Weather Comparison
Paris vs Zurich
Side-by-side weather comparison for May
May Weather: Paris vs Zurich
| Metric | Paris | Zurich | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | 19°C (66°F)▲ | 18°C (64°F) | Paris |
| Average LowHigher is milder | 9°C (48°F) | 9°C (48°F) | Tie |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 11 days▲ | 15 days | Paris |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 65 mm▲ | 116 mm | Paris |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 10h/day | 11h/day▲ | Zurich |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 65% | 65% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 10 | 10 | Tie |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 18 km/h | 12 km/h▲ | Zurich |
Which City is Better in May?
Paris and Zurich are closely matched in May. Neither city has a clear advantage across all metrics. Your decision should come down to personal preference, cultural interests, and travel logistics rather than weather alone.
Paris sits in the comfortable travel range at 19°C. Zurich is also comfortable at 18°C.
For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Paris is the stronger choice in May. Zurich receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Temperature Comparison in May
Paris reaches an average high of 19°C (66°F) and drops to 9°C (48°F) at night during May. The daily temperature range is 10°C, meaning moderate variation throughout the day.
Zurich averages 18°C (64°F) for the high and 9°C (48°F) for the low, with a daily range of 9°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
Paris receives approximately 65 mm of rainfall across 11 rain days during May. You can expect rain roughly every other day.
Zurich sees 116 mm over 15 rain days. That makes Paris the drier option by 4 rain days and 51 mm of total precipitation.
Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.
What to Pack: Paris vs Zurich
Packing for Paris in May
Highs of 19°C, lows of 9°C, 11 rain days
- ✓warm layers
- ✓a mid-weight jacket
- ✓long trousers
- ✓waterproof jacket
- ✓compact umbrella
- ✓waterproof shoes
Packing for Zurich in May
Highs of 18°C, lows of 9°C, 15 rain days
- ✓warm layers
- ✓a mid-weight jacket
- ✓long trousers
- ✓waterproof jacket
- ✓compact umbrella
- ✓waterproof shoes
Pack for both: warm layers, a mid-weight jacket, long trousers, waterproof jacket, compact umbrella, waterproof shoes. These items are useful in either destination during May.
Year-Round Comparison: Paris vs Zurich
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.
| Month | Paris | Zurich | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | 7°C | 12d | 5°C | 13d |
| Feb | 8°C | 10d | 6°C | 11d |
| Mar | 12°C | 11d | 10°C | 13d |
| Apr | 15°C | 11d | 14°C | 13d |
| May | 19°C | 11d | 18°C | 15d |
| Jun | 22°C | 10d | 22°C | 16d |
| Jul | 24°C | 10d | 24°C | 15d |
| Aug | 24°C | 9d | 23°C | 14d |
| Sep | 21°C | 8d | 19°C | 12d |
| Oct | 16°C | 11d | 15°C | 12d |
| Nov | 11°C | 11d | 9°C | 12d |
| Dec | 7°C | 12d | 5°C | 14d |
Paris Weather in May
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Zurich Weather in May
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities