Packing for Paris in May
Packing list for Paris in May: Learn what to pack for Paris in May to be comfortable and stylish and get the dress code right.
Going on holiday is all about letting go, exploring new places, and just having a great time! And, if you’re planning a trip to Paris, you’re sure to enjoy every second.
But before you arrive in the City of Love, you need to do a little bit of prep, and that includes packing your bag and doing it right. This includes your outfits and accessories that’ll make your life easier and your trip that much more enjoyable.
Luckily for you, I am a travel expert and a local in Paris, so I’ve got all the tips you’ll need for packing for Paris in May. Here’s the ultimate guide to what to wear in Paris in May, with a Paris packing list at the end of the post.
Are You Planning a Trip to Paris Last Minute?
If you are booking a last-minute trip to Paris, we’ve got you covered! Below are our must-guides, top tours, hotels, and more:
» Plan: Paris Travel Planner; Paris Arrondissements Guide; Check out the best Paris Metro tickets for tourists
» Book your flight tickets with Omio; book your train tickets with Omio
Book your transfer from the airport to the city with Welcome Pickups.
» Where to Stay: Best Districts to Stay in Paris
- Le Pavillon de la Reine (historical 5-star hotel in Le Marais)
- Hotel La Comtesse (mid-range hotel with Eiffel Tower view from all the rooms!)
- Hotel Ducs de Bourgogne (super central 4-star hotel near the Louvre)
» Top-Rated Paris Tours & Tickets:
- Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket
- Eiffel Tower Summit Access Ticket
- Seine River Night Cruise
- Catacombs Skip-the-line tour with VIP access to restricted areas
Want skip-the-line access at museums & attractions in Paris? Get your hands on a Paris Museum Pass!
» Don’t leave without travel insurance! Safety Wing works well for long and short trips (starting with a minimum of 5 days). SafetyWing covers COVID-19 for new policies purchased, and unplanned quarantine is covered, too.
Table of Contents:
- Paris Weather in May
- What to Wear in Paris in May: Style Guide
- How to Pack for Paris in May – Top Tips by a Local
- Packing List for Paris in May
Read More:
Paris Weather in May
In May, spring is well underway in Paris. If you visit Paris in early May, you might have occasional showers, but generally, expect a blue sky and mild weather. Over the month, the temperature changes significantly, and it can be hot in Paris in late May, but it is not unpleasant for walking or sightseeing.
Overall, the weather in Paris in May is good. The average temperature is 19 C maximum and 10 C minimum, with a 14% chance of rain.
May in Paris Max. Temperature | May in Paris Min. Temperature | Avg. Days of Rain |
19 C /66 F | 10 C /50 F | 5 |
What to Wear in Paris in May: Style Guide
Parisians are known for their edgy yet elegant sense of style, and you’re going to want to fit right in while still being comfortable enough to spend long days out and about without aching feet. It’s all about striking the perfect balance between practicality and comfort and looking and feeling good.
What to wear in May in Paris? If you need ideas on combining the clothes on your Paris packing list to look stylish and blend in with locals, check out our spring style guides for women and men.
TIP: You can also come to Paris with half of the suitcase empty and enjoy a Paris shopping tour with a passionate and creative personal shopper! She will help you to choose the best clothes to wear in Paris for your travel style. This fun shopping experience is suitable for women and men. If you are traveling with teenagers, check out this shopping tour for teens in Paris.
How to Pack for Paris in May – Top Tips by a Local
How to pack for Paris in May? When thinking about what to wear in Paris in May, layering is essential. In early May, you may still need a slight scarf in the evening or early morning, but you will be fine without a jacket during the day.
You will also need good walking shoes (sneakers are perfect, it is still too early for sandals), socks, and long trousers. Finally, pack long-sleeved tops, a light sweater, and perhaps a mid-season jacket if you visit Paris in early May.
Don’t miss your sunglasses! Paris in May is sunny, and you will need your sunglasses for sightseeing.
Before traveling to Paris, check the weather forecast, and review your packing list if necessary.
Packing List for Paris in May
Here’s the Paris in May packing list for men and women. This list also includes some suggestions for your luggage (suitcase and day bag /backpack), travel essentials, and toiletries.
1. Paris Packing List: Luggage
Carry-on vs. Checked Suitcase:
Use a suitcase that is sized to the duration of your trip to Paris. Remember that some airlines charge for checked luggage, and there is always the chance that your luggage does not follow you if your flight to Paris has a short layover. I am a big fan of Delsey Paris, as it has elegant designs and comes in a couple of nice colors. Plus, the carry-on isn’t too expensive.
Packing Cubes:
How could we travel before without packing cubes? Packing cubes are the single best packing hack that I can recommend for packing for Paris and anywhere else. Personally, I have three packing cubes (red, green, blue) where I keep different items (e.g., casual clothes, hiking /sports clothes, fancy clothes).
Daypack vs. Day Bag:
The answer will depend on your personal style and what you’re doing on a day-to-day basis during your trip to Paris. If you are concerned about safety in Paris, check out this quick guide to anti-theft backpacks or this guide to anti-theft day bags (but not every person in Paris is trying to rob you, so chill out).
2. Paris Packing List: Clothes and Accessories
If you are still wondering what to pack for a trip to Paris, here’s a checklist of accessories and clothes to wear in Paris in May, with some suggestions for your outfits available on Amazon:
– Light large scarf (also to wrap around your shoulders if visiting churches)
– Mid-season little black dress
– Sun hat
– Closed-toe shoes or classic sneakers
– Everyday essentials (underwear, socks, pajamas, etc)
Paris packing list for men:
– Jeans
3. Paris Packing List: Travel Essentials
– Sunscreen
– Phone charger
– Mini portable hair dryer dual voltage (usually provided in 4-star & luxury hotels)
-Passport + travel documents + visa if relevant
– Prepaid SIM card for France (check here how to get one before landing in Paris)
– Travel Insurance (click here for our best tips for a safe trip depending on your country of origin)
-Some cash for small purchases and tips + bank cards (read about tipping in Paris)
-International driving license, if relevant
-Phone/ Camera
-Swimwear and wet bags for hot days on the beach if planning on a day trip (or you booked a hotel with a swimming pool)
–Reusable water bottle (it is safe to drink tap water in Paris)
-Medication and prescriptions, if relevant
4. Paris Packing List: Handy Toiletries
You can buy all this in local pharmacy shops or supermarkets, but many people prefer to bring them from home. If packing toiletries for a short trip, you may want to add small bottles of your favorite toiletries to your luggage:
-Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
-Shower gel/soap (usually there’s soap in the hotels in Paris, but perhaps you want to use your favorite one?)
-Shampoo and conditioner
-Deodorant
-Tweezers
-Comb and brush
-Face and body moisturizers
-Lip balm
-Women’s sanitary supplies
-Perfume/skin scent
-Makeup
-Shaving cream, blades, and accessories
-Hair ties
And there you have it, what to pack for Paris in May with a packing list for this time of the year. Bon voyage!
