France, Europe
The French Riviera in May
Lovely weather, but Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix send prices soaring in those towns.
The straight answer
May is a good month to visit the French Riviera. Lovely weather, but Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix send prices soaring in those towns.
- Weather
- Warm, highs near 70F (21C)
- Crowds
- 4 of 5
- Prices
- 4 of 5
What May is like in the French Riviera
May brings lovely weather, with highs near 70F (21C), long sunny days and beach clubs reopening. The sea is still cool but warming. Two big events shape the month: the Cannes Film Festival in mid to late May, and the Monaco Grand Prix in late May or early June. Prices soar in those towns during those weeks. May 1 is a public holiday.
May suits couples, walkers and families who want warm weather before the summer crowds. Avoid Cannes during the film festival and Monaco on Grand Prix weekend unless you are going for them. Nice, Antibes and Menton stay calmer. Swimmers who want warmer water should pick June or September.
Make the most of May
What is especially good about the French Riviera this month.
Cannes Film Festival
Screenings are mostly for accredited guests, but the town buzzes with red-carpet energy for two weeks.
Monaco Grand Prix
Formula 1 races through the streets of Monte Carlo in late May or early June. Hotel prices jump across the coast that weekend.
Warm spring days
Away from the events, towns like Antibes and Villefranche are warm and relaxed.
What to pack for May
- Light layers and a warm sweater for evenings
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Swimwear for the brave
- Comfortable shoes for hilly old towns
Our timing tip
Check the Cannes and Monaco event dates before booking, and stay in Nice or Menton those weeks to avoid peak rates.
Book The French Riviera for May.
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- Hotels for May
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in The French RivieraOpens a hotel search for The French Riviera in May, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in The French RivieraWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in The French RivieraTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in The French Riviera for May. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in May
Cannes Film Festival
Mid to late May
Screenings are mostly for accredited guests, but hotel prices across Cannes spike for the full two weeks.
Monaco Grand Prix
Late May or early June
Formula 1 on the streets of Monte Carlo. Hotel prices across the coast jump that weekend.
Things to do in the French Riviera
Old Nice and the Promenade des Anglais
The Cours Saleya market in the morning, then a walk along the seafront. Castle Hill has the classic view over the bay.
Musee Matisse, Nice
In a hilltop villa in Cimiez, with the artist's grave nearby. Much calmer than the seafront on busy days.
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
A pink Belle Epoque villa with themed gardens and musical fountains on Cap Ferrat.
Eze village
A medieval hill village with an exotic garden at the top. Go early or late to avoid tour groups.
Oceanographic Museum, Monaco
A grand museum and aquarium built into the cliff above the sea.
Fondation Maeght
Modern art in a garden setting near Saint-Paul-de-Vence, with works by Miro, Giacometti, and Chagall.
Beat the crowds
- Base yourself in Nice and use the train. It is cheaper than Cannes or Monaco and avoids the summer traffic and parking problem on the coast.
- Check the calendar before booking May: the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix can double hotel rates in those towns.
- Go to the hill villages (Eze, Saint-Paul-de-Vence) before 10am or after 5pm, when tour coaches are gone.
- Swim at smaller coves and public beaches around Villefranche, Cap d'Antibes, and Cap Ferrat rather than the central Nice and Cannes beaches in peak weeks.
Know before you go
- Most private beach clubs operate from about April or May to late September or October, and close for the winter.
- Saint-Tropez is highly seasonal: many shops, hotels, and restaurants close from about November to March.
- Nice, Monaco, Cannes, and Antibes stay fully open all year, with museums and markets running through winter.
- Many Nice city museums close one day a week, often Tuesday. Check before planning a museum day.
The French Riviera in May, quick answers
Is May a good time to visit the French Riviera?
May is a good month to visit the French Riviera. Lovely weather, but Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix send prices soaring in those towns.
What is the weather like in the French Riviera in May?
Warm, highs near 70F (21C).
Is the French Riviera crowded in May?
the French Riviera is busy in May, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.
What is happening in the French Riviera in May?
Cannes Film Festival (mid to late may); Monaco Grand Prix (late may or early june).
Keep planning The French Riviera.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in May
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