What To Pack For Paris In May
What to Pack for Paris in May
Paris in May is a magical time to visit the French capital. The city emerges from winter with blooming gardens, pleasant temperatures, and a vibrant atmosphere before the summer tourist crowds arrive. However, packing for Paris in May requires thoughtful planning due to the changeable spring weather and the city’s fashion-conscious culture.
This guide will help you pack efficiently and stylishly for your Parisian adventure.
Weather In Paris During May
May in Paris typically sees daytime temperatures ranging from 55°F to 68°F (13°C to 20°C), with evening temperatures dipping to around 50°F (10°C).
While generally pleasant, May weather can be unpredictable with occasional rain showers and temperature fluctuations.
The month averages about 10 rainy days, so preparation for wet conditions is essential.
Dressing Like a Parisian In May
Parisians are known for their effortlessly chic style that balances sophistication with practicality. While you needn’t pack an entirely new wardrobe, considering these style tips will help you blend in:
Color Palette
Parisians typically favor a neutral color palette—black, navy, beige, white, and gray dominate. These colors not only look elegant but also simplify outfit coordination. Consider packing pieces in these tones, adding interest with accessories.
Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
French fashion emphasizes quality garments with good fit rather than trend-focused pieces. When packing, select well-made items that fit properly and can be mixed and matched.
Smart Casual is Key
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.
Evening Attire For Paris In May
If your Paris itinerary includes upscale restaurants, theater performances, or cocktail bars, you’ll want to pack at least one dressier outfit:
- For women: A versatile dress or elegant pants with a blouse can be dressed up with accessories and appropriate shoes.
- For men: Dark jeans or trousers paired with a button-down shirt and blazer work for most upscale venues.
Always check specific dress codes for high-end restaurants or special venues, as some may require more formal attire.
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.
You will see people wearing VEJA, Sambas, 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
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.
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.
Capsule Wardrobe Approach
Create a mix-and-match wardrobe where most pieces coordinate with each other:
- Base your selections around a consistent color palette
- Ensure tops pair with multiple bottoms
- Plan complete outfits before packing
- Aim for versatile pieces that work for multiple settings
What To Pack For Paris In May
Pieces To Pack For Paris In May
CZ Earrings: These are the perfect pieces of jewelry to wear daily. They are timeless and dainty. I always take my diamond earrings on every trip and usually leave them on the entire trip unless I swap them out for dinner one night.
Longchamp Bag: An easy and lightweight bag to carry around the city. It can easily hold your daily essentials and whatever you might buy. This lighter version is a great color for the spring season.
Tory Burch Crossbody: This chic Tory Burch is a beautiful option for carrying a crossbody during the day or in the evening.
Silk Scarf: Any Paris trip wouldn’t be complete without packing a silk scarf to accessorize your outfits.
Sézane Black Loafers: Loafers are a way to stay on trend for the season while keeping your feet comfortable.
AWAY Suitcase: Whether you’re packing in a carry-on or checking your bag, the AWAY luggage line is a great addition to your travel needs.
Celine Sunglasses: These are one of my favorite pairs of sunglasses. They are so stylish and chic.
Anthroplogie Belt: Always pack a classic belt for your trip.
YSL Lipstick: Beautiful red lipstick is always on trend in Paris. Go with shade 1, Le Rouge.
Adidas Sambas: These sneakers are still stylish amongst Parisians, so if you want to look like a local, wear a pair of Adidas.
Margaux Ballet Flat: You want to make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes while in Paris, and these ballet flats provide comfort while also being stylish at the same time.
Tuckernuck Tweed Jacket: You can never go wrong with a tweed jacket in Paris, no matter the season.
Everlane Tee: I always pack several layering pieces to wear by themselves or under sweaters and jackets.
J.Crew Oversized Sweater: The perfect sweater to wear by itself or with a trench coat.
Frame Navy Top: A gorgeous top to wear with white or blue denim.
J.Crew Poplin Button Down: Pack a classic blue or white button down for your trip.
Alex Mill Sweater: This gorgeous sweater is a must for Paris in the spring. You can wear it with jeans, ballet flats, and a scarf and look effortlessly chic in no time.
Everlane Stripe Sweater: Even though it’s May, a striped sweater is always a good idea to pack for chilly mornings.
Cinq à Sept Blazer: One of my favorite blazers I own in white and black that is classic and timeless looking and lightweight to pack for the season.
Mango Trench Coat: You can’t go to Paris without packing a trench coat, and this one is perfect for May.
Tuckernuck Dress: This is a simple LBD for evenings out. Wear it with a black tweed jacket, black blazer, or even leather jacket for a simple yet chic look.
Madewell Denim: The perfect pair of white wide leg denim for the season.
Frame Straight- Leg Denim: Parisian women tend to wear straight-leg denim, so go with a classic pair like these.
Mother Wide Leg Denim: Wide-leg denim is another favorite choice among Parisians, so you will fit right in wearing these.
Aritzia Trousers: It’s always a good idea to pack a pair of black trousers for daytime and evenings out.
Here are some outfit combinations if you need inspiration to wear the pieces together. All the pieces can easily be mixed and matched to provide maximum versatility.
Paris In May Outfit Ideas
SHOP THE LOOK
What To Wear In Paris In May Outfit Two
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Paris In May Outfit Number Three
SHOP THE LOOK
Packing For Paris In Spring Outfit Number Four
SHOP THE LOOK
Paris In May Outfit Number Five
SHOP THE LOOK
Paris In May Outfit Number Six
SHOP THE LOOK
Packing For Paris In May -Pin This And Save
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.
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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