Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
Planning a trip to Paris in May 2025? You’ve picked one of the most beautiful times to visit the City of Light. Think blooming gardens, sunlit strolls, café terraces buzzing with locals, and a cultural calendar that’s absolutely packed! From can’t-miss museum exhibitions to open-air concerts and fresh-from-the-oven baguettes, Paris is buzzing with energy, beauty, and that irresistible springtime charm.
Whether you’re in the early planning stages or counting down the days, this guide to Paris in May is here to make your planning easier.
From events and exhibitions to outfit ideas, weather insights, and local know-how, you’ll walk away ready for your most memorable Parisian spring yet!
Jump To Your Section
What Is the Weather Like in Paris in May 2025?
The weather in Paris in May 2025 is generally mild and pleasant, with daytime temperatures averaging around 20°C (68°F) and cooler mornings around 12°C (54°F). Expect a mix of sunshine, light spring rain, and longer daylight hours. The sunset can stretch as late as 9:30 pm by the end of the month.
It’s the kind of weather that makes you want to linger in the park, sip wine on a café terrace, or wander until your feet tell you to stop. You might get the occasional drizzle, but it usually passes quickly, just enough to make the cobblestones glisten and give you an excuse to duck into a cozy corner café.
- Average temperatures: 12°C (54°F) in the morning, warming up to around 20°C (68°F) by afternoon.
- Sunset time: Around 9:15-9:30 pm by the end of the month, perfect for long golden-hour strolls.
- Rain: Expect the occasional light shower, so pack that travel umbrella just in case.
Local’s tip: The Gardens are in full bloom, and the trees are lush and green. Everyone and their dog are out enjoying it!
What to Wear in Paris in May: Style Tips for Spring Explorers
When deciding what to wear in Paris in May, pack layers for comfort and a touch of effortless style. The spring weather in Paris can be unpredictable with cool mornings, warm afternoons, and the occasional light rain, so packing flexible outfits is key.
Here’s what works best:
- Layer up: Light sweaters, breathable tops, and a stylish jacket (like a trench or denim) will keep you comfy from sunrise to sunset.
- Shoes made for walking: Paris is built for strolling, so opt for fashionable flats, sneakers, or ankle boots that can handle cobblestones.
- Mix neutrals with soft spring colors, such as ivory, blush, olive, and denim. These tones look stunning against Paris’s pale stone buildings and blooming parks.
- Add personality with accessories: A crossbody bag, silk scarf, or sunglasses add that Parisian polish and practicality.
Style Tip: Planning a photoshoot while you’re here? Choose solid colors, avoid heavy logos or busy patterns, and bring an outfit that makes you feel like you. Need a little help? My Paris Photoshoot Style Guide has you covered.
What’s Happening in Paris in May 2025 – Events & Holidays to Know
Paris in May is alive with festivals, open-air performances, and vibrant local traditions. But before you fill your calendar, it’s helpful to know which days the city might slow down and which ones are packed with cultural magic.
Public Holidays in Paris – May 2025
May 1: Labor Day (Fête du Travail)
May 1st is a nationwide holiday. Most museums, shops, and restaurants close, and you may see peaceful manifestations or parades throughout the city. It’s a perfect day for a relaxed picnic, garden stroll, or leisurely croissant-fueled morning.
May 8: Victory in Europe Day (VE Day)
May 8th commemorates the end of WWII in Europe. Many businesses and government offices close in the morning, but most museums and attractions remain open throughout the day. Expect ceremonies near major landmarks and a respectful, reflective ambiance across the city.
Local tip: If you’re visiting during the first half of May, double-check opening hours for anything on your wishlist and book museum tickets in advance to avoid holiday crowds.
Top Festivals & Exhibitions in Paris May 2025
If you’re lucky enough to be in Paris in May 2025, clear some space in your calendar because this month is bursting with can’t-miss moments! From outdoor festivals to world-class art, there’s something for every kind of traveler (yes, even the croissant-fueled wanderers and museum marathoners).
Fête du Pain: The Bread Festival (May 1-11, 2025)
La Fête du Pain is held in front of the Notre-Dame Cathedral. This joyful celebration honors France’s most sacred food: bread. Watch master bakers in action, cheer on baguette competitions, and taste everything from buttery brioche to perfectly crisp croissants.
Jazz à Saint-Germain-des-Prés (May 13-20, 2025)
The Jazz Festival in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Paris is an iconic Left Bank tradition with live jazz echoing through centuries-old churches, cozy courtyards, and café-lined streets. This festival brings a soulful soundtrack to one of Paris’s most beloved neighborhoods.
Nuit Européenne des Musées (May 17, 2025)
During the European Night of Museums, museums across Paris stay open late for one magical evening, often with free admission. Expect candlelit tours, live performances, and the thrill of seeing Monet’s water lilies at midnight!
Roland-Garros: The French Open (starting May 19, 2025)
Even if you don’t have tickets, you can soak up the excitement. Watch matches live from rooftop terraces like the Galeries Lafayette Haussmann. Sipping wine while cheering on tennis legends, c’est très chic!
Paris Exhibitions You Can’t Miss in May 2025
This is your chance to catch some truly unforgettable shows:
- Paris Noir at Centre Pompidou – Before the Museum Closes for Years
The iconic Pompidou Centre is closing its doors at the end of May 2025 for extensive renovations and is expected to reopen in 2030. Before it disappears behind scaffolding, don’t miss Paris Noir: Artistic Circulations and Anti-Colonial Resistance, 1950–2000. This powerful exhibition explores how Black artists across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas challenged colonial legacies and reshaped modern art in postwar Paris. With over 200 works, it’s both culturally essential and visually stunning. - Robert Doisneau: Instants Donnés at Musée Maillol
A love letter to the streets of Paris, the Robert Doisneau: Instants Donnés exhibition captures everyday life through the iconic lens of Robert Doisneau. Known for his warmth, humor, and impeccable timing, Doisneau’s photographs remind us that the beauty of Paris is found in its quiet, spontaneous moments. - Picasso: Art in Motion at Atelier des Lumières
Dive headfirst into Picasso’s wild, revolutionary world at the Atelier des Lumières projected across the walls, floors, and ceilings of an industrial space turned immersive art gallery. This sensory-rich experience blends light, color, and sound to bring his work to life in a completely new way. - Matisse et Marguerite at Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris
The Matisse and Marguerite: Through Her Father’s Eyes exhibition at the Modern Art Museum is a tender and personal exhibition that traces the lifelong bond between Henri Matisse and his daughter, Marguerite. Through paintings, drawings, and letters, this show offers an intimate look at their relationship and how it quietly shaped one of the 20th century’s greatest artistic voices.
Pro tip: Booking exhibition tickets online in advance is the ultimate Paris-in-May hack. Save your energy for art, not waiting in line.
Soaking Up Local Life in Paris in May
Once you’ve checked off your museum list and marveled at Monet by moonlight, make time to enjoy the quieter magic of Parisian daily life in May. It’s the sweet spot: fewer crowds, more charm, and that unmistakable sense that you’re part of the city, not just passing through.
Café culture is in full bloom: Sidewalk terraces are buzzing with Parisians sipping espresso, reading books, and people-watching like it’s a competitive sport. Find a sunny seat, order une noisette, and stay awhile.
Parks become your second living room. The Luxembourg Gardens are dotted with picnickers and kids sailing toy boats. The Tuileries are filled with sketchbooks, sunbathers, and lovers on benches.
Local tip: Head to Parc des Buttes-Chaumont for a more local vibe with a stunning view.
Markets get more colorful (and delicious). May brings strawberries, asparagus, fresh herbs, and floral bouquets to open-air markets. Stroll through Marché d’Aligre or Rue Cler and pretend you live here, basket in hand, with a fresh baguette peeking out.
Evenings are made for wandering. With the sun setting around 9:30 pm, you have hours to explore golden-hour streets, hop between wine bars, or linger by the Seine. It’s the kind of light that turns everything it touches – buildings, bridges, even people passing by – into art.
Local tip: Take your time. This is the season for slow mornings, long walks, and exploring wherever the city leads you.
Final Tips for Visiting Paris in May
A few last things to keep in mind as you plan your spring escape:
- Book ahead: May is a popular month for exhibitions, concerts, and guided tours. Buy timed-entry or skip-the-line tickets, especially for anything on your must-see list.
- Start your days early: Beat the crowds by doing things as soon as they open, then have a leisurely afternoon, and you’ll be perfectly set up to enjoy the golden evenings Paris serves up in May!
- Keep an umbrella in your bag: Light spring rain isn’t uncommon, but it usually passes quickly, and often makes the city even prettier.
- Dress in layers: A chilly morning can quickly give way to a sunny afternoon. Versatile outfits are key!
- Leave time to wander: The most memorable moments often happen in the quiet corners and winding streets you stumble upon by chance.
Planning to be in Paris this May and want beautiful photos to remember it by? Let’s make it happen. Click here to book your Paris photoshoot.
Timeless and romantic images for the modern francophile