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Weather Comparison

Barcelona vs Nice

Side-by-side weather comparison for May

Barcelona: 21°CNice: 20°C490 km apart

May Weather: Barcelona vs Nice

MetricBarcelonaNiceBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer21°C (70°F)20°C (68°F)Barcelona
Average LowHigher is milder13°C (55°F)13°C (55°F)Tie
Rain DaysFewer is drier7 days10 daysBarcelona
PrecipitationLess is drier46 mm64 mmBarcelona
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier12h/day12h/dayTie
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%65%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer99Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better17 km/h12 km/hNice

Which City is Better in May?

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Barcelona edges ahead as the better destination in May. Barcelona offers 12 hours of daily sunshine with only 7 rain days, while Nice sees 12 sunshine hours and 10 rain days.

Barcelona sits in the comfortable travel range at 21°C. Nice is also comfortable at 20°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Barcelona is the stronger choice in May.

Temperature Comparison in May

Barcelona reaches an average high of 21°C (70°F) and drops to 13°C (55°F) at night during May. The daily temperature range is 8°C, meaning moderate variation throughout the day.

Nice averages 20°C (68°F) for the high and 13°C (55°F) for the low, with a daily range of 7°C. The two cities feel quite similar in terms of temperature.

Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in May.

Rainfall Comparison in May

Barcelona receives approximately 46 mm of rainfall across 7 rain days during May. Rain is occasional, so a light rain jacket should suffice.

Nice sees 64 mm over 10 rain days. That makes Barcelona the drier option by 3 rain days and 18 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.

What to Pack: Barcelona vs Nice

Packing for Barcelona in May

Highs of 21°C, lows of 13°C, 7 rain days

  • light layers
  • a light jacket for evenings
  • sunscreen
  • a packable rain jacket
  • an umbrella

Packing for Nice in May

Highs of 20°C, lows of 13°C, 10 rain days

  • light layers
  • a light jacket for evenings
  • sunscreen
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes

Pack for both: light layers, a light jacket for evenings, sunscreen. These items are useful in either destination during May.

Year-Round Comparison: Barcelona vs Nice

The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.May is highlighted for quick reference.

MonthBarcelonaNice
HighRainHighRain
Jan13°C6d11°C7d
Feb13°C6d12°C8d
Mar16°C7d14°C8d
Apr17°C9d17°C10d
May21°C7d20°C10d
Jun25°C6d24°C8d
Jul27°C5d27°C6d
Aug28°C7d27°C6d
Sep24°C11d23°C8d
Oct21°C10d19°C9d
Nov16°C8d15°C10d
Dec13°C6d12°C8d
21°

Barcelona Weather in May

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

20°

Nice Weather in May

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Barcelona warmer than Nice in May?
Yes. In May, Barcelona is warmer with an average high of 21°C (70°F) compared to Nice at 20°C (68°F), a difference of 1°C.
Which city gets more rain in May, Barcelona or Nice?
Nice gets more rain in May with 10 rain days and 64 mm of precipitation. Barcelona is the drier option with 7 rain days.
Is it better to visit Barcelona or Nice in May?
It depends on your preferences. Barcelona averages 21°C and 12 hours of daily sunshine with 7 rain days. Nice averages 20°C with 12 sunshine hours and 10 rain days. If you prefer warmer weather, choose Barcelona. For drier weather, Barcelona is the better pick.
How far apart are Barcelona and Nice?
Barcelona and Nice are approximately 490 km (304 miles) apart. Barcelona is located in Spain (Europe) while Nice is in France (Europe).
What is the best month to visit Barcelona and Nice?
For Barcelona, July tends to be the best month with 13 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 27°C. For Nice, July is typically ideal with 14 sunshine hours and 27°C highs.

Compare Barcelona and Nice in Other Months

Climate data sourced from the Open-Meteo Historical Weather API, using ERA5 reanalysis data covering 30-year normals from 1991 to 2020. All temperatures shown in Celsius with Fahrenheit equivalents. Rain days count days with 1 mm or more of precipitation. Sunshine hours represent average daily values. This comparison is generated from long-term climate averages and individual trips may vary.

Barcelona coordinates: 41.39°N, 2.17°E | Nice coordinates: 43.71°N, 7.26°E