Paris in May: Things to Do, Weather, Culture, Sports & More

It’s never too early to start planning for the vast array of events offered in Paris as summer approaches. Here’s our complete guide to Paris in May with the best places to go, things to do, and activities for families in the City of Light.

While it is a great place to visit no matter what time of year, this is the month of the year when the streets of Paris really come alive. Summer is around the corner and all over Europe, people are relishing the longer daylight hours. As the average temperature starts warming up, May is one of the best months to visit. If you want to encounter fewer tourists and fewer crowds, the beginning of the month is a better time to visit. You can start to expect large crowds and long lines at popular attractions moving into late May and early June when we approach high season. Low season returns in late September or so.

PARIS IN MAY WEATHER

Late spring in Paris means (hopefully!) good weather. Still, pack an umbrella, a light sweater and a light jacket to transition from day to night. A hat and sunglasses are good if you’re lucky enough to have bright clear skies and sunny days in the French capital. The good news is that on average, there are only about nine rainy days in May. Expect an average high temperature of 67°F (19°C) and 50°F (10°C) for lows. 

FIRST TIME VISITORS

If it is your first time to Paris, it is a great time to savor walks, a guided tour, market days, parks and green spaces, a glass of wine en terrasse and of course, picnics. One of the best things is that it is the start of Festival season. It is the perfect time to enjoy a short walk in the early morning, stroll in the Île de la cité, Père Lachaise Cemetery, the Latin Quarter and scale the steps of Sacre Coeur. Enjoy open and green spaces from the lawns of the Champs de Mars near the Eiffel Tower, along the Seine River, the Jardin du Luxembourg, Jardin des tuileries, Place des Vosges, Parc Clichy-Batignolles, and Square Gabriel Pierné, which is just a stone’s throw from the beautiful Pont des Arts and its sights and more.

In the approach to the summer months, it is the best time to enjoy outdoor events like a river cruise. It is a good idea to plan for day trips from Paris, to places like Disneyland Paris, Versailles and the Loire Valley.

PARIS IN MAY – PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

There are a number of public holidays in France in May which may impact opening days and times for establishments:

• 1 May: Labor Day
• 8 May: World War II Victory Day
• 29 May: Ascension Day

What to Do In Paris in May – Events

“May Day” – May 1

May Day is celebrated as the official arrival of spring in France, and it is the only day in the year that flowers can be sold on the street without a permit. Historically, a lily of the valley is presented to mothers and close family. Called muguets in French, lilies of the valley have been a symbol of good luck since the 16th century.

La Fête du Travail – May 1

La Fête du Travail is the French version of Labor Day and is known as a national strike day. Workers take to the streets to celebrate their right to protest to protect their rights and the standardized 8-hour work day. This is an important day to mark in your calendar if you visit France around this time of year.

Fête du Pain, Notre Dame Cathedral – May 1-11

Fête du Pain is a staple of spring in Paris. This year it will take place near Notre Dame Cathedral. This festival is an opportunity to learn about the insider secrets to making bread, pastries, and other French staples from the most well-known bakers in Paris! You’ll learn about the essentials, rules, and the art of the baguette tradicion and witness competitions for the best almond galette, apple tart, and butter croissant. 

Le jour de la victoire en Europe “Victory Day” – May 8

“Victory Day” in Europe is celebrated for the Allied victory in World War II and the announcement of Germany’s surrender. It is a public holiday in France, including a commemorative parade down the Champs Elysées. In addition, the president leads a ceremony honoring the Unknown Soldier buried under the Arc de Triomphe. It is an important day in history and includes many French history and culture displays. If you are in Paris on Victory Day, you should witness the great traditions of the day.

Tous à l’Opéra, Various locations – May 9-11

Tous à l’Opéra is an event hosted in almost every major city in France, from Montpellier to Lille with partners like the prestigious L’Opéra de Paris. For its 18th year running, the theme is “Melting-Pot”, so take the opportunity to participate in these special events meant to make the opera more accessible for the public.

Musical Fountains Show, Palace of Versailles – Every weekend until October 26  and Every Tuesday from May 6 – June 24 + May 8, May 2, July 14, and August 15

Immerse yourself in the height of the French court era with lights, baroque music, and circuits around the gardens at the Versailles Palace musical fountain show. This is an excellent trip for families with kids as well, teaching them the history of the Palace and allowing them to experience the iconic gardens of Versailles.

Foire de Paris, Paris-Porte de Versailles – Until May 11

Held at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, the Foire de Paris has everything from kid’s animations and workshops, products made in France, tempting gastronomy, wine tastings and more. The fair has exhibited products, companies, leisure activities, and international cuisine since 1904. Discover new products and experience the best of Paris in one place. 

Paris Beer Festival, Ground Control – May 19-25

If you need a good reason to enjoy a beer, Paris Beer Festival  is it. The festival celebrates independent and artisanal beer from Paris and throughout the Île de France region in its 12th edition. This year, nearly 60 local and international microbreweries will come together for a week to show off and celebrate their craft. This event is perfect for those who enjoy supporting small breweries and this artisanal craft.

Les Printemps des Rues, various locations – May 24-25

Les Printemps des Rues is an art festival hosted in three arrondissements of Paris over one weekend at the end of the month. It highlights the diversity of street artists, from music to spray-paint art. Ultimately, the festival brings out artists’ inner worlds and connects them to more prominent societal factors to unite the artists and the public. With live music, dance exhibitions, theater, and even marionette performances, there is something to discover for everyone. This year, the 28th edition takes place in the 10th, 18th and 19th arrondissements with a number of free events. 

La nuit des musées (European Museums Night) – May 17

The European Museums Night (La nuit des musées) is an event throughout Europe in which over 3,000 museums across 30 countries offer free admission, with various activities for their patrons. Enjoy this unique opportunity to have free access to some of the world’s greatest art held in permanent collections and temporary exhibitions.

EXHIBITIONS

Louvre Couture. Art and Fashion: Statement Piece, Louvre Museum – until July 21

Louvre Couture. Art and Fashion: Statement Piece explores the often-overlooked connections and influences between fashion and art by displaying a myriad of pieces from top designers. 

Corps et Ames, Bourse de Commerce – until August 25

Corps et Ames presents 100 artworks from a variety of media and artists to demonstrate the significance of the human body in contemporary art and the relationship between the body and the soul. 

Gare d’Orsay in Spring 1945: Scene of the Return of the Repatriates, Musee d’Orsay – until June 15

Gare d’Orsay in Spring 1945: Scene of the Return of the Repatriates celebrates the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. In highlighting Gare d’Orsay’s role in welcoming soldiers and former prisoners of war on their journey home from the front or concentration camps, this exhibition illuminates the old train station’s significance in the Liberation. 

Out of Focus, Another Vision of Art from 1945 to the Present Day, Musee de L’Orangerie – April 30 – August 18

Out of Focus, Another Vision of Art from 1945 to the Present Day examines the characteristic blurriness from Impressionism to the abstract art in the post-war period.Though rarely considered, this exhibition demonstrates the deeper meaning behind the “out of focus” perspective.

Matisse et Marguerite, Modern Art Museum of Paris – until 24 August

Matisse et Marguerite presents over 100 artworks by the Expressionist artist Henri Matisse featuring his beloved eldest daughter Marguerite. In showcasing the prevalence of Marguerite as a model in his artwork, the exhibition demonstrates her importance within the art as a mirror for Matisse himself as well as a window into Matisse’s private family life. 

Suzanne Valadon, Centre Pompidou – until 26 May

Suzanne Valadon  presents 200 artworks by the titular artist, renowned for her innovation within Cubism and abstract art.

SPORTS

The French Open: “Roland-Garros” – May 25 – June 8

The French Open (Roland Garros) is one of the world’s great sporting events. Featuring some of the biggest stars in tennis to the game’s ambitious up-and-comers. There are a variety of tickets for various experiences, so there is something for everyone.

Coupe de France Football – 24 May

Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain will compete against Reims in the 108th edition of the Coupe de France Football. For football fans who want to experience the excitement live, make sure to buy your tickets!

MUSIC AND DANCE

Saint Germain des Prés Jazz Festival, various locations – May 12-19

The Saint Germain des Pres Jazz Festival was created in 2001 to celebrate international jazz artists in the heart of Paris’ jazz scene. It is the must-see spring festival for European jazz lovers, with exceptional concerts, talented young artists worldwide, and their multicultural artistic ventures with jazz as their medium. The festival takes place in several unique locations throughout Paris, with notable locations including the Église Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Maison de l’Océan and the l’Alliance Française.

Il Trittico, Opera Bastille – 29 April – May 28 

Puccini’s Il Triticco expertly combines three operas into a single performance. Set in three different places, times, and genres, the opera is made cohesive only by a shared theme- death. Opera enthusiasts are certainly in for an interesting evening! Visit Opera National de Paris to find out more.

Sylvia, Palais Garnier – May 8 – June 4

The Palais Garnier Opera House presents Manuel Legris’ Sylvia, a ballet based on Torquato Tasso’s play Aminta and inspired by the classical Greek myth of Orion. An epic tale of passion, rivalry, and danger, fans of the ballet will not want to miss out! 

21 Pilots, Accor Arena – May 2

21 Pilots will perform in Paris as part of their Clancy World Tour, shortly after the release of their latest album, “Next Semester”, on May 17. Visit Accor Arena for more information.

DJ Snake, Stade de France – May 10

Don’t miss French artist DJ Snake’s “The Final Show”, the highly anticipated concert at the Stade de France.

The Lumineers, Adidas Arena – May 20

Rock-folk band The Lumineers will perform hits from their latest album, Brightside. Visit the Adidas Arena for more information.

Mozart’s Requiem and Ravel’s Bolero, Eglise de la Madeleine – May 2 and 17 

Join the Helios Orchestra and Helios Ephemere Choir for an unforgettable classical concert. Known for supporting talented young musicians, Helios performs a diverse repertoire across an array of genres. Don’t miss out on an evening of beautiful music in the picturesque Eglise de la Madeleine. Find out more about the concert and Helios’ mission from Ville de Paris’ “Mozart’s Requiem & Ravel’s Bolero”.

KIDS AND FAMILIES

Arbre, Cirque Bormann Moreno- Wednesdays and weekends in May

The Bormann Circus presents its show, Arbre, through January 4 2026. Combining a focus on sustainability with dance, theater, and the circus, Arbre tells a fantastical story with real-world relevance. With affordable tickets, you won’t want to miss it!

With affordable tickets, you won’t want to miss it.

Musée Rodin Sculpture Workshop – Throughout May

Bring out your inner sculptor and discover the techniques and methods Auguste Rodin used through the Musée Rodin’s sculpture workshops. The activities are adapted to participants of all ages, and participants will see Rodin’s most famous works, such as The Thinker and The Kiss. There are many ways to engage with art outside the technological world, so take advantage of this unique workshop.

Disney Music Festival, Disneyland Paris – until 7 September 2025

Disneyland Paris invites you to the Disney Music Festival, a new event featuring magical performances. Join some of your favorite characters, like Minnie Mouse, Moana, and Mary Poppins for orchestral concerts, dancing, interactive experiences, and more!

RELATED LINKS

• Some April events in Paris are still happening!
• Visiting Paris and want to visit a market street, off the beaten path? Head to rue de Lévis in the 17th arrondissement.
• Looking for a Paris apartment for sale? We have you sorted.

Written by Reagan O’Brien, updated by Caroline Camp for HiP Paris. Looking to travel? Check out Plum Guide and our Marketplace for fabulous vacation rentals in Paris, France or Italy. Looking to rent long or short term, or buy in France? Ask us! We can connect you to our trusted providers for amazing service and rates or click here. Looking to bring France home to you or to learn online or in person? Check out our marketplace shop and experiences.