Mornings sit near the overnight low around 13°C with clear, cooler light — best for outdoor photos before crowds build.
France Weather in May
Everything you need to know about France weather in May
Updated September 10, 2026
France · France
France Weather in May
May in France is mild, clear and pleasantly walkable. Expect daytime highs around 20°C (68°F), mild nights around 13°C, long sunny stretches, and the city at its most magical and most crowded Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
- Avg high / low
- 20°C / 13°C
- 68F / 55F
- Precipitation
- 64mm
- 8 wet days
- Daylight
- 14.5 hrs
- mid-range daylight
France average temperatures through the year
MayRest of the year
9°
10°
13°
16°
20°
23°
25°
25°
22°
17°
12°
10°
JAN
10 wet
FEB
9 wet
MAR
9 wet
APR
8 wet
MAY
8 wet
JUN
8 wet
JUL
7 wet
AUG
7 wet
SEP
7 wet
OCT
9 wet
NOV
10 wet
DEC
10 wet
Daytime highs in Celsius with wet days per month for France. May sits at 20°C with 8 wet days.
The short answer
May falls in France's spring. Daytime highs average 20°C (68°F) with nights near 13°C (55°F). Precipitation totals about 64mm across roughly 8 wet days. Settling snow is uncommon. Visiting works well if you plan for high crowds Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
May climate in France
Monthly averages for France, France.
- Day high
- 20°C
- 68°F
- Night low
- 13°C
- 55°F
- Precipitation
- 64mm
- 2.5 in
- Wet days
- 8
- rain or drizzle
- Sunrise
- 4:45am
- mid-May
- Sunset
- 7:15pm
- mid-range daylight
- Daylight
- 14.5 hrs
- 7 hrs sunshine
Averages based on long-run monthly climate normals. Last updated September 10, 2026.
Real weeks swing around the 17°C mean. Early May often sits near 20°C while the final week lands closer to 20°C. Pack a spare layer for that 1° drift rather than dressing only for the monthly average Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Rain and drizzle usually arrive in pulses across the 8 wet days. Dry stretches between systems feel clearer and colder overnight. Use those gaps for outdoor sightseeing and keep indoor backups for the wetter clusters Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
What is the average temperature in France in May?
The average temperature in France in May is around 17°C (63°F), combining daytime highs of 20°C (68°F) with night lows of 13°C (55°F). The month cools steadily: the first days average highs near 20°C, while the final week typically tops out around 20°C with nights of 13°C.
Average daily high and low through May. The month cools by roughly 1 degrees start to finish.
How much does it rain in France in May?
France gets around 64mm (2.5in) of precipitation in May, spread over roughly 8 wet days. Wet spells typically last a day or two and clear to drier stretches in between Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
80
72
72
64
64
64
56
56
56
72
80
80
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Average precipitation by month in millimetres. May's 64mm sits near the annual rhythm.
Average precipitation by hour of day in France
May precipitation in France falls fairly evenly around the clock, with a mild overnight and early-morning peak. There is no predictable afternoon-downpour pattern — check the day's forecast rather than timing outings by the clock Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
12am6am12pm6pm12am
Relative share of May precipitation by hour of day. The distribution is fairly flat, with a mild overnight peak.
When is sunrise and sunset in France in May?
May daylight in France averages about 14.5 hours, mid-range daylight. Sunrise drifts from 4:45am to 4:35am across the month, while sunset holds near 7:15pm before edging toward 7:23pm. Plan outdoor sightseeing in the brighter midday window Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Sunrise and sunset through May. The shaded band is daylight Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
How humid is France in May?
Relative humidity in France in May averages around 70 percent. At 20°C that reads damper than the thermometer suggests. Temperature and wind still drive packing more than humidity alone Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
85
82
78
72
70
68
65
66
70
78
82
85
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Average relative humidity by month. May sits near 70%.
What is the weather like in France the rest of the year?
France moves from cooler months near 9°C highs through a warmer peak near 25°C. The best-weather stretch usually aligns with April and May. May sits in the spring arc with 20°C highs Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Average high (coral) and low (navy) by month. The shaded band is the typical daily range; MAY is marked.
Is May a good time to visit France?
Yes — if you accept high crowds. Here is the honest trade-off.
OverallGreat for warm travel
WeatherCool and clear
CrowdsHigh
PricesHigh
Budget (per night)$220 to $350
Book ahead6 to 8 weeks
May in France is defined by warm spring days and 20°C days. Stays often land in the $220–$350 range with high season demand. The smartest move is to book about 6–8 weeks ahead and keep outdoor blocks in the brighter midday window Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Pros
- 20°C highs suit warm days in France
- 7h average sunshine for daytime plans
- High crowds shape the May pace
- High season rates for stays and flights
Cons
- 8 wet days can pause outdoor sightseeing
- Humidity at 70% can feel heavier than the air temp
- Hotel rates climb fast mid-month
- Daylight near 14.5 hrs shortens evening walks
Travelling to France in May?
Book lodgings about 6–8 weeks ahead, then visit the busiest central sights right at opening on a weekday to skip the mid-afternoon crush first-timers always hit Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues. Compare months on our Best Time to Visit France guide.
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What May actually feels like
May is France's spring in lived terms: warm spring days. Most days feel cold, dry and often clear, with damper grey stretches arriving in bursts rather than settling in for the whole month Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
The underestimated variable is the day–night temperature swing. It truncates outdoor evenings and pushes dinner earlier. Build one indoor spare block every day Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Early May often starts near 20°C while the final week trends toward 20°C. That 1° drift is enough to change coat weight mid-trip. Recheck the forecast before packing day seven Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Afternoons reach 20–21°C before an early sunset near the 14.5-hour daylight limit — plan open-air stops then.
Evenings cool quickly toward 13°C; shift to indoor dining and illuminated streets once the light drops.
May in France, week by week
Crowds and prices move more than the thermometer.
May 1–7
20°C (68°F)- Crowds
- High
- Prices
- High season
- Best for
- Quieter weekday exploring
May 8–14
20°C (68°F)- Crowds
- High
- Prices
- High season
- Best for
- Balanced weather window
May 15–21
20°C (68°F)- Crowds
- High
- Prices
- Peak season
- Best for
- Festive peak atmosphere
May 22–31
20°C (68°F)- Crowds
- High
- Prices
- Peak season
- Best for
- Late-month flexible plans
Temperatures are France monthly averages split across each window. Individual years vary by several degrees.
What to pack and wear for France in May
Layers for swingy days
Pack for France in May around the 20°C / 13°C swing. The governing rule is stack thin layers. The one item worth buying before you fly is a breathable mid-layer Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Essential
- Light jacket
- Comfortable walkers
- Compact umbrella
- Merino mid-layer
Smart additions
- Scarf or buff
- Portable charger
- Clear tote for layers
- Lip balm SPF
Leave behind
- Thick parkas
- Wool sweaters
- Snow boots
Top places to visit in France in May
Outdoor icons with shade breaks
City centre · Free
France landmark walk
Go early on weekdays for quieter photos and softer light.
Add to your planWaterfront · Free
Harbour or river promenade
Golden hour is the calmest window Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your planMuseum quarter · Paid
Flagship museum morning
Weekday openings beat weekend queues and wet-day backups.
Add to your planOld town · Free
Historic streets loop
Late morning light helps cold stone feel less harsh.
Add to your planPark · Free
Central green escape
Shade and benches make longer walks realistic Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your planCovered market · Free
Indoor food hall backup
Ideal when wet days interrupt outdoor plans Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your plan
Top places to stay in May
Base near the sights that matter in May
Best overall
Central core
Walkable to main sights with easier 14.5-hour daylight logistics Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Best value
One transit stop out
Lower rates than the core while staying close for high evenings.
Local feel
Neighbourhood streets
Quieter nights and easier restaurant bookings than the busiest tourist blocks.
Top restaurants to visit in May
Breezy rooms and light seasonal plates
Downtown · Classic
France lunch counter
Hearty midday stop when outdoor plans run short on daylight.
Add to your planOld town · Cosy
Neighbourhood bistro
Low light and early dinners match short sunset windows Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your planMarket · Casual
Covered market stalls
Fast warm food without a reservation on wet afternoons Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your planRiverside · Scenic
Waterfront cafe
Daylight seating works best before the evening chill Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your planArts district · Modern
Gallery-side kitchen
Pairs well with museum days when weather turns Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your planResidential · Local
Corner noodle or soup spot
Simple, hot bowls that suit cold or humid evenings Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your plan
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France weather by month
How May compares. Every month links to its full weather guide.
| Month | Avg high | Wet days | Crowds | Cost | Overall | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9°C (48°F) | 10 | Low | Budget | Okay | Cold, rainy, few tourists |
| February | 10°C (50°F) | 9 | Low | Budget | Okay | Still chilly |
| March | 13°C (55°F) | 9 | Medium | Mid | Okay | Spring arriving slowly |
| April | 16°C (61°F) | 8 | High | High | Great | Mild and pleasant |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 8 | High | High | Great | Warm — this guide |
| June | 23°C (73°F) | 8 | High | Peak | Great | Long summer days |
| July | 25°C (77°F) | 7 | Very High | Peak | Great | Peak tourist season |
| August | 25°C (77°F) | 7 | High | High | Okay | Warm, occasional rain |
| September | 22°C (72°F) | 7 | High | High | Great | Pleasant autumn |
| October | 17°C (63°F) | 9 | Medium | Mid | Okay | Cooler and rainier |
| November | 12°C (54°F) | 10 | Medium | Mid | Okay | Grey but atmospheric |
| December | 10°C (50°F) | 10 | High | High | Okay | Festive lights season |
Temperatures shown as France monthly averages.
May vs April: May averages 17°C versus 13°C in April — a 4°C warm-up. Crowds shift from High to High while pricing moves into high season. Pick May if you want warm spring days Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
May vs June: June trends to 20°C, 3°C warmer than May. Expect high crowds and peak season rates. Pick June if you prefer long summer days Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Want May sun instead?
Need more sun than France offers in May?
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Paris in May
A change of scene with comparable May weather. France vs Paris →
- 25°C
Nice in May
Milder highs near 25°C and easier outdoor days. France vs Nice →
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France in May FAQ
Everything you need to know about France weather in May
Daytime highs average 20°C (68°F) and nights fall near 13°C (55°F). The monthly mean sits around 17°C. Expect a 1° swing from early to late May Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
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Atualizado em September 10, 2026