Fancy a trip to Normandy in May?
Find out if the region at this time of year will meet your expectations with our comprehensive guide:
- Climate in Normandy in May (temperatures, weather…)
- Swimming conditions: water temperature and wind
- Travel conditions: crowds, prices, openings
- Things to do in Normandy in May, special activities and events
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Going to Normandy in May: quick answers
What’s the weather like in Normandy in May? Is this a good time to visit?
In May, the sun gradually returns – the skies are clear more often than in winter. It’s a month with less rain than the rest of the year in cities near the sea. The wind is also blowing less strongly, including on the coastal heights more exposed to the elements. On the other hand, it’s still cool near the coast.
Visitors are moderately numerous. Rates are also higher than in winter, but remain reasonable. It’s a great time to visit the region.
Travelling to Normandy in May – summary of conditions
Temperatures
Temperatures are mild across the region, averaging 16°C (61°F), and cool on the coasts, where 14°C (57°F) is forecast.
Water temperatures
In May, the sea is cold. Its average temperature is 12°C (54°F). It’s not a good time for swimming.
Crowds and prizes
There are a moderate number of tourists. Rates are reasonable, even if they are higher than in winter.
Opening conditions
Everything’s open in May: attractions, hotels, campsites, restaurants… except for a few castles that only open in summer.
Day
The sun rises around 6.15am and sets around 9.30pm.
Best things to do in Normandy in May
In May, we enjoyed visiting these sites:
- The D-Day landing beaches and their museums
- Immerse yourself in history by visiting the region’s castles and abbeys
- The magnificent towns and villages of Normandy
- The beauty of the Alabaster Coast and its famous cliffs
- The incomparable Mont-Saint-Michel
- The magnificent cliffs of Étretat and the charm of Honfleur
- …
See our article on things to do in Normandy.
And lots of activities like these:
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities in Normandy
- Helicopter flight over the cliffs of the Côte d’Albâtre
- Book your time to visit Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey
- Take a microlight flight over Mont-Saint-Michel
- Climb the Via Ferrata in Switzerland Normandy
1. Normandy in May – weather forecast
Normandy is known for its oceanic climate. This is especially true on the coasts, where most of the holidaymakers’ favorite towns are located. Temperatures are moderate in both winter and summer. Rainfall is frequent in all seasons, but varies according to local relief and year.
In May, it’s cool on the coast, but it’s one of the months of the year when it rains the least. The sky is also beginning to clear. The wind is losing strength but continues to blow, especially on the most exposed coastal heights – near Cherbourg, for example. On the sea side, the water temperature is not conducive to swimming. We enjoy both indoor activities and walks by the sea.
2. Temperatures in Normandy in May
Temperatures in Rouen:
- 13°C (55°F) on average
- Number of days with an average temperature of over 18°C = 9
Temperatures in Le Havre:
- 13°C (55°F) on average
- Number of days with an average temperature of over 18°C = 3
Temperatures in Caen:
- 13°C (55°F) on average
- Number of days with average temperatures above 18°C = 7
Temperatures in Cherbourg:
- 13°C (55°F) on average
- Number of days with an average temperature of over 18°C = 2
Temperatures on Mont-Saint-Michel:
- 14°C (57°F) on average
- Number of days with average temperatures above 18°C = 6
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Normandy
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is comfortable enough (distances can be long) but compact (some parking lots and villages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
3. Rain in Normandy in May
It rains all year round in Normandy. Rainfall varies greatly from one year to the next, depending above all on the relief and exposure of your location. Cherbourg, for example, receives more rain than Caen, which is protected by hills.
In coastal towns, May is one of the least rainy months of the year.
- Rainfall in Rouen: 101 mm
(over 7 days on average) - Rainfall in Le Havre: 83 mm
(over 6 days on average) - Rainfall in Caen: 87 mm
(over 7 days on average) - Rainfall in Cherbourg: 69 mm
(over 4 days on average) - Rainfall on Mont-Saint-Michel: 75 mm
(over 5 days on average)
4. Sunshine in Normandy in May
In May, the days are getting longer. The sun rises around 6.15am and sets around 9.30pm, with an average of 8 hours of sunshine.
WHERE TO STAY IN Normandy
We particularly appreciate staying in Normandy:
- Bayeux – our hotels selection
- Honfleur – our hotel selection
For more ideas, take a look at our article on the best places to stay in Normandy.
And if you already have an idea, take a look at our selections:
5. Water temperature – swimming in Normandy in May
May is not a good time for swimming in Normandy. The sea is very cold. Discover its average temperature below:
● Le Havre: 12°C (54°F)
● Cherbourg: 12°C (54°F)
● Mont-Saint-Michel: 12°C (54°F)
6. Wind in Normandy in May
Ocean means wind. Normandy in May is windy, but less so than in winter. The wind is strongest on the coastal heights.
7. Crowds and other conditions
In May, tourists are still present in Normandy, but in moderate numbers. It’s mid-season. You won’t have too much trouble finding a hotel or a parking space. Please note: spring vacations attract more visitors.
8. May events in Normandy
- Harcourt Medieval Festival
Between late April and early May, the Harcourt estate recreates a medieval village for three days, with knights, falconers, axe-throwing, chivalry tournaments and more. It welcomed over 10,000 visitors.
- Jazz sous les pommiers in Coutances
Jazz invades Coutances for a week around mid-May. This music festival brings together 70,000 people for performances by nationally and internationally renowned artists at various venues around the city.
- Papillons de Nuit at Saint-Laurent de Cuves
It’s the biggest festival in the smallest venue. Between 80,000 and 100,000 spectators flock to this village of less than 500 inhabitants for three days of concerts and entertainment for young and old alike.
- Fécamp Grand’Escale
Fécamp welcomes hundreds of sailboats for five days of festivities around the sea: boat tours, sea excursions, exhibitions and more. Some 122,000 people attend.
- Fête des marins in Honfleur
These festivities last two days at the end of May, and include a mass and procession to Notre Dame de Grâce. Up to 20,000 people attend.
USE OUR GUIDE TO PLAN A
DREAM TRIP TO Normandy
All the information you need for your trip:
- 8 maps that make planning easier
- 160+ pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- 300+ photos to help you choose
9. May prices
As everywhere, prices vary depending on what you are looking for. We offer a wide range of accommodation, from campsites to 5-star hotels. This makes it difficult to give a budget.
Prices are moderate in May, but may rise during the spring vacations.
When to go to Normandy, the other months…
- Normandy in January
- Normandy in February
- Normandy in March
- Normandy in April
- Normandy in May
- Normandy in June
- Normandy in July
- Normandy in August
- Normandy in September
- Normandy in October
- Normandy in November
- Normandy in December
Or read our article on when to go to Normandy.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Normandy
Inspiration destinations
- Deciding where to go in Normandy – the best destinations
- Our weekend ideas: best-of, romantic, unusual, seaside, luxury, family
- 16 seaside hotels in Normandy
- The most beautiful charming hotels in Normandy
Best of
Practice
- Where to stay in Normandy – best places and hotels
- See our tips for renting a car at CDG airport, Orly airport, Beauvais airport, Caen, Rouen, Bayeux…
