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Weather Comparison

Milan vs Lyon

Side-by-side weather comparison for May

Milan: 22°CLyon: 20°C340 km apart

May Weather: Milan vs Lyon

MetricMilanLyonBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer22°C (72°F)20°C (68°F)Milan
Average LowHigher is milder12°C (54°F)10°C (50°F)Milan
Rain DaysFewer is drier12 days13 daysMilan
PrecipitationLess is drier110 mm90 mmLyon
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier12h/day11h/dayMilan
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%65%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer1010Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better12 km/h16 km/hMilan

Which City is Better in May?

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Milan edges ahead as the better destination in May. Milan offers 12 hours of daily sunshine with only 12 rain days, while Lyon sees 11 sunshine hours and 13 rain days.

Milan sits in the comfortable travel range at 22°C. Lyon is also comfortable at 20°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Milan is the stronger choice in May. Milan receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Temperature Comparison in May

Milan reaches an average high of 22°C (72°F) and drops to 12°C (54°F) at night during May. The daily temperature range is 10°C, meaning moderate variation throughout the day.

Lyon averages 20°C (68°F) for the high and 10°C (50°F) for the low, with a daily range of 10°C. The 2°C difference is noticeable but not dramatic.

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

Rainfall Comparison in May

Milan receives approximately 110 mm of rainfall across 12 rain days during May. You can expect rain roughly every other day.

Lyon sees 90 mm over 13 rain days. That makes Milan the drier option by 1 rain day and 20 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.

What to Pack: Milan vs Lyon

Packing for Milan in May

Highs of 22°C, lows of 12°C, 12 rain days

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

Packing for Lyon in May

Highs of 20°C, lows of 10°C, 13 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, waterproof jacket, compact umbrella, waterproof shoes. These items are useful in either destination during May.

Year-Round Comparison: Milan vs Lyon

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.

MonthMilanLyon
HighRainHighRain
Jan7°C7d7°C13d
Feb9°C7d9°C10d
Mar14°C8d13°C11d
Apr17°C11d16°C12d
May22°C12d20°C13d
Jun26°C10d24°C12d
Jul29°C9d27°C10d
Aug28°C11d27°C9d
Sep23°C10d22°C9d
Oct17°C10d17°C11d
Nov11°C11d11°C12d
Dec7°C8d7°C12d
22°

Milan Weather in May

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

20°

Lyon Weather in May

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Milan warmer than Lyon in May?
Yes. In May, Milan is warmer with an average high of 22°C (72°F) compared to Lyon at 20°C (68°F), a difference of 2°C.
Which city gets more rain in May, Milan or Lyon?
Lyon gets more rain in May with 13 rain days and 110 mm of precipitation. Milan is the drier option with 12 rain days.
Is it better to visit Milan or Lyon in May?
It depends on your preferences. Milan averages 22°C and 12 hours of daily sunshine with 12 rain days. Lyon averages 20°C with 11 sunshine hours and 13 rain days. If you prefer warmer weather, choose Milan. For drier weather, Milan is the better pick.
How far apart are Milan and Lyon?
Milan and Lyon are approximately 340 km (211 miles) apart. Milan is located in Italy (Europe) while Lyon is in France (Europe).
What is the best month to visit Milan and Lyon?
For Milan, July tends to be the best month with 14 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 29°C. For Lyon, July is typically ideal with 13 sunshine hours and 27°C highs.

Compare Milan and Lyon 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.

Milan coordinates: 45.47°N, 9.19°E | Lyon coordinates: 45.76°N, 4.84°E