Paris in early May
 

We are thinking about travelling to Paris the second week of May 2004, and are curious about weather and what flowers would be out.

Weather in Paris is always unpredictable, but in early May you might expect 60 degrees Fahrenheit or even 70 degrees, with tulips and other bulbs blooming as well as fruit trees. Lovely time of year to visit.

StCirq's description was a fairly accurate reflection of our experience in May 2002. The weather was in the 60s and the tulips were beautiful.

I'd recommend being prepared for quite chilly as well, though. We nearly froze (I was wishing I had woolen sweaters and gloves along) at least a few days during two trips during June.

Best bet is to check the 10-day forecast just before leaving home to finalize your packing. Even so, it could be warmer or cooler. Paris weather is SO changeable you can pay no attention whatseover even to the daily forecast on the TV.

In May 2003, we found the weather in Paris to be quite pleasant, though it did drizzle on one or two evenings.

We were there on May 8, Liberation Day, and saw the ceremony at the Arch de Triomph and parade along the Champs Elysees. Since Liberation Day is a public holiday, you might want to see if it will affect your travel plans.

Woody

A wonderful spot for tulip fans is the garden of the Palais Royale.

In response to a previous comment, we arrived on Liberation Day and found it had no affect on our arrival. If anything, the traffic from the airport to Paris was lighter.
Just make sure you view the Arc de Triomphe that day or the next. The gigantic flag flying inside the arch is an impressive sight.

When I arrived in Paris May 2002 it was cool and rainy & breezy so I bought an inexpensive scarf on the rue de rivoli which worked...in May 2003, it was very hot and of course proceeded to be one of the hottest summers with 35,000 fr dying from the heat wave. I carry a lightweight black rain jacket whereever I go and the umbrella fits in the pocket and just took it to my trip to Cuba ...doubles as a jacket.

I recall excellent weather in Paris last May. Last year I was told that it didn't rain much as it normally would in the spring. We got to visit a number of beautiful gardens with our guide and I recall them to be in bloom.
Though I think we had missed the last of the tulips since there was such a warm or early spring.
Paul