diann24

I know this has been asked frequently but we will be in Paris in one week for 3 days. I am trying to pack and figure out what to take based on the weather. I am coming from the East Coast so it looks much like our weather--hadn't planned on a "winter coat" but certainly do not want to freeze! I guess layers would be the most sensible--? Shall I bring sweaters as well? Any thoughts. Thanks,

StCirq

Check Méteo Paris the day before you leave and plan accordingly. No one in Paris or anywhere else in France can plan more than a few hours ahead normally. Pack layers and sturdy walking shoes and something for rain showers. Do you really think anyone here in France knows more than you do? Not a chance, LOL!

Kathie

There are many websites that give historical weather patterns for cities all over the world, and these same sites usually give you today's weather there as well. The one I use is www.weatherbase.com but there are many others. It makes more sense to use a weather website than to ask here what the weather will be like next week in Paris.

diann24

Kathie I am all ready doing this using weather.com I have it plugged in--of course that makes more sense. I am inquiring about what to wear and bring! No one knows what the weather is like including the weather service half thet time--thanks for your input.

Loacker

Late May is usually warm, though it can be cool at times. But it's never cold. I would pack spring clothes and one jacket that matches all your outtfits and which you can wear in the evenings.

The odds of freezing in Paris in late May are 0.00001%

Christina

In fact, the weather is very similar to Washington DC/NYC, so figure out what it is like there at the same time. Historical weather average are all you can go on, but you should know what you like to wear in such weather based on the average temps, etc. Why is this difficult.

weather.com gives forecasts out that far anyway, and since it is only a week away, you have a pretty good idea of weather possibilities.

I can't even imagine going to Paris in mid-May without a sweater. I always take a couple even in July. No, don't take a winter coat. Weather will likely be mid to upper 60s in daytime, possibly down to 50 at night. It rains a lot in May. Take some kind of rain jacket, at least a waterproof shell or something, that's what I would do. At this time of year, I would take a thiner-weight down-filled puffer jackets, one of those ones that scrunch up for travel down to nothing. Could be useful at night. I've taken one of those to Paris at end of Sept or early October, and was very glad I did for night.

StCirq

Yes, late May can be cool. It can be anything. It was 5 C in Paris last week, 17 C here today. Nobody can be sure. It poured for two days straight here last week, then was crystal clear for 3 days. You just cannot know. Be prepared. and I agree I would never go to Paris in mid-May without a sweater, a warm one, and a scarf. You don't need a winter coat, though. My "scientific approach" before I moved here was to pack a little bit of everything. Even now that I live here I pack a bit of everything into the car before we take off on a daytrip because weather can change from beautiful in the morning to cold and horrendous and hail in the afternoon to chilly in the morning to hot as hell in the afternoon.

Got it? No one can say, and watch, but don't rely on, the météo.

diann24

I got it StCirq it is the same as here for sure. East coast, New York just not exactly as I would dress here.

Christina I have a puffer jacket the kind you speak of--hardly wear it as it is purple. Not black. I have a nice sharp black leather jacket, but it is not warm at all. We did not see the sun here for nearly 10 days in a row. Seriously gloom and doom. I do not recall May being so cool as this year. Well thanks I have decided the only way to lick this thing, is to bring it all. We are in London first then onto Paris.

cmcfong

I just returned last night. I had expected much cooler temps based on the reports. It was wet and generally mild during my stay. Have a grand time.

diann24

Thanks you. How long did you stay in Paris? I am so excited. I cannot wait to see such a fabulous gorgeous city.

jubilada

You're not bringing the right weight jacket because it is purple? Really?

nytraveler

IMHO any heavy weight clothing is just going to be a PIA. Layers is the way to go. If you feel the cold a lot perhaps a lightweight jacket - but definitely no more than that. But do bring long and short sleeve tops, a couple of sweaters, maybe a thin cotton turtleneck and a tissue weight hooded rain jacket (the kind that folds into a tiny pouch). Also TWO pair of broken in walking shoes - since if one gets wet it will likely still be damp the next AM.

I would not bring shorts, tank tops, sundresses or flip flops. (One young woman wanted to bring these to NYC now - only it's 55 at night - not 75.)

cmcfong

We were two weeks in France, just ended up in Paris. Have a glorious time, it will be so much fun.

diann24

Jubilada, very sensitive to what in rome to like the romans do" you r funny--you got it purple is Barney!

No shorts for me, no way it needs to be a 100 for the short scene for me. I got the walking shoes I am a walker, I did 6.5 miles today so I am use to that so is DH. We are active although seniors. Thanks for all your help and input! I do appreciate your kind thoughts. Ny traveler PIA? Pain in A--? Did I guess correctly?

denisea

Layers, layers. Always take a wrap for chilly restaurants and airplanes.

cafegoddess

Hi Diann24,

I was in your shoes over a week ago. I packed both long and short sleeves pullover type tops to go with my jeans and pencil skirts. It was warm the first couple of days, and it has been in the mid sixties for the last week, so pack clothes accordingly. I have not used my spring coat. The skirt I wear to dinner and I still don't need a coat. The weather has been great,

Have a great time in Paris! My husband and I are so in love with this city.

spaarne

<i> Paris weather
Posted by: diann24 on May 15, 16 at 5:33pm</i>

Here is a good weather site https://www.wunderground.com/q/zmw:00000.37.07156. Looks like a parapluie is in order. And do not forget your scarf, http://www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap05/clothes.htm.

fuzzbucket

I have had to change clothes at least twice a day, during the last 2 weeks. This will likely continue - welcome to Springtime in Paris.

In the morning and late evening, it's very chilly and sometimes raining - heavy waterproof jacket.
During the day, it may - or may not - warm up enough to wear only a light windbreaker, if that. Sometimes rain, sometimes not.

Even with reliable weather reports on French TV, systems can blow through Paris at a moment's notice and everything changes overnight.

The best advice is to bring a light waterproof jacket and/or an umbrella, think about thin-to-medium layers - better to peel than schlep a heavy coat/sweater you won't need more than once - and pack the day before you leave for Paris.

nytraveler

Yes PIA is Pain in Ass.

What I use most is the tissue weight rain jacket. Mine is reversible tan and black so can even be worn as a jacket/warp out in the evening. And if you throw it in the washer it's easily all fresh and clean and dries in about 3 hours.

diann24

spaarne: What a great site!! He really nails it--so true it is disgraceful the way some people dress in these countries like they just had dinner at the dumpster. Too funny.

We have been to Italy, Rome Vienna Prague, so I get the scarf thing and I am very observant as to how the people dress when traveling to these great cities. I love scarfs and I have many so not a worry on that note.

Cafegoddess (cute name) I do not wear pencil skirts not for me, but I have 2 dress black slacks with nice tops. I hope that will be ok for dining in the p.m. On vacation I often change clothes 3 times a day anywhere I go--thanks again folks. You are the best.