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Weather Comparison

Nice vs Barcelona

Side-by-side weather comparison for May

Nice: 20°CBarcelona: 21°C490 km apart

May Weather: Nice vs Barcelona

MetricNiceBarcelonaBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer20°C (68°F)21°C (70°F)Barcelona
Average LowHigher is milder13°C (55°F)13°C (55°F)Tie
Rain DaysFewer is drier10 days7 daysBarcelona
PrecipitationLess is drier64 mm46 mmBarcelona
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier12h/day12h/dayTie
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%65%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer99Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better12 km/h17 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.

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

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

Temperature Comparison in May

Nice reaches an average high of 20°C (68°F) and drops to 13°C (55°F) at night during May. The daily temperature range is 7°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Barcelona averages 21°C (70°F) for the high and 13°C (55°F) for the low, with a daily range of 8°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

Nice receives approximately 64 mm of rainfall across 10 rain days during May. You can expect rain roughly every other day.

Barcelona sees 46 mm over 7 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: Nice vs Barcelona

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

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

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

Year-Round Comparison: Nice vs Barcelona

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.

MonthNiceBarcelona
HighRainHighRain
Jan11°C7d13°C6d
Feb12°C8d13°C6d
Mar14°C8d16°C7d
Apr17°C10d17°C9d
May20°C10d21°C7d
Jun24°C8d25°C6d
Jul27°C6d27°C5d
Aug27°C6d28°C7d
Sep23°C8d24°C11d
Oct19°C9d21°C10d
Nov15°C10d16°C8d
Dec12°C8d13°C6d
20°

Nice Weather in May

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

21°

Barcelona Weather in May

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nice warmer than Barcelona in May?
No. 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, Nice or Barcelona?
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 Nice or Barcelona in May?
It depends on your preferences. Nice averages 20°C and 12 hours of daily sunshine with 10 rain days. Barcelona averages 21°C with 12 sunshine hours and 7 rain days. If you prefer cooler conditions, choose Barcelona. For fewer rain days, Barcelona is the better pick.
How far apart are Nice and Barcelona?
Nice and Barcelona are approximately 490 km (304 miles) apart. Nice is located in France (Europe) while Barcelona is in Spain (Europe).
What is the best month to visit Nice and Barcelona?
For Nice, July tends to be the best month with 14 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 27°C. For Barcelona, July is typically ideal with 13 sunshine hours and 27°C highs.

Compare Nice and Barcelona 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.

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