As evidenced by how many people flock to the city every month of the year, Paris is always a good idea. Paris in May may even be a better idea, as you get the perfect balance of good weather without the crowds.
A free night at the museum, a trail of trees and flora in bloom, the days are longer, and cafés and restaurants await patrons from all over the globe. Sure, May is France’s rainiest month, but the city is teeming with indoor attractions perfect for escaping the drizzle.
If you’re planning a trip to Paris in May, here’s a guide on all things to know before traveling to the City of Lights.
Things to Book in Paris Before You Leave Home
Few things are more frustrating on vacation than missing out on that amazing hotel or tour because it is sold out. Here are my top things to book in Paris before your vacation.
🗼 Most Popular Attractions in Paris:
1. Eiffel Tower Skip the Line Entry – you can’t miss this when you go to Paris
2. Louvre Museum Timed Entry Ticket – queues for this iconic museum can go for days
3. River Seine 1 Hour Cruise – see Paris from the water
4. Arc de Triomphe Rootop Tickets – try and get it for sunset
5. Versailles Palace Day Trip from Paris – the number one Paris day trip
🛏️Where to Stay in Paris:
1. Hotel La Bourdonnais – 5 min walk from the Eiffel Tower, 7th Arrondissement
2. Hotel Raphael – Most beautiful rooftop in Paris, with Eiffel Tower views
3. Les Jardins de Montmartre Hotel – great value, 10 min walk to Sacre Coeur
Weather in Paris in May
May is the month when spring is in full swing and summer is on the horizon. So you’ll be greeted by bright blue skies, sunshine offering plenty of daylight for activities, and chilly days accompanied by chilly nights.
The average temperatures range between 11°C and 19°C. However, the weather can be unpredictable at times, with extremes on either side during the month.
Unfortunately, May is the French capital’s rainiest month. Luckily, the showers are short-lived, but I’d still recommend bringing along an umbrella.
You might enjoy reading some of my other articles about Paris: Paris in May, Paris in April, Paris at Night, Sunrise in Paris, Best Hotels in Paris with a View, How to Plan a Trip to Paris, Paris Monuments, and Facts about Paris.
What to Wear During May in Paris
Generally speaking, May in Paris is too hot for winter jackets and too chilly for sundresses and the like. Layers, layers, layers — that’s essentially the only answer for what to pack during your visit to Paris in May. Think oversized blouses with jeans and a scarf, t-shirts with light cardigans, some shorts and a light sweater.
That isn’t to say warm wear won’t be necessary, though, especially if you’ll be walking the sparkling streets in the evening. For those cool days, keep a light jacket and a hat (not a beret) on hand. For rainy days, waterproof jackets and boots are essentials, so check out the weather forecast before heading out.
While the Paris cobblestone streets are beautifully inviting, you risk hating them by the end of the day without proper footwear. Ditch your flats for Chelsea boots and trade in your sandals for sneakers or loafers.
What to Pack During a Visit to Paris in May
Knowing what to pack is nearly as important as knowing what to wear in Paris. I believe you already know the essentials (passport, toothbrush, etc.), so I’ll just give you a list of items that will add to your experience.
May has several sunny days, so bring sunscreen for safety and sunglasses for styling. A camera is another worthy companion if you want to capture lifelong memories. You could choose to rely on your phone, for which I’d recommend bringing a power bank. Get this universal travel adapter which works with many different plugs.
14 Things To Do in Paris in May
With your outfits planned and travel bags packed, get ready to find out what makes Paris in May so alluring.
1. Museums Night (La Nuit des musées)
Paris is arguably the museum capital of the world, so seeing a museum or two is a must. While they’re incredible all year round, May offers something unique: the La Nuit des musées.
Museums Night takes place annually on the second or third Saturday of May. During the day, many museums in France open their doors to the masses—all free of charge! Yes, this includes places like the iconic Louvre Museum or the more obscure yet incredible Carnavalet Museum.
Expect avant-garde artworks, colossal sculptures, Renaissance paintings, ancient relics, and basically anything your imagination can think of. Unfortunately, some museums have limited space, so you’d need to make a booking far in advance to reserve your spot.
2. The Louvre Museum
The Louvre, as it’s often called, can easily stake its claim to being the most popular museum in the world. It’s for this reason that I say visiting this iconic landmark is a must-do while in Paris, regardless of the month.
If you couldn’t bear the crowds during Museums Night, trust me, paying for a ticket is so worth it. This breathtaking location is home to over 30,000 pieces spanning centuries, including Renaissance and contemporary works.
Take your pick of three wings from Richelieu, Sully, and Denon. Each one has splendour absolutely worth seeing. Here you’ll find permanent displays of Italian paintings, Egyptian objects, and Greek sculptures, as well as temporary exhibits.
Children under 18 and EU residents between 18 and 25 enter free of charge, while other adults have to pay €17. The entrance lines can be extremely long, so join a skip-the-line tour that includes a guided tour by an expert. If you are museum-hopping during your May visit, then I recommend getting a Paris museum pass which gives you free access to over 60 museums and monuments.
3. Bread Festival (La Fête du pain)
Bread is one of France’s most loved foods, so it’s no surprise they hold a festival to celebrate everything bread. From baguettes and croissants to brioche and French sourdough, you’ll find any and all French delights here.
The La Fête du pain, as it’s called, is held during the first weekend of May by Notre Dame. If you can’t find it, just follow the delightful aromas of fresh bread.
During the festival, bakers are invited to show off their creations to anyone who visits to take a bite of delicious bread. Here you’ll find sampling stations, live demonstrations, and stalls teeming with crunchy delights available for purchase.
While the festival has a lighthearted atmosphere, there’s a heated baguette competition that takes place. The winner gets the opportunity to serve baguettes to the Presidential Palace—so it’s not every day that you can say you ate the same food as a statesman.
You might enjoy reading some of my other articles about France: Lakes in France, Beautiful Cities in France, Famous French Landmarks, Bridges in France, What is France Famous For?, Things to do in Bordeaux, South West France, Things to do in Grenoble, Things to do in Vaujany, Things to do in Normandy, Tarn et Garonne, Saint Antonin Noble Val, Lake Annecy France and Reims, Champagne.
4. Taste of Paris
Paris is a gourmand’s perfect slice of heaven, with culinary delights sure to satisfy any taste buds. So, it came as no surprise to me when I heard that the city holds a Taste of Paris annual festival with different cuisines on offer. This is the perfect experience if bread isn’t for you.
This Parisian festival is held in mid-May annually for four days where nothing but eclectic dishes is on the menu. Here you can bite into taster-sized portions of Parisian and international grub in the comfort of chic, pop-up restaurants. These are prepared and served by Michelin-starred chefs and young artisans.
Take a piece of Paris back home with you by joining a cooking class led by Parisian chefs teaching a variety of dishes.
Check out my article on traveling to Paris solo.
5. Belleville Artists’ Open Studios
While this initiative was launched in 1990, it is only now becoming a renowned May tradition loved by locals and tourists. It’s the perfect stop if you’re a fan of contemporary and avant-garde art created by the modern artist.
Also known as the Portes Ouvertes d’Ateliers d’Artistes de Belleville, this showcase is usually held during the latter stages of May. During the Belleville Artists’ Open Studios, over 100 artists open their studios to just about everyone.
This includes painters, sculptors, photographers, illustrations, and the like who share and discuss their works. Some may add to the fun by including demonstrations, concerts, and more.
6. Paris Jazz Festival
Saint Germain des Prés is a district that blends heritage and culture along with being a mecca for food and shopping. Also on this list is the annual Jazz festival, which attracts hordes of visitors and also has some free concerts.
While held in May, the dates change, so I can’t give a specific date. What I can say, though, is that you’re guaranteed a day full of fun and dancing.
The festival is held across different locations, such as the La Sorbonne university, the Odéon Theatre, and the Musée de Cluny. On stage, you’ll find jazz stars and bands belting out the tunes in harmony.
7. Seine River Cruise
The Seine River is as iconic as it is beautiful, having been featured in paintings and movies as well as having hosted tons of visitors. While riding on the cruise, you’ll be passing by greenery and beautiful architecture.
This cruise is especially magnificent in May when the days are sunny. You can catch a glimpse of the sunset before the day is chilly, and the surrounding monuments are also lit up for an incredible sight.
You can add to the fun by going on a sunset cruise tour that includes some soothing music playing in the background. You’ll pass by the Louvre, the Orsay Museum, the Notre Dame, and other monuments you can learn about via the tour app.
8. The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is easily the most recognisable of Paris monuments. This structure is synonymous with the city and is the reason behind it being dubbed the “City of Love”. Lovebirds flock to the city just to take a picture underneath this landmark or have a proposal at the top.
However, you don’t need a partner to enjoy your time here. For simple viewing pleasure, The Eiffel Tower is impressive any time of the day. However, it’s especially magnificent in the evening as the lights twinkle, and the crowds disperse.
You might enjoy my article on the best places to stay in Paris with a view of the Eiffel Tower.
For those who want to reach the peak, visit when the sun is out, and the sky is blue. From the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and its attractions. Step here, and you can see the Seine River, the Notre Dame, and the Louis Vuitton Foundation building.
Leave the flight of stairs to the incredibly robust and get access to the Eiffel Tower summit by elevator.
9. Paris’ Green Spaces
While Paris is most renowned for its man-made landmarks, it’s replete with natural splendour to match. During May, in particular, these green spaces become even more alluring as the flora is finally in bloom. Even if the flowers and trees aren’t your cup of tea, you can enjoy a decadent picnic under the verdant greenery.
I recommend first stopping by Jardin du Luxembourg. It has trees providing shade on sunny days, scenic views from the Paris Pantheon, and attractions like the Medici Fountain.
The Parc des Buttes Chaumont is another location you should consider. It’s home to a forgotten railway, verdant greenery, and an awe-inspiring waterfall.
The 28-hectare Jardin des Tuileries, teeming with trees and flowers of all sorts, is another location worth stopping by. It also has statues, pools, and fountains on its grounds.
10. Pere-Lachaise Cemetery
The Cimetiére du Pére Lachaise is a famous landmark in Paris that doubles as an eerie location and green space. Over three million people visit the cemetery annually, some visiting to pay their respects and others coming here to take in its beauty.
While here, you’ll be strolling past the tombs and graves of the affluent and famous underneath verdant trees. Among the people who call the cemetery their last resting place are Jim Morrison, Mano Solo, Oscar Wilde, and Pierre-Joseph Redouté.
11. Parisian Delights on a Café-Terrace
Parisian terraces are as popular as they are magnificent. In fact, the city previously submitted a request to UNESCO to get these café terraces recognised as world heritage sites.
These café terraces are best visited during spring and summer, so a visit to one is a must in May. Pop into one and enjoy bread and pastries, along with your favourite drink as the sun shines down on you. Just be wary of the spring afternoon showers or extremely chilly days.
12. Self-Guided Street Art Walking Tour
Paris is obviously the home of museums, but it also has a bustling street art scene that’s transformed its cobblestone streets into open-air museums. Best of all, you can find these massive artworks in different districts all on your own. May, in particular, is perfect as you won’t have to worry about sweating under the sun or freezing from the cold.
Paris’ most famous street art arrondissement is the 13th arrondissement, which has had murals and graffiti peppered on its walls since the 1960s. Boulevard Vincent Auriol should be your first stop here as it has over 20 murals to see. What’s cool about this is that they’re all legal.
You’ll also find artwork in the 20th arrondissement in Belleville, some other pieces in Vitry-en-Scène, and a street art trail in the Palais de Tokyo.
If you’d rather be guided to Paris’ best street displays, then join this 13th arrondissement street art tour.
13. The Moulin Rouge
The Moulin Rouge is where Parisian food and entertainment intersect to delight visitors from all over the world. It’s set in the heart of the French capital and is hard to miss, thanks to the iconic windmill outside the venue. Of course, this is not a May exclusive, but you may as well stop by since you’re already in Paris.
Visit here, and you’ll be rewarded with infinite entertainment brought to you by a variety of acts. Some are there to sing and dance, while others are there to perform feats like juggling, acrobatics, and gymnastics. The cabaret spoils guests with mouth-watering three-course French meals complete with champagne.
Seats are assigned on the day but can be bought well ahead of time. Book now to reserve a spot.
14. Disneyland Paris
This is an added bonus to your Paris trip in May if you’re travelling with kids or love Disney yourself. The month of May presents the low season for Disneyland Paris, meaning lighter crowds and shorter lines.
Despite the name, this famous attraction is around 45 minutes away from central Paris. Unless you’ve rented a vehicle, the easiest way to get here is by taking an RER A train. I recommend booking a return ticket ahead of time to avoid the long queues that await at the station for return tickets.
Visitors to the park can expect big thrills courtesy of the Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain or Marvel’s Flight Force rides. Survive the scares of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or zoom around a picturesque route at the Autopia exhibit.
As many of the attractions take place outdoors, be sure to check out the weather forecast before the afternoon showers ruin the experience.
French Holidays To Be Aware Of
The month of May has several public holidays in France, which are all important to know. Labour Day takes place on the 1st of May. The country celebrates “Victory in Europe Day” on the 8th and Ascension Day 39 days after Easter Sunday. The nation also celebrates Pentecost on the 7th Monday after Easter, which usually falls in late May or early June.
During each public holiday, expect shops and some attractions to be closed entirely while others may be operating at reduced hours.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Paris in May
Exploring Paris in May offers the same fun you can expect all year, as well as some seasonal pleasures you won’t find any other time. Even the unpredictable weather isn’t enough to stop millions from flocking here, and it shouldn’t stop you either.
Whether you’re here to munch on decadent grub, watch an entertaining show, or gaze at the work of renowned artists in the mecca of art, when it comes to what to do in Paris in May there’s something for everyone.
Learn some facts about Paris, and you’ll be ready to make the most of your time in the City of Lights. Use this article to put together your own list of the best things to do in Paris in May. Then, book your tickets and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Bon voyage!
I covered all of the costs involved in the writing of this post on Paris in May. However, this post includes affiliate links. That means if you click through and end up making a purchase I will receive a small commission. I wanted to make sure you were aware of this.