Weather in Germany in May

The weather in Germany in May is delightfully mild, with more daylight hours and more constant sunshine, making it ideal for comfortably sightseeing. Pack a light rain jacket as rain showers still occur, particularly in the west, but they’re usually brief. Southern destinations like Munich see the warmest temperatures, while northern coastal regions remain cooler and windy. It’s a lovely time of year to drive through the verdant countryside, stroll in color-filled yards, and take city walks to admire the rich history and culture. Join the locals in embracing May by congregating in beer yards and participating in outdoor activities.

Germany in May at a glance

May is when Germany fully celebrates spring. Warmer, sunny days make it a brilliant time for outdoor activities, trees are at their most vibrant green, and the ground is covered with colorful blooms.

• Average temperatures across the country range between 50°F and 68°F (10°C to 20°C) in May, although southern Germany is often slightly warmer.
• If you’re hoping for a full calendar of events and local festivals, May is one of the best months to visit Germany.
• Because of the ideal weather conditions in May, hiking in the Alps is a popular activity. Additionally, outdoor beer yards are making a comeback, especially in regions like Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.
• Locals begin to travel more on long weekends in May, while international tourist numbers remain relatively modest compared to summer.
• Travel costs to Germany in May begin to rise slightly, especially in well-known destinations, but it’s still possible to find good deals on accommodations and excursions.

Is May a good time to visit Germany?

Spring is in full swing in May, and Germany hosts a busy calendar of outdoor events that offer an injection of cultural energy. The weather in Germany in May delivers perfect sightseeing conditions, with comfortable temperatures, fresh air, mostly clear skies, and extended daylight hours. Rain showers are possible but usually brief.

May is a great time to explore both urban and rural parts of the country. In cities such as Berlin and Munich, beer yards reopen, offering a fun atmosphere as locals mingle with tourists. This time of year is popular for outdoor activities such as hiking in the Bavarian Alps or the Black Forest, scenic drives, cruises along the Rhine, and exploring historic towns like Regensburg.

If you're putting together your Germany itinerary, May should be high on your list. It’s often considered one of the best times to visit Germany, thanks to its pleasant weather and lively yet manageable crowds.

Costs remain modest and increase only marginally around public vacations such as Ascension Day or Pentecost. It’s a good idea to book ahead of time over these long weekends. Visiting Germany in May is one of the finest times of year to go if you want nice weather and a lively atmosphere while avoiding the summer crowds and prices.

Average daily temperatures in May

In May, Germany enjoys a noticeable shift toward warmer spring weather. The capital of Berlin sees average highs reaching around 66°F (19°C) and lows falling to about 48°F (9°C). In southern Germany, cities like Munich are a few degrees cooler, with daytime highs averaging 63°F (17°C) and lows of about 45°F (7°C). The nearby Bavarian Alps remain crisp, with snow lingering at higher elevations.

In contrast, western regions such as Cologne and Frankfurt are a bit milder, often reaching 68°F (20°C) during the day and cooling to around 50°F (10°C) overnight. These areas also tend to be wetter. 

Meanwhile, northern cities like Hamburg hover between 61°F and 46°F (16°C to 8°C). Breezes off the North Sea can bring a chill, especially in the evenings.

What about the crowds and cost?

Because of the good weather in Germany in May, it’s a popular time to visit, and both domestic and foreign travelers are drawn to the country by the public vacations that fall within May. If you’re planning a trip to Germany and hoping to enjoy pleasant weather without the full summer crowds, this month strikes a great balance. This is the shoulder season, though, and fewer people still visit tourist destinations than during the peak tourist times, especially in cultural cities and wine regions.

Although they are not yet at summer highs, rates for accommodations and transportation have increased from the earlier spring months. It is advised to plan ahead, especially around extended public vacation weekends like Pentecost and Ascension Day, when demand and prices are likely to spike.

Things to do in Germany in May

Whether you prefer energetic outdoor activities or a slower pace, enjoying the pleasures of nature, May’s pleasant climate provides ideal conditions for both. Some of the best places to visit in Germany during this month offer a perfect blend of scenic beauty and cultural charm. The following may enable you to have the best of both worlds:

Hike the Black Forest trails

The Black Forest’s extensive trail system bursts with greenery in May. Hike through pine forests, meadows, and waterfalls, stopping in quaint villages like Triberg and Baden-Baden.

Explore the Elbe sandstone mountains

This dramatic landscape in Saxony offers breathtaking rock formations and vistas over the Elbe River. May’s dry weather and clear skies make it ideal for hiking and shooting amazing photographs.

Stroll the old town of Regensburg

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Regensburg’s medieval streets and colorful facades are especially engaging in May. Wander past the Gothic cathedral and old stone bridge, then stop in at a riverside café for refreshment.

Visit the yards of Insel Mainau

Known as the “Flower Island,” Mainau in Lake Constance boasts stunning floral displays. In May, you can expect to see tulips, azaleas, and rhododendrons, along with views of the Alps on clear days.

Paddle the Spreewald canals

Just southeast of Berlin, the Spreewald’s network of waterways offers canoe excursions that follow the green riverbanks past traditional thatched-roof houses. May is a nice time to explore this biosphere reserve in peace before the peak summer tourists arrive.

Festivals and events in Germany in May

Germany in May is marked by a calendar full of open-air events, many of which celebrate spring and community traditions.

• Hafengeburtstag (Harbor Birthday): This festival in Hamburg is one of the world’s largest port celebrations, featuring historic ships, fireworks, and harbor cruises.
• Rhein in Flammen: A series of fireworks displays along the Rhine River, accompanied by wine festivals and illuminated boats, bring the riverside towns to life.
• International Dixieland Festival: Live swing and Dixieland music fills Dresden's streets, trams, and boats during one of Europe's oldest jazz festivals.