Things to do in Boulogne-sur-Mer in May

When is your trip?

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Looking for a different month?

Overview

May is a good time to visit Boulogne-sur-Mer. The weather is usually moderately chilly and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 49—58°F (9—15°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Boulogne-sur-Mer during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a leisurely bike ride along the Vélomaritime coastal route, explore the Jardin Ephémère (Temporary Garden), take a guided tour of the Nausicaá aquarium, and more!

Boulogne-sur-Mer has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your May trip to Boulogne-sur-Mer. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to May. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Boulogne-sur-Mer in May. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout May, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

Visiting Boulogne-sur-Mer? See our Boulogne-sur-Mer Trip Planner.
I'll never travel to Boulogne-sur-Mer without this trip planner again
Learn more
Don't take our word for it
Slide 1 of 6

Best events and things to do in Boulogne-sur-Mer in May

Top experiences in May
Take a leisurely bike ride along the Vélomaritime coastal route
In May, the weather in Boulogne-sur-Mer is perfect for a scenic bike ride along the Vélomaritime coastal route. This picturesque cycling path offers stunning views of the coastline and the opportunity to explore the beautiful natural landscapes of the region. Whether you're an experienced cyclist or just looking for a leisurely ride, the Vélomaritime route is a great way to experience the beauty of Boulogne-sur-Mer in May.
Explore the Jardin Ephémère (Temporary Garden)
In May, this beautiful garden is in full bloom with colorful flowers and lush greenery. It's the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll and admire the seasonal blooms, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The Jardin Ephémère is a hidden gem in Boulogne-sur-Mer and a must-visit for nature lovers.
Take a guided tour of the Nausicaá aquarium
As one of the largest aquariums in Europe, Nausicaá is home to a diverse range of marine life, including sharks, sea lions, and penguins. A guided tour in May offers the chance to learn about the aquarium's conservation efforts and get up close to some of the fascinating creatures that call it home.
Take a boat trip along the coast
In May, the weather in Boulogne-sur-Mer is perfect for a scenic boat trip along the coast. Whether you opt for a leisurely cruise or a more adventurous sailing excursion, you'll have the opportunity to take in stunning views of the coastline and enjoy the fresh sea breeze.
Visit the Château-Musée
This historic castle-turned-museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of Boulogne-sur-Mer. In May, the museum's collection of art and artifacts is on full display, providing a unique opportunity to learn about the town's rich cultural heritage.
Sample fresh seafood at the local markets
May is a great time to indulge in the delicious seafood that Boulogne-sur-Mer is famous for. Head to the local markets to browse the stalls filled with fresh fish, oysters, and other seafood delicacies, and enjoy a taste of the town's culinary delights.
Take a day trip to the nearby Cap Gris-Nez
In May, the rugged cliffs and stunning views at Cap Gris-Nez are at their most beautiful. A day trip to this natural wonder offers the chance to explore the coastal landscape, go for a hike, or simply relax and take in the breathtaking scenery.
I'll never travel to Boulogne-sur-Mer without this trip planner again
Learn more
Holidays in Boulogne-sur-Mer in May
May
  • Labor Day / May Day (May 1)
  • WWII Victory Day (May 8)
  • Ascension Day (May 9)
  • Whit Sunday (May 19)
  • Whit Monday (May 20)
  • Mother's Day (May 26)
Other notable holidays
I'll never travel to Boulogne-sur-Mer without this trip planner again
Learn more

Weather in Boulogne-sur-Mer in May

Temperatures on an average day in Boulogne-sur-Mer in May

The average temperature in Boulogne-sur-Mer in May for a typical day ranges from a high of 58°F (15°C) to a low of 49°F (9°C). Some would describe it as moderately chilly and breezy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Boulogne-sur-Mer, August, has days with highs of 68°F (20°C) and lows of 59°F (15°C). The coldest month, February has days with highs of 45°F (7°C) and lows of 38°F (3°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Boulogne-sur-Mer in May based on historical data.

Visiting Boulogne-sur-Mer? See our Boulogne-sur-Mer Trip Planner.

Historical temperature average in May
58°F
highs
49°F
lows

General weather summary

Moderately chilly and breezy
Feels like
20%
Chance of rain
0.076 in
Amount
15.7 mph
Wind speed
79%
Humidity
15.5 hrs
Daylight length
6:06 AM
Sunrise
9:34 PM
Sunset
47%
Cloud cover
Sweater
What to wear
What to wear in May
With an average high of 58°F (15°C) and a low of 49°F (9°C), it generally feels moderately chilly and breezy. With that in mind, most people would dress in something moderately warm like a sweater
I'll never travel to Boulogne-sur-Mer without this trip planner again
Learn more

Best attractions for Boulogne-sur-Mer in May

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Boulogne-sur-Mer has to offer for travelers in May, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Boulogne-sur-Mer that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Boulogne-sur-Mer for May.
Nausicaa Centre National De La Mer
1. Nausicaa Centre National De La Mer
4.4
(37704)
Aquarium
Nature & Parks
Aquarium with a touch pool, sharks, sea lions & penguins, plus tropical lagoon with colorful coral.
Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception at Boulogne-sur-Mer
2. Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception at Boulogne-sur-Mer
4.4
(1319)
Basilica
Sights & Landmarks
Plage de Boulogne-sur-Mer
3. Plage de Boulogne-sur-Mer
4.3
(1550)
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Popular sand beach offering rentals of deck chairs, a summer library, beach volleyball & more.
Promenade Charles Dickens - Les remparts
4. Promenade Charles Dickens - Les remparts
4.8
(18)
Hiking area
Outdoor Activities
Crypte de la Basilique Notre-Dame
5. Crypte de la Basilique Notre-Dame
4.6
(438)
Museum
Sights & Landmarks
Château de Boulogne-sur-Mer
6. Château de Boulogne-sur-Mer
4.4
(1296)
Museum
Art museum
Sturdy castle of Boulogne counts, now housing archeology, local history & fine arts collections.
Éphémère Garden
7. Éphémère Garden
4.4
(926)
Garden
Nature & Parks
House of Beurière
8. House of Beurière
4.5
(135)
Museum
Sights & Landmarks
Beffroi de l'Hotel de Ville
9. Beffroi de l'Hotel de Ville
4.8
(33)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Église Saint-Nicolas de Boulogne-sur-Mer
10. Église Saint-Nicolas de Boulogne-sur-Mer
4.4
(119)
Church
Sights & Landmarks
Casa San Martín
11. Casa San Martín
4.6
(202)
Museum
Sights & Landmarks
Boulogne-sur-Mer Fish Market
12. Boulogne-sur-Mer Fish Market
4.4
(3173)
Seafood market
Shopping
Casino Golden Palace Boulogne-sur-Mer
13. Casino Golden Palace Boulogne-sur-Mer
4.0
(718)
Casino
Casinos & Gambling
Statue Auguste Mariette
14. Statue Auguste Mariette
4.5
(25)
Sights & Landmarks
Monuments & Statues
Au coeur des Remparts
15. Au coeur des Remparts
4.9
(22)
Holiday apartment rental
Sights & Landmarks

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Boulogne-sur-Mer?

Get inspired for your trip to Boulogne-sur-Mer with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

Planning a trip to Boulogne-sur-Mer?
Save all the best places to visit with WanderlogDownload the travel planning app everyone's been raving about
  • Itinerary + map in one view
  • Live collaboration
  • Auto-import hotels and reservations
  • Optimize your route
  • Offline access on mobile
  • Optimize your route
  • See time and distance between all your places
Learn more
Get the iOS app from the App Store
Get the Android app from Google Play