London or Paris in May?

In May, Paris comes out ahead on the overall climate score (London 63/100 vs Paris 70/100). 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.

This comparison focuses on May as a representative month for the pair; for any other month, use each destination's month-by-month pages. Across the whole year London averages a climate score of 52/100, Paris 57/100. Both profiles below are historical monthly averages, not a forecast.

The average daily high is about 17 °C in London and 19 °C in Paris — warmer in Paris. Average daily lows are around 7 °C versus 8 °C.

On rain, London sees about 11 rainy days in May and Paris about 12 — drier in London. Paris gets more sunshine (6 vs 7 hours a day).

Over a full year London records roughly 142 rainy days and Paris about 133 — 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 (London 77 vs Paris 83).

Active & hiking: Paris scores higher in May (London 74 vs Paris 79).

Family: Paris scores higher in May (London 43 vs Paris 53).

In May, Paris leads across every scored category here — the overall score and each travel type — so on the climate data it is the clearer pick this month. Over the year, Paris carries the higher overall climate score. Your own priority (sun, sea, low rain or sightseeing comfort) still matters, and the month-by-month pages for each destination give you the full picture before you book.