The month in detail
What to expect in May
Spring marks the start of the good season in Cannes. Temperatures rise (21°C) and tourists have not yet arrived en masse. Rain risk remains low (17% of days), leaving good room for outdoor activities. A good balance between weather and crowds, even if July (9.5/10) remains theoretically better.
May ranks 5 out of 12 months in Cannes. Compared to April: +3°C daytime, +1.3h of sun per day.
This month's conditions
What it's like in May
UV index
7 · high
sunscreen and hat advised
Feels like
comfortable
12°
Sea
19°C
cool, invigorating
Daylight
14.5h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 32
Compare
Is May the right month?
The best month in Cannes is July (9.5/10), 1.3 pt higher than May.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Cannes
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
See ↓
Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · Cannes
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a beach holiday.
Country · France
🗣️LanguageFrench
💶CurrencyEuro (€)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘExpensive · 4/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeTemperate oceanic
📈Climate trend ⓘ+1.30°C/decade
🔥Hottest monthJuly · 29°C
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 13°C
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘNovember · 28%
🏖️ Beach holiday
📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept
🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) ⓘModérée
🛂VisaSchengen · 90 days
Explore
Other destinations in May
If May doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Location
Where is Cannes ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
FranceTemperate oceanic climate with a 9.5 → 4.3 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
43.55°N · 7.02°E
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Cannes?
July is the best month with 29.0°C highs, 21.0°C lows, 11.2h of sunshine and 6.0% rainy days. The months of July & August offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does Cannes get in July?
Cannes averages 11.2 sunshine hours per day in July. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 9.4/10.
What is the rainiest month in Cannes?
January is the most unfavourable month with January has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Cannes in July?
In July, overnight lows reach 21.0°C, while afternoon highs average 29.0°C.
Is Cannes good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Cannes scores 4.1/10 on average — Difficult period — prefer the peak season.. The best month overall remains July with a score of 9.4/10.
When should you avoid Cannes?
January is the most difficult month to visit Cannes, with January has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in Cannes in May?
In May, the sea averages 19°C in Cannes: cool, invigorating. Swimming is possible but brisk; sensitive swimmers may prefer a wetsuit.
Do you need sun protection in Cannes in May?
The average UV index reaches 7 in May in Cannes (high), with about 14.5h of daylight. Sunscreen and hat advised.