What's the weather like in Bordeaux in May
One of the continent's largest cities, Bordeaux in southwest France is famous throughout the world for producing some of the best wines in existence. The region's oceanic climate is ideal for growing grapes and the vast open land on the outskirts of the city is perfect for establishing and maintaining vineyards.
Temperature
When May comes around, the temperatures shoot up, with an average daily temperature of 17°C (around 62°F).
With the rising temperatures, you can start wearing summer clothing like short-sleeved shirts and shorts. You'll probably still want a light-weight jacket or sweater, especially for the cooler evening hours. The lows drop down to 10°C (about 50°F), cool but still nice. During the daytime hours, the highs jump all the way up to 23°C (around 73°F), plenty nice for getting out and about, touring a vineyard or tracing the steps of history in the city.
Rainfall
With seven hours of sunshine on average each day, you'll have lots of time to be outside. The chance of a sunny day is 12% and the chance of a cloudy day is 39%. This month still sees almost 90 mm of rain, falling over an average of 15 days in the month. Pack the umbrella or poncho just in case you get a rainy day or two during your stay. The chance of rain is 47% each day.
Wind
The wind has died down this month, with only a 7% chance of a windy day. The highest recorded temperature for this area was a very balmy 35°C (about 94°F). At one point in history, the temperature dropped all the way down to 3°C (around 37°F), extra cold for this time of the year. Fortunately, those temperature extremes are rare and during your stay you'll more than likely have normal and steady highs and lows.
Bordeaux Hotels for May
Hotel ibis Styles Bordeaux Saint Medard
Just five minutes from the centre of the city, Hotel ibis Styles Bordeaux Saint Medard provides a great base for exploring the historical and modern attractions in May. All the rooms come with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, cable television, and private bathrooms. Families traveling with children will appreciate the family rooms with a double bed and two twin beds. Hotel amenities include play area for kids, jukebox, computer centre, and a bar for drinks and snacks. You'll also get free breakfast each morning.
Quality Hotel Bordeaux Centre
At the Quality Hotel Bordeaux Centre, you'll get the service and amenities you've come to expect with a Choice brand of hotel. Each morning, wake up to a full buffet breakfast with hot and cold choices. You can even have breakfast delivered to your room. The on-site bar is a great place to relax with friends and enjoy a drink and snack. Choose the Cosy room with standard amenities or upgrade to the Classique for additional space. Executive rooms come with a small living area and sofa bed for even more space.
Grand Hotel Francais Bordeaux
The Grand Hotel Francais Bordeaux is part of the Best Western family of hotels and is housed in a renovated mansion from the 18th century. The hotel enjoys a convenient location near the Cathedral Saint André, Grand Theatre, and Gambetta Square. You can use the hotel's free shuttle to get around town. The spacious rooms have modern décor and amenities like walk-in showers, large flat-screen televisions, and fancy coffee and tea makers. Some rooms also come with separate seating areas, sofa beds, and views of the city.
Bordeaux Beaches in May
Plage des Abatilles
Plage des Abatilles sits about an hour's drive from Bordeaux, on the west coast of France. It's located in the town of Arcachon and provides guests with a large promenade and numerous amenities. It's a great beach for kitesurfing and windsurfing and has a playground for kids to enjoy in between playing in the waves. Other amenities include beach volleyball, water sport rentals, showers, and free parking.
Bars and Restaurants
Bar a vins Ecole du vin a Bordeaux
Bar a vins Ecole du vin a Bordeaux is the place to try some of the city's finest wines. It's housed on the ground floor of the headquarters of the Bordeaux Wine Council in an 18th century historic building. The restaurant features different dining areas that invoke the city's port and nautical history and has an impressive wall of wine. The ever-changing wine list includes 30 options including whites, reds, roses, and sparkling wines.
La Maison du Pata Negra
At La Maison du Pata Negra, you'll find a wonderful tapas menu and excellent selection of wine. It's located in the Marché de Capucins market of Bordeaux and serves up small plates like pintxo cecina, chorizo guindilla, bonito piquillo, and soubressade. It has several small tables and a bar area for seating. If you loved what you had, you can take some of the meats and cheeses home with you, as La Maison du Pata Negra is also a deli.
Racines
You're welcomed into Racines with its warm oak hardwood floors and red brick walls. The menu, which changes daily, is hand-written on a scroll, adding to the charm of the establishment. Though limited, the menu is full of huge flavours with dishes like salmon, chicken breast, and filet. Enjoy your meal with a complementing glass of red or white wine, including many local Bordeaux choices.
Things to do in Bordeaux in May
Bordeaux Zoo
For those travelling with children during the school holidays, the Bordeaux Zoo is a must-see attraction. Visitors can see all kinds of animals here including giraffes, zebras, and cheetahs. Along with animal exhibits, the zoo offers a number of shows and activities, such as parrot acrobatics and animal feeding times. The zoo has several snack stands and restaurants to quell your hunger. If you want to take home a cute souvenir, the on-site shop is a great place to go.
Bordeaux By Bike
To make the most of the weather in May, hop on a bicycle from Bordeaux By Bike and see the city from a whole new perspective. This bicycle tour company offers guided tours around the heart of Bordeaux, the surrounding vineyards, and the lesser explored areas of the city many visitors don't get to see. You can also set up private guided tours for a more intimate look at the city. Tours take from 2 to 3 hours and the tour cost includes bicycle rental and safety equipment.
Bordeaux 2CV Tours
A decidedly French way to see the city of Bordeaux is to jump in a 2CV convertible from Bordeaux 2CV Tours. The adorable black and yellow 2CV, called Desiree, seats two people and comes with a knowledgeable and friendly driver, who takes you on a tour of the city. During your trip, you'll see many of the city's best historical sites and your driver can explain the history and culture of the people of Bordeaux.
Far and Ride
Why not top off your holiday with a tour of the magnificent French vineyards? And to top it off you can travel in style - on horse back. Far and Ride offer an unforgettable experience in Bordeaux; you will cross prestigious, well-known vineyards and relax in the company of a friendly horse. It's not just the vineyards that will please visitors, but the historical and cultural sights too. Pair up some sight seeing with a relaxing horse riding journey.
