London or Paris in May?

In May, Paris comes out ahead on the overall climate score (London 62/100 vs Paris 69/100). That is a snapshot of one month, though — which one truly fits depends on what you want from the trip, so the breakdown below goes criterion by criterion.

Across the whole year London averages a climate score of 53/100, Paris 58/100. Both profiles below are historical monthly averages, not a forecast.

By day, London sits near 17 °C and Paris near 19 °C — warmer in Paris. At night it is roughly 7 °C versus 8 °C.

On rain, London sees about 9 rainy days in May and Paris about 10 — drier in London. Paris gets more sunshine (6 vs 7 hours a day).

Over a full year London records roughly 111 rainy days and Paris about 108 — the drier of the two overall is Paris. At their sunniest, London reaches about 7 hours of sun a day (June) and Paris about 7 (June). If dependable dry, sunny weather is your top priority, weigh these annual totals alongside the single month above.

Climatically, London is at its best in June, July, August and September, while Paris peaks in June, July, August and September. If your dates are fixed, pick the destination whose strong season overlaps them; if you are flexible, plan around these windows.

Based on the May scores for each travel style:

City breaks: Paris scores higher in May.

Active & hiking: Paris scores higher in May.

Family: Paris scores higher in May.

There is no single winner — it depends on your month and your priority. For May specifically, use the head-to-head above; over the year, Paris carries the slightly higher overall climate score. Choose London if its strong months and profile match your plan, Paris if its do. The month-by-month pages for each destination give you the full picture before you book.