Paris or Rome in May?

In May, Rome comes out ahead on the overall climate score (Paris 70/100 vs Rome 86/100). 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 Paris averages a climate score of 57/100, Rome 67/100. Both profiles below are historical monthly averages, not a forecast.

The average daily high is about 19 °C in Paris and 23 °C in Rome — warmer in Rome. Average daily lows are around 8 °C versus 13 °C.

On rain, Paris sees about 12 rainy days in May and Rome about 9 — drier in Rome. Rome gets more sunshine (7 vs 8 hours a day).

Over a full year Paris records roughly 133 rainy days and Rome about 105 — the drier of the two overall is Rome. At their sunniest, Paris reaches about 7 hours of sun a day (June) and Rome about 9 (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 (Paris 83 vs Rome 92).

Active & hiking: Rome scores higher in May (Paris 79 vs Rome 82).

Family: Rome scores higher in May (Paris 53 vs Rome 85).

In May, Rome 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, Rome 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.