Skip to content

Weather Comparison

Paris vs Zurich

Side-by-side weather comparison for May

Paris: 19°CZurich: 18°C488 km apart

May Weather: Paris vs Zurich

MetricParisZurichBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer19°C (66°F)18°C (64°F)Paris
Average LowHigher is milder9°C (48°F)9°C (48°F)Tie
Rain DaysFewer is drier11 days15 daysParis
PrecipitationLess is drier65 mm116 mmParis
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier10h/day11h/dayZurich
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%65%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer1010Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better18 km/h12 km/hZurich

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.

MonthParisZurich
HighRainHighRain
Jan7°C12d5°C13d
Feb8°C10d6°C11d
Mar12°C11d10°C13d
Apr15°C11d14°C13d
May19°C11d18°C15d
Jun22°C10d22°C16d
Jul24°C10d24°C15d
Aug24°C9d23°C14d
Sep21°C8d19°C12d
Oct16°C11d15°C12d
Nov11°C11d9°C12d
Dec7°C12d5°C14d
19°

Paris Weather in May

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

18°

Zurich Weather in May

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Paris warmer than Zurich in May?
Yes. In May, Paris is warmer with an average high of 19°C (66°F) compared to Zurich at 18°C (64°F), a difference of 1°C.
Which city gets more rain in May, Paris or Zurich?
Zurich gets more rain in May with 15 rain days and 116 mm of precipitation. Paris is the drier option with 11 rain days.
Is it better to visit Paris or Zurich in May?
It depends on your preferences. Paris averages 19°C and 10 hours of daily sunshine with 11 rain days. Zurich averages 18°C with 11 sunshine hours and 15 rain days. If you prefer warmer weather, choose Paris. For drier weather, Paris is the better pick.
How far apart are Paris and Zurich?
Paris and Zurich are approximately 488 km (303 miles) apart. Paris is located in France (Europe) while Zurich is in Switzerland (Europe).
What is the best month to visit Paris and Zurich?
For Paris, August tends to be the best month with 11 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 24°C. For Zurich, July is typically ideal with 12 sunshine hours and 24°C highs.

Compare Paris and Zurich 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.

Paris coordinates: 48.86°N, 2.35°E | Zurich coordinates: 47.38°N, 8.54°E