Weather in France in May

Visiting France in May comes highly recommended. As the country shifts to summer, the weather is mild-to-warm, tourist crowds are moderate, and some rather special events are on hand to add pizzazz and authenticity to your vacation. Like the sound of that? Read on for detail on the weather in France in May. Spoiler alert: it’s well-suited to exploring urban and rural landscapes alike without the intensity of summer's heat and crowds.

France in May at a glance

• Average low temperatures range: 48°F to 55°F (9°C to 13°C); average highs: 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C).
• Summer is on the hozion, which means plenty of sunny days, with less rain than the preceding months.
• Northern and central regions enjoy mild spring weather, and it’s warmer in the south.
• Ideal conditions for outdoor activities, wine-tasting tours, and less-crowded cultural experiences.

What is the weather like in France in May?

On the whole, the weather in France in May is mild-to-warm, with plenty of sunny days —especially in the south — and less rainfall compared with preceding months. 

In terms of the numbers, Paris and Northern France usually experience around 1.8 to 2.3 inches (45 to 60 mm) of rain through May, while Southern France sees in the region of 1.2 to 2.0 inches (30 to 50 mm). This represents a slight decrease on the average rainfall experienced in France through April.

Meanwhile, the driest months, July and August, see an average of 0.5 to 1.5 inches (12 mm to 40 mm).

Keen to kickstart your France vacation? Talk to our local experts to start curating your dream trip.

Average daily temperatures in May

The weather in France in May sees an average low temperature range of 48°F to 55°F (9°C to 13°C), with average highs spanning 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C).

For context, December sees average lows ranging from 30°F to 40°F (-1°C to 5°C), while average highs typically range from 40°F to 50°F (4°C to 10°C).

At the other end of the scale, during the height of summer, the average low temperature range in France sits around 60°F to 68°F (15°C to 20°C), with average highs spanning 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 30°C).

Regional temperature variations are as follows:

Paris and Northern France

• Highs: 65°F to 70°F (18°C to 21°C)
• Lows: 48°F to 53°F (9°C to 12°C)

Southern France (Provence, Côte d'Azur)

• Highs: 72°F to 77°F (22°C to 25°C)
• Lows: 55°F to 60°F (13°C to 16°C)

Western France (Bordeaux, Loire Valley)

• Highs: 68°F to 75°F (20°C to 24°C)
• Lows: 52°F to 58°F (11°C to 14°C)

Eastern France (Lyon, Alsace)

• Highs: 65°F to 72°F (18°C to 22°C)
• Lows: 48°F to 54°F (9°C to 12°C)

French Alps and Pyrenees

• Highs: 55°F to 65°F (13°C to 18°C)
• Lows: 40°F to 48°F (4°C to 9°C)

Want an overview of the weather in France around the year? Read up on the best time to visit France.

Is May a good time to visit France?

In a word: yes. May is a marvellous time to enjoy pretty much all the best things France has to offer.

First up, you could explore the likes of Paris and Marseille in pleasant warm weather before the summer tourist crush kicks in.

We also love Lyon in spring — a city that has it all, and deserves a top spot on weekend-break wish-lists, thanks to its bijou beauty, fab food scene and affordability.

Picture yourself ambling old towns, outdoor markets and lush, landscaped gardens, stopping off in cute cafés when you’re need of a caffeine fix, or glass of vin.

On that subject, May is also a fantastic time to explore France’s esteemed wine regions, among them Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne and the Rhône Valley. 

At this time of year, vineyards are lush and green, and wine tasting experiences can be enjoyed in more serene conditions, including tours of the best Bordeaux vineyards.

May also offers excellent conditions for hiking in Provence, and cycling through the vineyards of Alsace or scenic river routes of the Loire Valley.

It’s also a good time to enjoy the beaches and promenades of the charming Côte d'Azur. While the sea isn't yet at its warmest, you could even plan an itinerary around the best beaches in France.

Like we said at the start, May really is a marvellous month to make the most of pretty much everything France has to offer, with some rather special events — especially in the south, as revealed below — further spicing up your experience.

Not fixed on France? Browse more suggestions for the best places to travel in May, and discover some of the best places to visit in spring.

On a budget? Read up on some of the cheapest places to travel in spring.

What about the crowds and cost?

Though still part of the shoulder season, May sees an increase on crowds on the preceding months while remaining less crowded than July and August. 

That’s especially the case in more rural locations, and even on the coast, which doesen’t tend to attract huge crowds until the school vacation period.

At the same time, while travel costs in May are definitely up on February, March and April, they generally remain lower than they are during the peak summer season.

If you’re on a budget, it’s worth bearing in mind that prices increase as the month wears on and high season approaches. 

As always, it’s best to book well ahead of traveling to increase your chance of securing early-bird offers.

On a budget? Discover great things to do in Paris for FREE!

Festivals and events in France in May

Here are a few festivals and events held in France in May that might just give you extra reasons to visit.

Fête du Travail

Held nationwide on 1st May, France’s Fête du Travail Labor Day is a public holiday, and marked with parades, demonstrations, and the traditional giving of lily-of-the-valley flowers (muguet) as a symbol of good luck.

Be aware that as with other French public holidays, some attractions and museums will close. 

Cannes Film Festival

Held in mid-May, Cannes Film Festival ­— one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals — attracts celebrities, filmmakers, and movie-mad visitors from around the globe, with red-carpet events and screenings making the city yet more glamorous in May.

Monaco Grand Prix

Held since 1929, the Monaco Grand Prix ­— the slowest and most challenging race in the Formula 1 calendar — takes place across three unforgettable days.

Nuits des Musées

Held in mid-May, the Nuits des Musées (Night of Museums) offer free entry to many museums across France, with special evening exhibitions, performances, and guided tours.

Jazz Sous les Pommiers 

Held towards the end of May, Jazz Sous les Pommiers (Jazz under the Apple Trees) sees Coutances in Normandy stages a fabulous jazz festival across several venues, and on the streets.

Planning a trip to France? Our 7-day Southern France itinerary might be just what you’re looking for.

Ready for your dream trip to France?

Before booking you dream trip to France, browse our France itineraries for inspiration. Using our tailor-made trip platform means you’ll cut out the hassle of planning. 

Here are a few sample itineraries:

• Active Walking Tour from Paris to Southern France: this active itinerary will see you explore the length of France. After spending a few days in Paris, your southbound journey will see you traverse scenic hills, mountains and villages en route to Uzés and Avignon, with opportunities to enjoy adventure activities and cultural experiences long the way.
• A Taste of Eastern France: kicking off in Lyon, this 4-day walking itinerary combines fine food and fresh-air experiences in immersive style. After enjoying delicious food tours in Lyon, you’ll embark on a scenic walk through the beautiful Beaujolais region, with pretty much every day rounded off with a wine-tasting experience.
• Scenic Southern France: this spectacular tour starts in the coastal city of Marseille. After taking a walking tour of the city, you’ll uncover captivating Cassis by bike before venturing to the Alpilles to explore Provence, taking in Les Baux and St Remy, ending your trip in Avignon.

Inspired? Contact our local experts to start curating your own dream trip to France.