Paris or Rome in May?

In May, Rome comes out ahead on the overall climate score (Paris 69/100 vs Rome 91/100). 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 Paris averages a climate score of 58/100, Rome 68/100. Both profiles below are historical monthly averages, not a forecast.

By day, Paris sits near 19 °C and Rome near 23 °C — warmer in Rome. At night it is roughly 8 °C versus 13 °C.

On rain, Paris sees about 10 rainy days in May and Rome about 6 — drier in Rome. Rome gets more sunshine (7 vs 8 hours a day).

Over a full year Paris records roughly 108 rainy days and Rome about 81 — the drier of the two overall is Rome. At their sunniest, Paris reaches about 7 hours of sun a day (June) and Rome about 10 (July). If dependable dry, sunny weather is your top priority, weigh these annual totals alongside the single month above.

Climatically, Paris is at its best in June, July, August and September, while Rome peaks in May, June, September and October. 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: Rome scores higher in May.

Active & hiking: Rome scores higher in May.

Family: Rome 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, Rome carries the slightly higher overall climate score. Choose Paris if its strong months and profile match your plan, Rome if its do. The month-by-month pages for each destination give you the full picture before you book.