Best Time to Visit France in May
Weather, crowds, costs, and events for visiting France in May
Best Time to Visit France in May
The best times to visit France are April to September for long summer days, and January to February for the cheapest flights and hotels of the year. Both combine favourable conditions with better value than peak alone, and France at its most rewarding.
AT A GLANCE
July
Peak: Peak tourist season. Crowds run Very High — book 3–4 months ahead.
April to September
Long summer days. Crowd level is High; peak pricing.
January to February
Cheapest flights and hotels of the year. Crowd level is Low; book 2–4 weeks ahead.
Which season is best for France?
May falls in spring — here's what to expect.
Spring
Spring — Mild Walks
March · April · May
Mild season
Spring is when travellers book France for mild walks. Mild Walks timing runs Paris (early April); Nice (mid April); Lyon (late April). Expect 10–17°C averages with 8–9 rain days/month and high crowds — but hotel rates hit $130–$180/night and high crowds fill the main sights Mid-season sits near 13°C with 8 rain days in April.
Garden Walks [Mar], Mild window [Apr], Warm Evenings [May]
Mar 10°C, Apr 13°C, May 17°C — mixed skies (8–9 rain days)
First-timers, photographers, couples, soft hikers
April pushes rates to $130–$180/night with high crowds at headline sights. March brings 9 rain days — outdoor days get cut short without a flexible plan.
Travelling to France in Spring?
Book France's mild walks for April at least 2–3 months out, then spend 2 nights in Paris in March where mid rates and medium crowds trade a short hop for calmer spring days.
Summer
Summer — Long Days
June · July · August
Sunny season
Summer is when travellers book France for long days. Long Days timing runs Paris (early June); Nice (mid June); Lyon (late June). Expect 20–22°C averages with 7–8 rain days/month and high crowds — but hotel rates hit $180–$250/night and high crowds fill the main sights Mid-season sits near 20°C with 8 rain days in June.
Long Days [Jun], Long Days [Jul], Warm Evenings [Aug]
Jun 20°C, Jul 22°C, Aug 22°C — mostly clearer skies (7–8 rain days)
Festival-goers, families, beach seekers, nightlife fans
June pushes rates to $180–$250/night with high crowds at headline sights. June brings 8 rain days — outdoor days get cut short without a flexible plan.
Travelling to France in Summer?
Book France's long days for June at least 3–4 months out, then spend 2 nights in Paris in June where peak rates and high crowds trade a short hop for calmer summer days.
Autumn
Autumn — Cool Wandering
September · October · November
Mild season
Autumn is when travellers book France for cool wandering. Cool Wandering timing runs Paris (early September); Nice (mid September); Lyon (late September). Expect 9–19°C averages with 7–10 rain days/month and high crowds — but hotel rates hit $130–$180/night and high crowds fill the main sights Mid-season sits near 19°C with 7 rain days in September.
Mild Walks [Sep], Cool window [Oct], Grey window [Nov]
Sep 19°C, Oct 14°C, Nov 9°C — mixed skies (7–10 rain days)
Photographers, hikers, food travellers, couples
September pushes rates to $130–$180/night with high crowds at headline sights. November brings 10 rain days — outdoor days get cut short without a flexible plan.
Travelling to France in Autumn?
Book France's cool wandering for September at least 2–3 months out, then spend 2 nights in Paris in October where mid rates and medium crowds trade a short hop for calmer autumn days.
Winter
Winter — Holiday Lights
December · January · February
Festive season
Winter is when travellers book France for holiday lights. Holiday Lights timing runs Paris (early December); Nice (mid December); Lyon (late December). Expect 6–7°C averages with 9–10 rain days/month and high crowds — but hotel rates hit $130–$180/night and high crowds fill the main sights Mid-season sits near 7°C with 10 rain days in December.
Festive window [Dec], Quiet Streets [Jan], Quiet Streets [Feb]
Dec 7°C, Jan 6°C, Feb 7°C — mixed skies (9–10 rain days)
Skiers, budget travellers, museum lovers, festive shoppers
December pushes rates to $130–$180/night with high crowds at headline sights. December brings 10 rain days — outdoor days get cut short without a flexible plan.
Travelling to France in Winter?
Book France's holiday lights for December at least 2–3 months out, then spend 2 nights in Paris in January where budget rates and low crowds trade a short hop for calmer winter days.
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Which month is best for France?
| Month | Avg Temp | Rain Days | Crowds | Cost | Overall | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6°C | 10 | Low | $ Budget | ★★ Okay | Quiet budget travel |
| February | 7°C | 9 | Low | $ Budget | ★★ Okay | Quiet budget travel |
| March | 10°C | 9 | Medium | $$ Mid | ★★ Okay | Spring city walking |
| April | 13°C | 8 | High | $$$ High | ★★★ Great | Mild city walking |
| May | 17°C | 8 | High | $$$ High | ★★★ Great | Warm outdoor days |
| June | 20°C | 8 | High | $$$$ Peak | ★★★ Great | Long sunny days |
| July | 22°C | 7 | Very High | $$$$ Peak | ★★★ Great | Peak sightseeing |
| August | 22°C | 7 | High | $$$ High | ★★ Okay | Warm outdoor days |
| September | 19°C | 7 | High | $$$ High | ★★★ Great | Mild city walking |
| October | 14°C | 9 | Medium | $$ Mid | ★★ Okay | Cool quiet wandering |
| November | 9°C | 10 | Medium | $$ Mid | ★★ Okay | Grey but atmospheric |
| December | 7°C | 10 | High | $$$ High | ★★ Okay | Festive city lights |
Temperatures shown as France monthly averages.
France Events and Festivals by Month
Events worth timing your trip around — and how they affect crowds and prices.
Low-season rates in France
Low-season rates in France is one of the few France windows that reshapes visitor costs and daily rhythm in France. It matters because hotels, trains and attraction hours move with the crowd, not with sightseeing wishlists. Timing rolls geographically — France January. The practical window lasts about 20 days, while local conditions sit near 6°C with 10 rain days and low crowds.
What to expect
- Expect low footfall around France during January, with lines forming earlier than published opening times.
- Temperatures near 6°C and 10 rain days shape outdoor plans in France across January.
- Skipping the first weekend of January in France often cuts queues without changing the season’s core weather.
- Transport seats and hotels for France (January) sell out 4–6 weeks ahead — leftover inventory skews to less convenient areas.
Planning tips
- Book stays and reserved transport at least 4–6 weeks before JAN dates; peak low demand removes flexible inventory first.
- Check France national tourism board seasonal pages before you lock flights or hotels — Verify current-year advisories before booking. Drop any date that the source has not confirmed for 2026.
- Keep long-haul moves outside the busiest January weekends; day-trip from a quieter base instead.
Still chilly in France
Still chilly in France is one of the few France windows that reshapes visitor costs and daily rhythm in France. It matters because hotels, trains and attraction hours move with the crowd, not with sightseeing wishlists. Timing rolls geographically — France February. The practical window lasts about 20 days, while local conditions sit near 7°C with 9 rain days and low crowds.
What to expect
- Expect low footfall around France during February, with lines forming earlier than published opening times.
- Temperatures near 7°C and 9 rain days shape outdoor plans in France across February.
- Skipping the first weekend of February in France often cuts queues without changing the season’s core weather.
- Transport seats and hotels for France (February) sell out 4–6 weeks ahead — leftover inventory skews to less convenient areas.
Planning tips
- Book stays and reserved transport at least 4–6 weeks before FEB dates; peak low demand removes flexible inventory first.
- Check France national tourism board seasonal pages before you lock flights or hotels — Verify current-year advisories before booking. Drop any date that the source has not confirmed for 2026.
- Keep long-haul moves outside the busiest February weekends; day-trip from a quieter base instead.
Spring highlight in France
Spring highlight in France is one of the few France windows that reshapes visitor costs and daily rhythm in France. It matters because hotels, trains and attraction hours move with the crowd, not with sightseeing wishlists. Timing rolls geographically — France March. The practical window lasts about 20 days, while local conditions sit near 10°C with 9 rain days and medium crowds.
What to expect
- Expect medium footfall around France during March, with lines forming earlier than published opening times.
- Temperatures near 10°C and 9 rain days shape outdoor plans in France across March.
- Skipping the first weekend of March in France often cuts queues without changing the season’s core weather.
- Transport seats and hotels for France (March) sell out 4–6 weeks ahead — leftover inventory skews to less convenient areas.
Planning tips
- Book stays and reserved transport at least 4–6 weeks before MAR dates; peak medium demand removes flexible inventory first.
- Check France national tourism board seasonal pages before you lock flights or hotels — Verify current-year advisories before booking. Drop any date that the source has not confirmed for 2026.
- Keep long-haul moves outside the busiest March weekends; day-trip from a quieter base instead.
Peak demand in France
Peak demand in France is one of the few France windows that reshapes visitor costs and daily rhythm in France. It matters because hotels, trains and attraction hours move with the crowd, not with sightseeing wishlists. Timing rolls geographically — France June. The practical window lasts about 20 days, while local conditions sit near 20°C with 8 rain days and high crowds.
What to expect
- Expect high footfall around France during June, with lines forming earlier than published opening times.
- Temperatures near 20°C and 8 rain days shape outdoor plans in France across June.
- Skipping the first weekend of June in France often cuts queues without changing the season’s core weather.
- Transport seats and hotels for France (June) sell out 3–4 months ahead — leftover inventory skews to less convenient areas.
Planning tips
- Book stays and reserved transport at least 3–4 months before JUN dates; peak high demand removes flexible inventory first.
- Check France national tourism board seasonal pages before you lock flights or hotels — Verify current-year advisories before booking. Drop any date that the source has not confirmed for 2026.
- Keep long-haul moves outside the busiest June weekends; day-trip from a quieter base instead.
Crowd surge in France
Crowd surge in France is one of the few France windows that reshapes visitor costs and daily rhythm in France. It matters because hotels, trains and attraction hours move with the crowd, not with sightseeing wishlists. Timing rolls geographically — France July. The practical window lasts about 20 days, while local conditions sit near 22°C with 7 rain days and very high crowds.
What to expect
- Expect very high footfall around France during July, with lines forming earlier than published opening times.
- Temperatures near 22°C and 7 rain days shape outdoor plans in France across July.
- Skipping the first weekend of July in France often cuts queues without changing the season’s core weather.
- Transport seats and hotels for France (July) sell out 3–4 months ahead — leftover inventory skews to less convenient areas.
Planning tips
- Book stays and reserved transport at least 3–4 months before JUL dates; peak very high demand removes flexible inventory first.
- Check France national tourism board seasonal pages before you lock flights or hotels — Verify current-year advisories before booking. Drop any date that the source has not confirmed for 2026.
- Keep long-haul moves outside the busiest July weekends; day-trip from a quieter base instead.
Festive / winter peak in France
Festive / winter peak in France is one of the few France windows that reshapes visitor costs and daily rhythm in France. It matters because hotels, trains and attraction hours move with the crowd, not with sightseeing wishlists. Timing rolls geographically — France December. The practical window lasts about 20 days, while local conditions sit near 7°C with 10 rain days and high crowds.
What to expect
- Expect high footfall around France during December, with lines forming earlier than published opening times.
- Temperatures near 7°C and 10 rain days shape outdoor plans in France across December.
- Skipping the first weekend of December in France often cuts queues without changing the season’s core weather.
- Transport seats and hotels for France (December) sell out 3–4 months ahead — leftover inventory skews to less convenient areas.
Planning tips
- Book stays and reserved transport at least 3–4 months before DEC dates; peak high demand removes flexible inventory first.
- Check France national tourism board seasonal pages before you lock flights or hotels — Verify current-year advisories before booking. Drop any date that the source has not confirmed for 2026.
- Keep long-haul moves outside the busiest December weekends; day-trip from a quieter base instead.
When is France Cheapest to Visit?
Timing your trip right can save 25 to 40 percent on flights and hotels. Green months are cheapest, red months are most expensive.
Cheapest window
January–February. Save about 25–40% versus $$$$ Peak June; hotels track the same flight discounts in this $ Budget window, so flight and stay costs move together.
Book early regardless
June and July sell out entirely when crowds hit High and pricing hits $$$$ Peak — book accommodation 3–4 months ahead regardless of budget, not only flights.
Best value sweet spot
April, May, and September: great weather on this page (~13°C, 8 rain days) at $$$ High pricing; High crowds still keep it from matching June’s sell-out rush.
Cheapest months to visit France
January–February is the cheapest stretch to visit France. $ Budget months on this page typically cut flights about 25–35% versus $$$$ Peak, with hotel rates moving in step rather than lagging. Averages sit near 6°C with roughly 10 rain days, so packing stays simple if you accept cooler or wetter days. The exception: festival or holiday spikes inside an otherwise cheap month can briefly push stays toward $$ Mid even when the band still reads $ Budget.
Most expensive months to visit France
June and July are the most expensive months to visit France. $$$$ Peak and $$$ High rows align with High or Very High crowds and the 3–4 months booking lead already shown for sell-outs. Expect the 25–40% saving story to reverse here — you pay the premium the chart paints in red. Weather can still look strong (20°C, 8 rain days in June), which is why demand sticks. The exception: a shoulder week just outside the core peak label sometimes dips to $$$ High instead of full $$$$ Peak if.
Best value months to visit France
April, May, and September offer the best value months to visit France. Great-rated weather pairs with $$$ High instead of $$$$ Peak, so you keep comfort without the full 25–40% penalty of peak pricing. April averages about 13°C with 8 rain days and High crowds — busy enough for open attractions, not yet June-style sell-outs. The exception: once a “value” month overlaps a major holiday cluster, lead times jump back toward 3–4 months even if the cost word has not flipped to $$$$ Peak.
Best Time to Visit France For…
January and February. Flights are typically 25–35% cheaper than peak season — base in France and keep trips flexible inside that budget window.
January and February. Crowd level stays Low with about 6°C averages — base in France for quieter streets and easier bookings.
April and May and September. Expect around 13°C with a great rating — base in France for the most comfortable sightseeing days.
April and May or September. April and May maximises iconic weather in France but draws higher crowds and peak pricing; September trades that rush for calmer streets and still-strong ratings.
May and June. Base in Nice or Cannes for promenade days as beach season warmth arrives.
April and September. Walk museums and neighbourhoods in mild shoulder weather before peak July crowds.
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Best Time to Visit Each City in France
Timing varies across France's main cities. Here is when each is at its best.
France
Nice
Beach season warmth in June
Best time to visitFrance
Paris
Mild spring city walks in April
Best time to visitFrance
Lyon
Crisp autumn food weather in October
Best time to visitFrance
Marseille
Warm quieter harbour days in September
Best time to visitFrance
Cannes
Warm sunny promenade days in May
Best time to visitFrance Travel Essentials
- Currency & cards
- Euro (EUR). Cards are standard in cities; keep some cash for markets and smaller towns.
- Connectivity
- EU eSIM or local SIM covers navigation. Free Wi‑Fi is common in hotels, cafés, and many stations.
- Domestic transport
- Metro and RER suit Paris; TGV and TER trains link regions. Book long-distance seats ahead in busy seasons.
- Etiquette & logistics
- A brief greeting when entering shops is expected. Keep tickets handy for metro and RER fare inspections.
- Visa / entry
- Confirm entry rules on France-Visas, the official government portal, before you book. Official source
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France Travel Timing — FAQ
Everything you need to know about timing your France trip
Plan France as a multi-city trip rather than a single stop: base yourself in one hub first, then add a second region once the main sights feel covered. Match nights to the April–September weather window on this page so you are not rushing between trains.
Everything You Need to Plan Your France Trip
Jump to any guide, itinerary, or planning resource for France.
How we work this out
Temperature and rainfall figures are 30-year meteorological averages. Crowd levels come from national tourism arrival data. Price bands reflect mid-range accommodation and economy flights from major long-haul cities, sampled quarterly.
Last updated 18 July 2026 · Written by the Holicay travel team