Summary
May is a lovely time to visit Eastern Europe, as it offers many benefits of the summer season—without the inconveniences such as higher airfare rates and dense crowds. The spring weather is typically mild, featuring scattered showers throughout the month, which means you can generally find affordable travel deals and accommodations across the region.
Moreover, major cities in Eastern Europe host a myriad of annual events each May. From the Chopin Festival in Warsaw’s Royal Lazienki Park to the Rosalia wine festival in Budapest, there are numerous exciting events taking place where locals and tourists alike can immerse themselves in Eastern European culture, cuisine, and performances.
Eastern Europe Weather in May
Although temperatures across the region warm up as the month progresses, the weather in May can be somewhat unpredictable regarding precipitation and temperature. For example, northern countries like Lithuania and Latvia are typically cooler yet drier than southern countries such as Hungary and the Czech Republic.
- Budapest, Hungary: 52 F (11 C) / 70 F (21 C); 2.8 inches of rain over 14 days
- Prague, Czech Republic: 46 F (8 C) / 64 F (18 C); 2.7 inches of rain over 17 days
- Warsaw, Poland: 46 F (8 C) / 66 F (19 C); 2 inches of rain over 15 days
- Krakow, Poland: 46 F (8 C) / 68 F (20 C); 2 inches of rain over 16 days
- Bratislava, Slovakia: 50 F (10 C) / 70 F (21 C); 2.4 inches of rain over 14 days
- Vilnius, Lithuania: 45 F (7 C) / 64 F (18 C); 1.9 inches of rain over 14 days
- St. Petersburg, Russia: 45 F (7 C) / 61 F (16 C); 1.5 inches of rain over 14 days
In cities like Budapest, Warsaw, Krakow, and Prague, temperatures are ideal for sightseeing due to comfortable conditions; however, it is worth noting that most days tend to be cloudy, and rain may increase toward the end of the month. In contrast, Vilnius and St. Petersburg may experience cooler night temperatures but generally remain warm and dry during the day. Overall, the region is predominantly overcast with rainfall occurring on many days in May, so it’s prudent to come prepared for light to moderate rain at least once during your visit.
What to Pack
While the weather conditions can vary throughout Eastern Europe, the essentials for your trip remain consistent across the region. Layering is key for evening outings, as nighttime temperatures can drop significantly in many areas. It’s advisable to pack a variety of clothing, including long and short-sleeved shirts, pants, and shorts, alongside a pullover sweater or a lightweight jacket for added warmth. Moreover, don’t forget waterproof shoes and a light raincoat to tackle the occasional May showers.
May Events in Eastern Europe
With several national holidays such as the Czech Republic’s Liberation Day and various student-oriented festivals, the events calendar in Eastern Europe in May reflects a vibrant celebration of local traditions. Fortunately, Eastern Europeans thoroughly embrace visitors, welcoming them to partake in customs. Numerous exciting festivals and events occur across the region—ranging from the Rosalia wine festival in Budapest to the White Nights festival in St. Petersburg.
- Rosalia: Hungary’s only festival dedicated to rosé wines, sparkling wines, and champagnes, held in Budapest every May.
- Gourmet Festival: A prestigious gastro event showcasing chocolate, cheese, sausages, and more of Budapest’s culinary delights.
- Prague International Music Festival: This biannual event attracts performers from around the world to the stage in Prague each May and October.
- Czech Beer Festival: The largest beer festival in the region, taking place in Prague each May, featuring numerous local breweries.
- Prague Food Festival: A celebration of Czech cuisine featuring street food vendors alongside culinary artists for a weekend filled with events.
- Chopin Festival: Every Sunday starting in mid-May, Royal Lazienki Park in Warsaw fills with beautiful classical music by Fryderyk Chopin, Poland’s renowned composer.
- Slovak Food Festival: Bratislava’s largest picnic held annually at Bratislava Castle, previously home to the Hungarian crown jewels.
- Jewenalia: A festival celebrating students before summer exams, featuring concerts and parades throughout Krakow, centered in the historic district.
- Skamba Skamba Kankliai: A traditional folk music festival occurring over several weeks in May in Lithuania’s capital, Vilnius.
- White Nights Festival: Primarily based in St. Petersburg, this festival showcases numerous concerts and performances celebrating the mystical light that blankets much of Eastern Europe in May and July.
May Travel Tips
- Many cities in Eastern Europe offer various free summer music events in city parks, typically starting around mid to late May.
- Airfare, accommodations, and even admission to various attractions tend to be more economical in early May, prior to the influx of summer tourists.
- Unfortunately, street scammers often emerge in popular tourist areas as the weather begins to warm, so it is wise to keep valuables close while in public spaces—especially near attractions.
- Although rain typically occurs on about 15 days in May across Eastern Europe, these showers are usually brief, so consider carrying a compact umbrella that can easily fit into your bag for sudden spring downpours.
