May in
France signifies the arrival of late spring, with the weather becoming noticeably warmer and sunnier across the country. The northern coast near the English Channel experiences an increase in temperatures, with averages climbing to 14°C (57.2°F), creating pleasant conditions for outdoor exploration.
On the Atlantic Coast, cities such as Nantes and Bordeaux begin to feel the approach of summer. Temperatures in these regions frequently reach up to 17°C (62.6°F), providing an enjoyable climate for visiting the beautiful beaches and vineyards of the area.
In the interior regions, including Paris, May brings about a significant rise in temperatures, often touching 20°C (68°F). With a substantial reduction in rainfall compared to the earlier spring months, the city's parks and gardens become particularly inviting. The northeastern parts of the country follow suit, with warmer temperatures and a considerable decrease in precipitation.
In the southeastern part of France and Corsica, the influence of the Mediterranean climate makes May a delightful month. Cities like Nice and Marseille witness temperatures often rising to 21°C (69.8°F), ushering in the ideal conditions for beach activities and coastal exploration.
In the alpine regions, the last vestiges of winter disappear, giving way to the mild and verdant mountain spring. While snow may still be found in the highest altitudes, lower mountain areas embrace the warmth with temperatures frequently exceeding 15°C (59°F).
The Mediterranean and the Atlantic continue to warm in May, with sea temperatures averaging from 16°C (60.8°F) to 19°C (66.2°F). The warmer Mediterranean, in particular, begins to attract more visitors, eager to enjoy its increasingly inviting waters.
Precipitation in May decreases slightly compared to
April, with averages ranging from 40mm (1.57") to 70mm (2.76") across France. The reduction in rainfall, coupled with increasing sunshine hours, makes May one of the most pleasant months to experience the country in its full springtime glory.
- Paris - May »
On the last day of the month, in Paris sunrise is at 05:51 and sunset at 21:44 CEST. In May, the rain falls for 13.7 days. - Marseille - May »
On the last day of May, in Marseille, sunrise is at 06:01 and sunset at 21:11 CEST. In Marseille, during May, the rain falls for 10.1 days and regularly aggregates up to 39mm (1.54") of precipitation. - Lyon - May »
In Lyon, during the entire year, the rain falls for 104.1 days and collects up to 832mm (32.76") of precipitation. In Lyon, in May, it is raining for 11.3 days, with typically 91mm (3.58") of accumulated precipitation. - Toulouse - May »
The month with the most rainfall in Toulouse is May, when the rain falls for 16.6 days and typically aggregates up to 61mm (2.4") of precipitation. The month with the most rainfall in Toulouse is May, when the rain falls for 16.6 days and typically aggregates up to 61mm (2.4") of precipitation. - Nice - May »
In Nice in May, the average water temperature is 18°C (64.4°F). On the first day of May in Nice sunrise is at 06:22 and sunset at 20:33. - Nantes - May »
In Nantes during the entire year, the rain falls for 158.5 days and collects up to 472mm (18.58") of precipitation. On the first day of May in Nantes sunrise is at 06:48 and sunset at 21:17. - Strasbourg - May »
In Strasbourg in May, it is raining for 17.1 days, with typically 51mm (2.01") of accumulated precipitation. On the last day of May, in Strasbourg sunrise is at 05:31 and sunset at 21:22 CEST. - Montpellier - May »
In Montpellier, in May, during 9.5 rainfall days, 30mm (1.18") of precipitation is typically accumulated. Throughout the year, in Montpellier, there are 107.4 rainfall days, and 384mm (15.12") of precipitation is accumulated. - Bordeaux - May »
In Bordeaux, in May, during 14.2 rainfall days, 31mm (1.22") of precipitation is typically accumulated. Bordeaux's average high-temperature in May sits at an agreeable 20.8°C (69.4°F), showing little difference from the previous month. - Lille - May »
In Lille during May, the rain falls for 15.3 days and regularly aggregates up to 25mm (0.98") of precipitation. On the first day of May in Lille, sunrise is at 06:20 and sunset at 21:08. - Rennes - May »
In Rennes during May, the rain falls for 15.3 days and regularly aggregates up to 30mm (1.18") of precipitation. On the first day of May in Rennes sunrise is at 06:47 and sunset at 21:20. - Reims - May »
On the last day of the month, in Reims sunrise is at 05:43 and sunset at 21:40 CEST. The commencement of May in Reims, France, brings an average high-temperature of an enjoyable 17.6°C (63.7°F), marking an inconsequential divergence from April.