Lyon in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Lyon

21°C (70°F) High Temp

11°C (52°F) Low Temp

81 mm (3.2 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs 30-40% less than summer peak, with restaurant terraces reopening after winter closures
Ideal hiking weather in Beaujolais hills - temperatures of 15-18°C (59-64°F) in the vineyards make 8-12 km (5-7.5 mile) wine trail walks comfortable without summer heat exhaustion
Festival season begins with Nuits Sonores electronic music festival (mid-May) and outdoor cinema at Parc de la Tête d'Or reopening after winter break
Spring produce peak at Les Halles de Lyon - white asparagus from nearby Rhône Valley, fresh morel mushrooms, and early cherries from Ardèche at 40-50% below tourist season prices

Considerations

Unpredictable rainfall patterns - afternoon showers occur 10 out of 31 days, often lasting 45-90 minutes and disrupting outdoor dining plans
Cool evenings require layering - temperatures drop to 11°C (52°F) after sunset, making rooftop bars and river walks uncomfortable without proper clothing
Construction season peak - major renovation projects on Presqu'île and new tramway extensions cause detours and noise, particularly affecting morning commutes to attractions

Best Activities in May

Beaujolais Vineyard Cycling Tours

May offers perfect cycling conditions with comfortable 15-18°C (59-64°F) temperatures in wine country just 30 km (18.6 miles) north of Lyon. Vineyards show fresh spring growth, and many domaines offer outdoor tastings that close during winter months. Morning departures avoid afternoon shower risk.

Booking Tip: Book vineyard tours 7-10 days ahead during May as many wineries limit group sizes to 8-12 people. Expect to pay €45-75 for half-day tours including 3-4 tastings. Look for operators offering rain gear and covered tasting areas. See current cycling tour options in the booking section below.

Rhône River Cruise Dining

May marks the return of evening dinner cruises after winter suspension, with extended daylight until 8:30 PM and mild 16-19°C (61-66°F) evening temperatures. Spring runoff makes the Rhône more scenic, and outdoor deck seating becomes comfortable again.

Booking Tip: Dinner cruises typically cost €65-95 per person in May versus €120+ in summer. Book 10-14 days ahead as capacity is limited to 40-60 passengers per boat. Choose evening departures (7 PM) to maximize daylight river views. Current river cruise options available in booking section below.

Silk District Walking Food Tours

Croix-Rousse neighborhood's steep traboules (hidden passageways) are ideal for exploration in May's mild weather - summer heat makes these 15-20% gradient climbs exhausting. Local bistros reopen outdoor seating, and spring ingredients appear in traditional Lyonnaise dishes.

Booking Tip: Walking food tours cost €75-110 for 3-4 hour experiences including 5-6 tastings. May weather allows comfortable 3-4 km (1.9-2.5 mile) walks through hilly neighborhoods. Book tours for 10 AM or 2 PM starts to avoid afternoon shower periods. Current food tour options in booking section below.

Parc de la Tête d'Or Lake Activities

Europe's largest urban park reopens full outdoor activities in May after winter limitations. Pedal boat rentals resume, outdoor exercise areas reopen, and the free zoo extends hours to 6:30 PM. Morning temperatures of 14-16°C (57-61°F) make jogging and cycling around the 2.8 km (1.7 mile) lake circuit comfortable.

Booking Tip: Park activities are largely free, but pedal boat rentals cost €8-12 per hour. Arrive before 11 AM on weekends to avoid local family crowds. The park's outdoor restaurant terraces reopen in May with lunch menus €18-28. Equipment rentals available on-site, no advance booking needed.

Les Halles Market Cooking Classes

May brings peak spring ingredients to Lyon's famous indoor food market - white asparagus, early strawberries, and fresh herbs. Cooking schools offer market-to-kitchen classes that take advantage of seasonal produce unavailable in winter months.

Booking Tip: Cooking classes with market visits cost €85-130 per person for 4-5 hour experiences. Classes fill quickly in May as spring ingredients attract food enthusiasts. Book 2-3 weeks ahead, preferably for Tuesday-Thursday sessions when market selection is best. Current cooking class options in booking section below.

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière Sunset Views

May offers the ideal combination of extended daylight (sunset at 8:15 PM) and clear spring air for panoramic city views from Fourvière Hill. The funicular railway operates until 9 PM, and outdoor terraces around the basilica reopen after winter closures with comfortable evening temperatures.

Booking Tip: Funicular tickets cost €3.20 each way, or walk the 228 m (748 ft) climb for free exercise. Evening visits (6-8 PM) provide best lighting for photography and avoid tour bus crowds. The basilica offers free guided tours at 2:30 PM daily in May. No advance booking required for standard visits.

May Events & Festivals

Mid May

Nuits Sonores Electronic Music Festival

Europe's premier electronic music festival transforms Lyon's industrial spaces into nightclub venues for 5 nights. Features 200+ artists across 15 venues, with outdoor stages possible due to May's mild evening weather.

Early to Mid May

Printemps des Poètes Poetry Festival

City-wide poetry celebration with readings in traboules, parks, and unusual locations. Many events occur outdoors taking advantage of May's pleasant weather, including dawn poetry sessions at Parc de la Tête d'Or.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket - May showers are brief but intense, occurring 10 days out of the month with little warning

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - Lyon's traboules have worn stone steps that become slippery when wet

Layers for 10°C (18°F) temperature swings - morning fog at 11°C (52°F) can become 21°C (70°F) afternoon sunshine within hours

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 on clear days, intensified by reflection off the Rhône and Saône rivers

Small umbrella that fits in day pack - afternoon showers develop quickly and outdoor café awnings don't cover all seating

Long pants for evening dining - restaurant terraces get cool after 7 PM, and Lyonnaise dress more formally than other French cities

Power bank for phone - May's variable weather requires frequent map and weather app checking for outdoor activities

Reusable water bottle - spring temperatures make 3-4 km (1.9-2.5 mile) walking tours comfortable but require hydration

Cash in small denominations - many traditional bouchons (local restaurants) still prefer cash, especially for lunch menus under €25

Insider Knowledge

Locals avoid outdoor dining between 2-4 PM in May due to frequent afternoon shower patterns - book lunch reservations before 1 PM or after 4 PM for better terrace availability

Take advantage of 'menu du marché' specials at bouchons featuring spring ingredients like white asparagus and morel mushrooms - these disappear by June and cost 30% more in tourist areas

Use TCL day passes (€5.50) instead of individual metro tickets if visiting multiple neighborhoods - May weather makes surface tram rides pleasant and offers better city views than metro tunnels

Shop at Saturday morning markets in Croix-Rousse rather than tourist-heavy Les Halles for 40-50% lower prices on identical regional products from the Easttimor vendors

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming all outdoor terraces are open - many restaurants don't fully reopen outdoor seating until mid-May, so call ahead for terrace reservations

Underdressing for evening activities - tourists wearing summer clothes at 8 PM find themselves cold when temperatures drop to 13°C (55°F) after sunset

Not checking daily weather apps - May weather changes rapidly from morning to afternoon, and many visitors get caught without rain protection during sudden showers