We will be in Paris from May 9th-16th and the weather forecast shows showers many of those days. We are hoping to do a lot of walking, picnicing and exploring the city--are the showers generally off and on, or should I re think the clothing and shoes I was planning to pack?
Posted by
SF Bay Area, CA
2030 posts
Hi. I'm from California also (where there is virtually no rain) and am going to Paris in mid May. I always monitor the 5-10 day weather forecast up until the day I leave, and pack accordingly. From my experience living there and from many trips at various times, I don't think the rain will be significant - mostly on and off, light showers. An umbrella and a pair of closed toe shoes, and a good jacket should be all you need. If it rains hard, you can buy plastic ponchos all over, but if you happen to have one, they are small and light to pack, just in case.
If the forecast shows showers, I'll bring my short light trench coat because they are very popular & chic in Paris. May in Paris is not likely to be as as warm as it is in CA. I would not expect to dress the same way I do here. I'm bringing a couple of jackets, one lightweight linen, and another slightly heavier one, and good sandals, and some spiffy athletic shoes that I can wear in the rain. You could bring boots too - which Parisian women wear almost year round.
good luck.
Posted by
OP
coastal California
8 posts
Thank you! That's so helpful! I wasn't sure if boots would be out of season, as they are here now. I think we'll enjoy Paris no matter what the weather!
Posted by
Reston, VA, USA
810 posts
Daughter and I arrived in Paris last May 25 - in pouring rain. We were taking the RoissyBus from CDG to the Opera Metro stop, and the problem with the bus is that you have to get off even if it's raining... if we had done Metro we would just have hung around inside for 10 minutes till it let up. We were in Paris for 3 days and it rained off & on for 2 of the three; I was very glad to have my umbrella and rain jacket. You may have better luck, but I would be prepared for rain and have some other choices in mind just in case. Have a great time!
Posted by
Ohio
2161 posts
Hi Tammy, pack a waterproof jacket and a fleece or sweater. May can be wet and chilly in Paris. I was there for 4 days in May 2013 and it rained every day, pretty much all day. In May 2011 it rained 6 out of 7 days. Walking and exploring is no problem but it may put a damper on your picnicking. In any event, Paris is wonderful, hope you have a great time!
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
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Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area
79 posts
Tammy and BG - I'm also from California and am heading to Paris and France next week 13th. Lets hope for some sunshine!
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