday all day and Sunday afternoons. But it is typically open all day until around 8 pm Tuesday-Saturday.
• Place Monge Market: Wednesday & Friday from 7 am-2:30 pm. Sunday from 7 am-3 pm.
• Maubert Market: Tuesday & Thursday from 7 am-2:30 pm. Saturday from 7 am-3 pm.
•  March d’Aligre: Tuesday-Friday from 7:30 am-1:30 pm and Saturday-Sunday from 7:30 am-2:30 pm. The covered market is open from Tuesday-Friday from 9 am-1 pm and 4-7:30 pm, Saturday is from 9 am-1 pm and 3:30-7:30 pm, and Sunday is from 9 am-1:30 pm. 
• Bastille Market: Thursday from 7 am-2:30 pm and Sunday from 7 am-3 pm.

7. Head to a Brocante.

A brocante is an antique market! If you love antiques or want a fun and unique souvenir for your trip to Paris, going to a brocante is a must! 

While the largest flea market is Marche aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, there are little antique and flea markets that pop up all over the city. This is open on Friday from 10 am-1 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10 am-6 pm, and Monday from 11 am-5 pm. 

Check out various markets and their dates/times here.

8. Take Epic Spring-Filled Day Trips from Paris!

The great thing about visiting Paris in May is that it is a great time for day trips as all the places are open again! You can go to Giverny to see Monet’s Gardens! You can see the gardens of Versailles in bloom! 

Here are some fabulous ideas.

• Versailles. Explore the gardens here, go for a bike ride, visit the gardens at Petit Trianon and Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet, and, of course, explore the famous chateau itself. May is a lovely time to visit!
• Monet’s House and Gardens. Freshly reopened in April for the season, and you can admire the water lily pond, spot flowers in bloom, and admire copies of his iconic works in his former home. 
• Chateau de Chantilly. Visit this stunning estate and gardens when they’re full of flowers! Oh, this place also contains the second largest amount of antique paintings in France (the Louvre has the most). 
• Chateau de Fontainebleu. You may sense a chateau theme to this month’s day trips…and you’d be correct! Again, the gardens are a big draw!
• Loire Valley. Yes, you can take a longer guided day trip from Paris to visit magnificent chateaux in the Loire Valley (AKA the Garden of France!). Admire stunning chateaux, and frolic amongst their fragrant and colorful gardens.
• Reims. This is a great time to sip bubbly in Champagne! You can do this as a tour or just hop on the TGV and enjoy! Make Champagne House tour/tasting reservations in advance, though, if you’re doing this on your own. 
• D-Day Beaches in Normandy. You’re visiting around Victory Day, so you can take a longer day trip from Paris to visit and pay respects to those who fought on D-Day. D-Day isn’t until June 6, but this is still a nice idea and a way to beat the crowds next month when a lot of visitors come. Here is a Canadian tour as well. 

Where to Stay in Paris in May

I have several articles discussing where to stay in Paris including:

• Where to Stay in Paris Based on Your Travel Style
• Where to Stay in Paris For First Timers
• My Favorite Hotels in Paris
• Best Hotels in Paris With Eiffel Tower Views

But here are a few great spots to stay at in May:

• Hotel Odeon Saint-Germain: I just love this hotel and have stayed here a couple of times. Great location, AC (useful when those days heat up!), and it’s in a lovely area in Saint-Germain-des-Pres. Book it here!
• Hotel Atmospheres: Love this hotel that is great for walking around Paris, exploring the Latin Quarter further, and is just an overall lovely place to stay. Book it here!
• Le Temple de Jeanne: Located in Le Marais, you can’t go wrong with a stay here! Book it here!

Is Visiting Paris in May Worth It?

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, the month of May in Paris is one of my favorite times to visit! Between beautiful parks and flowers, warmer days ahead, and all the fun and exciting events, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Paris in May.

Yes, Paris in May is always worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions to visiting Paris this time of year.

1. Is May a busy time to visit Paris?

Between all the holidays where French people are traveling and the closeness of Paris’s busiest time of the year, yes, May does feel a bit busier than the earlier parts of the year.

That being said, it isn’t peak summer yet, but be prepared for crowds in popular areas.

2. Do you need reservations for restaurants in Paris in May?

Yes, and it depends. I rarely make lunch reservations unless it is a place I really want to eat at that gets booked up. However, for dinner, I typically make reservations for sit-down spots as restaurants usually only do 1-2 seatings a night. 

This is great as you won’t be rushed and the table is yours! But that means they don’t take many people, including walk-ins sometimes. I like to play it safe and make a reservation. 

However, you don’t have to do this every night! There are plenty of places you can just walk in and get a table. 

3. Are Paris gardens and parks open in May? 

Yes! Paris parks and gardens are open year-round! 

4. Are museums crowded in Paris in May?

They can be. The Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, the Eiffel Tower, etc., will likely be crowded. But, let’s be honest, they are pretty busy year-round.

But the smaller museums and attractions in Paris aren’t crowded usually. Check out my guide to smaller museums in Paris here!

5. Is Paris expensive in May?

This is when hotel prices do start to rise more. I’ve noticed that they tend to increase in April and increase more in May and then in June until mid-July. Shockingly, they tend to drop in August a bit. 

6. How many days do you need while visiting Paris in May?

I always recommend at least 3 days in Paris if you can! That is a good amount of time to get to know the city, see the main attractions, and enjoy time wandering. Obviously, 5-7 days in Paris is better, and more time than that is always better! And you can even do Paris in a day or 2 days. But 3-5 days in Paris is a great amount of time to visit in May. 

7. Does it rain a lot in Paris in May?

Again, this depends on the year. Weather kind of does it’s thing. Paris is rainier than London, so rainfall can happen at any time. Everytime I’ve been during May, the weather was perfect, but that isn’t always the case. Check the weather forecast before going, and don’t let rain stop you from a wonderful time! 

8. Are attractions open on May holidays?

For the most part, yes, but May 1 is the exception. A lot of attractions are closed on May 1 as it is Labour Day. If there are places you had in mind to visit, check openings in advance! 

That wraps up how to visit Paris in May including events, things to do, whether it is worth it, and your burning questions! 

I love it this time of year, and I hope you will too! 

What other questions do you have about visiting Paris this time of year?

Check out my video on Paris in May here!