Weather: The warmer weather makes it perfect for outdoor activities, a visit to Monet’s gardens at Giverny or the French Open at Roland Garros. Let’s take a quick look at what to expect for the May weather forecast to help you know how to pack! There are many exciting Things to do in Paris in May that you won’t want to miss.
Temps: 51°- 67°F with an average rainfall of 2.5” Think cool & crisp in the morning and evening, so have a light coat or blazer and a light scarf that’s easy to take off once the sun is up high. Did you know we have 15.2 hours of daylight during May!
May Holidays in Paris that may affect your trip: In addition to La Fête du Travail (Labour Day) there are four more big French National Holidays in May that cause shops and museums to be closed when you might not expect it!
Don’t forget to explore the many Things to do in Paris in May while you’re enjoying the holiday festivities!
- La Fête du Travail (Labor Day) – May 1
- World War II Victory Day – May 8
- Ascension Day – May 14
- Whit Sunday – May 24
- Whit Monday – May 25
Listing of what’s open & closed on public holidays in May: https://parisjetaime.com/eng/article/museums-and-monuments-open-on-public-holidays-in-the-month-of-may-a1018
May Event Highlights:
- Labor Day May 1
- French Open Tennis at Roland Garros: May 19 – June 8
- Paris Jazz Fest in St. Germain des Pres: May 18-24
- Night at the Museums: May 23
- Taste of Paris Food Event: May 21-24
- On the first Sunday of the month – May 3 – enjoy strolling down the middle of the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, which is reserved for pedestrians from 11am to 6pm
- Take advantage of the perfect weather with a Paris photoshoot with us! Reserve your session now!
May Events in Detail:
Discover the enchantment of Paris in May, a month brimming with vibrant energy and exciting events! Second only to Bastille Day in national significance, May Day (May 1st) stands out as a major Parisian holiday. Keep an eye out for the charming lily-of-the-valley flowers, a beloved French symbol of good luck, which you’ll find on nearly every street corner at flower stalls. While most shops and museums observe France’s Labor Day with closures, it presents a perfect opportunity to indulge in unique experiences like a delightful lunch cruise along the Seine or a flavorful gourmet walking tour of the city’s culinary hotspots.
The French Open: May 18 – June 7 For all the tennis fans this is a highlight on the city’s spring calendar. This Grand Slam tennis tournament, the only one played on red clay, begins in late May at the iconic Roland Garros stadium. • May 19 to June 8, 2025
The Paris Jazz Festival: May 18 to 24 is held in Saint-Germain-des-Prés and is another reason to go to Paris in the Spring. While we haven’t attended this yet, we did some research online and it’s definitely not New Orleans style jazz, but think more smooth jazz, as Nora Jones is a past performer.
Nuit Européenne des Musées – Night at the Museums! May 23, 2026 Experience the magic of Paris after dark during Nuit des Musées (Night of Museums), a truly celebrated Paris event in May. This special evening invites you to explore the city’s remarkable museums with free admission and extended opening hours. Wander through iconic galleries under the cloak of night, discover captivating special exhibits, and immerse yourself in the unique ambiance where art and culture come alive in the darkness. Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to discover Parisian museums in an entirely new and enchanting light, making it a must-do activity when visiting Paris in May.
Here’s a list of some of the top museums participating. Check their websites for more info:
- Musée de l’Homme
- Musée Rodin
- Musée d’Orsay
- Musée de l’Armée
- Petit Palais (Fashion Shows & Workshops!)
- Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris
- Click here to book tickets to many of the museums in Paris!
Taste of Paris (Major Foodie Event!) – May 21-24
A four day festival where you can sample some of the most delicious food in Paris in taster sized portions, served by the chefs themselves at their pop-up restaurants. Whether Michelin-starred, trend setters or future young talents, Taste of Paris warmly welcomes today’s most sought-after chefs to bring you a gourmet experience to remember. There’s also a gourmet market to buy souvenirs for your foodies back home. Shopping in the aisles of the festival is a foodie’s dream come true. Over a hundred producers and artisans will be present and visitors can sample and purchase all kinds of preserves, caviar, bottarga, smoked salmon, cured meats, olive oil, wines and more! You will be sure to take home a basket full of the finest French produce and gems from further afield!
Explore the many foodie themed tours in Paris here!
Musée d’Orsay under construction?!
We know this is a very popular museum and a great alternative to The Louvre if you’re crunched for time, but it’s important to know about an ongoing construction project this summer. Check out all the details here before booking your visit, and booking tickets in advance is highly recommended! https://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/articles/renovation-works-musee-dorsay-330932
WWII Victory Day! For all the D-Day tourists, May 8 marks the formal acceptance by the Allies of Nazi Germany’s surrender in 1945, consequently ending World War II in Europe. To celebrate the 80th anniversary, a major commemoration is being held at the Arc de Triomphe. It will be presided over by President Macron starting at 5.50pm. It will be followed by a parade of re-enactors at around 7pm and conclude with a flyover of the French fighter jets with the famous streaks of blue, white and red smoke. Look to the skies!
Largest Beer Fest in Paris! May 25-29 – Not a fan of wine, we have the solution! For the past 13 years, the Paris Beer Festival (formerly known as Paris Beer Week) has been the ultimate celebration of local, craft, and independent beer in Île-de-France! Sample nearly 200 exceptional beers, and enjoy a packed lineup of concerts, DJ sets, and talks.
Many thanks and credit to the multiple sources we use to bring this helpful information to you. We encourage you to check them out!
- https://www.sortiraparis.com/en
- https://parisjetaime.com/eng
- https://www.parisinsidersguide.com/things-to-do-in-paris-may.html
