What To Pack For Paris In May
What to Pack for Paris in May
Want to know what you should pack for Paris in May? I’ve put together a list of 23 classic and chic pieces to help you with your packing list and what to take to the city of light during the month of May and spring.
May is a wonderful time to visit Paris because daylight lasts longer, blooms are in full swing around the city, and it’s right before the full tourist season begins.
Weather In Paris During May
The weather in Paris during May is average highs of 69 during the day and average lows of 49 during the evenings. The average days of rain for May in Paris are 12 days.
You will want to bring a light coat, such as a trench or leather jacket to keep you warm and dry.
Shoes To Pack For Paris In May
Paris is best when explored on foot, there’s so much to see, and you don’t want to miss a thing. Just be prepared with comfortable shoes to walk all over Paris. Everyone in Paris wears sneakers these days, popular ones are VEJA, Stan Smith, or even New Balance or Nike. You can also opt for a comfortable pair of loafers or ballet flats which are always seen on the streets of Paris.
You can see my entire post dedicated to the best walking shoes for Paris here and the ones I find the most comfortable during my trip for fall, spring, and summer.
I also carry around my Longchamp tote with an extra pair of shoes for the day. That way, if I want to stop and take pictures in one shoe but wear my sneakers to walk around, I can switch them out.
Also, Paris is not the place to break in new shoes so make sure you don’t bring a brand new pair to walk the city.
SHOP ITEMS
Neutral Outfits To Wear In Paris In May
When I pack for Paris, I prefer to blend in and look more like a local. I tend to stick with a neutral color palette but also pack versatile items which you can easily mix and match to look chic and classic during the spring season and the month of May.
You will see a lot of Parisian women in mostly jeans and trousers. Depending on the weather some will have on dresses or skirts with a jacket. No athleisurewear so leave your yoga pants at home, please.
Another thing to think about is if any of your pieces need to be tailored before your trip. I always make sure to take anything to the tailor a few weeks before the trip to ensure they are ready in time.
Travel Essentials To Pack For Paris In May
I have put together a list of 16 items that I pack for every Paris trip. These are the items I consider necessary for the trip, however, everyone is different.
A great carry-on bag for the plane which is comfortable enough to carry everything I need. I have this carry-on bag but Everlane also has an affordable option. Inside the bag, I pack my eye mask, water bottle, and slippers ( I like to put these on when I am on the plane).
Of course, my headphones are always with me as well as my Mer Sea wrap that goes everywhere. You can see all the Paris travel essentials I make sure to pack here.
For my suitcase, I use these Amazon suitcases and they have been great. I also use these packing cubes to help me pack more and these laundry bags. This luggage scale always goes with me so I know how heavy my bags are, and this travel steamer is perfect and works very well.
Included is a downloadable PDF packing list. Print this and check it off to ensure you have everything for your trip. You can download the packing list HERE, I’ve included the Spring list.
More Important Packing Tips For Paris In May
May can still be chilly in the mornings, so take this into consideration when packing. If you are someone who gets cold more easily, maybe you want to take more layers in the form of tees, long sleeve bodysuits, or more camis.
This list is meant to help inspire and obviously isn’t all-inclusive of other things you might want to pack.
23 Pieces To Pack For Paris In May
- J.Crew Stripe Sweater
- Frank and Eileen Denim Button Up
- MANGO Blazer
- J.Crew Cashmere Sweater
- J.Crew Skinny Flare Resin Wash
- Cuyana Silk Cami
- J.Crew Double Breast Trench Coat
- MANGO Bucket Bag
- H&M Stripe Scarf
- Vaneli Slingback
- J.Crew Slip Skirt
- J.Crew Black Trousers
- Sam Edelman Black Loafers
- J.Crew Lady Jacket
- AGOLDE Straight Leg Denim
- J.Crew Button Down
- Madewell Straight Leg Denim
- VEJA Sneakers
- Veronica Beard Black Blazer
- Alex Mill Cardigan
- J.Crew Vintage T-Shirt
- Longchamp Tote
- J.Crew Leather Belt
Here are some outfit combinations in case you’re in need of inspiration on how to wear the 23 pieces.
Paris In May Outfit Ideas
SHOP THE LOOK
SHOP THE LOOK
SHOP THE LOOK
Hopefully, this has helped with your Paris in May packing list to help you feel put together, chic, confident, and ready for your trip to Paris.
This article contains affiliate links if you should make a purchase, I will make a small commission. Merci
OTHER PARIS INFORMATION
Heading to Paris anytime soon? Check out these other posts for helpful tips to know.
Loved this guide! The tip about layering is so helpful for unpredictable April weather in Paris. I’ll definitely make sure to pack a light scarf and my favorite trench coat. Can’t wait for my trip!
Can’t go wrong with black cigarette pants.
I recently discovered your blog and love it. It’s timely since we will be in Paris for two weeks in late May/early June (proceeded by 10 nights in Normandy and followed by two+ weeks in Provence). I am puzzled about what style of pants/jeans to pack– straight leg, slim/cigarette, wide leg or a combination? In most of your pictures, the women in Paris seem to be wearing straight or narrow-leg pants, but on other blogs I am seeing a lot of wide-legged pants. What would you choose? (By the way, I am 71 and my style tends to be classic with a twist or two).
Hi Michelle-
Thank you so much for your sweet words! Your vacation sounds amazing and all wonderful places to visit! I think you should pack what you are comfortable wearing. Women in Paris wear straight-leg or wide-leg. I wear both and would pack both for Paris. The straight leg is easy to wear ballet flats, loafers, and even sneakers. A Wide leg is good for sneakers, boots, sandals, and slingbacks or pumps. If you pack a combination of both, you will be covered for dressy or casual days and nights. You can follow the same rule with pants as well:) Hope that helps!
Have a wonderful vacation,
Noelani
I absolutely LOVE you outfit ideas and suggestions. Thank you so much for sharing. I am going on what I call my “Grand European” vacation in mid June to London, Paris (including Disneyland) and Rome do you have recommendations on what to pack and what to expect weather wise? I am wanting to look nice, be comfortable and not stick out like a sore thumb. Thank you for taking the time to read this and I hope you are having a great day!
Hi Jamie! Thank you, your “Grand European” vacation sounds amazing! You can definitely use some of these ideas but I will have a packing list for June next week so be sure to check back!
Have a great day,
Noelani
I love your blog! Do you have an itinerary/suggestions for the antique/flea markets in Paris? Where to stay, best ones, etc…we will be going, all ladies, for a week in February 2025.
Thank you!
Hi Debra!
Yes, I have an article on my favorite flea market here.
https://lavieongrand.com/the-best-flea-market-in-paris/
Have a great day!
Noelani
Love your posts! So no rain shoes for May?
Hi There!
There isn’t as much rain this month but certainly, take them if you are concerned! Maybe a rain boot if you would like? However, if I was going in May, I would not pack a rain shoe. Thank you for reading and have a wonderful day!
Hi There!
Entirely up to you! However, I wouldn’t pack them for May but do what you’re comfortable with. Unless there’s a torrential downpour they really aren’t necessary, in my opinion.
Have a great day!
Noelani