What to Pack 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. That includes your outfits and accessories that’ll make your life easier and your trip that much more enjoyable.
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.
Luckily for you, we are travel experts and locals in Paris. We’ve got all the tips you’ll need to pack for Paris properly and have everything you need, so you can enjoy your trip to Paris to the fullest.
Here’s the ultimate guide to packing for Paris in May, with a Paris packing list May at the end of the post.
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Weather in Paris 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 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 an unpleasant heat for walking or sightseeing.
Overall, the weather in Paris during the month of May is good. In May, the average temperature in Paris 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 |
Packing for Paris in May – Top Tips by Locals
What to pack for Paris in May? When thinking about clothes to wear in Paris in May, layering is essential. In Paris 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.
What to Wear in Paris in May: Style Guide
If you need more ideas for what to wear in Paris in May and things to pack for Paris, check out our spring style guides for men and women.
TIP: You can also come to Paris with half of the suitcase empty and enjoy a half day of Parisian shopping with a passionate and creative personal shopper! This fun shopping experience is suitable for women, men, and children.
Things to Pack for Paris – Paris Packing List May
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 we 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 is really going to 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, a comprehensive packing list for Paris in May with the main things to pack for Paris at this time of the year
