Things to Do in Germany in May

May Weather in Germany

20°C (68°F) High Temp

9°C (48°F) Low Temp

65mm (2.6 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Asparagus season (Spargelzeit) runs April-June with fresh white asparagus at every restaurant and weekly Spargelmärkte (asparagus markets) in towns across Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg
Beer garden season officially begins - locals flood outdoor Biergärten after the long winter, perfect 15-20°C (59-68°F) afternoon temperatures for outdoor drinking
Rhine Valley blooms with apple and cherry blossoms, making river cruises and cycling tours along the Rhine particularly scenic from early to mid-May
Museum Long Night events occur in major cities - Berlin's Lange Nacht der Museen typically happens mid-May with 700+ venues open until 2am for one €18 ticket

Considerations

Frequent spring rain showers - expect rain 12 days out of 31, often as sudden afternoon downpours lasting 30-45 minutes that can disrupt outdoor plans
Tourist season pricing begins without summer weather consistency - hotel rates increase 20-30% from April levels but weather remains unpredictable
Eisenheilige (Ice Saints) period May 11-15 can bring unexpected cold snaps down to 2°C (36°F) at night, requiring warm layers even mid-month

Best Activities in May

Rhine Valley Castle and Vineyard Tours

May offers ideal conditions for Rhine river cruises and castle hopping between Koblenz and Mainz. Spring blooms frame medieval castles, vineyard terraces show fresh green growth, and mild 18°C (64°F) afternoon temperatures make deck time comfortable. Early season means fewer tour buses but all attractions open. River water levels are optimal after spring melt.

Booking Tip: Book Rhine cruises 14-21 days ahead for best cabin selection. Day cruises typically cost €25-45 per person, while multi-castle tours range €65-120. Look for combination tickets including cable car access to hilltop castles. Check current options in the booking section below.

Bavarian Alpine Hiking and Mountain Railway Tours

Perfect shoulder season for accessing Alpine regions before summer crowds. Snow has cleared from trails above 800m (2,625 ft) but tourist buses haven't arrived. Neuschwanstein and surrounding peaks offer clear views, while cable cars like Zugspitze operate full schedules. Wildflowers begin blooming at lower elevations.

Booking Tip: Mountain railway tickets cost €30-65 per person depending on elevation. Book Neuschwanstein tours 2-3 weeks ahead - May demand increases but not peak summer levels. Weather windows are 4-6 hours of clear conditions typically 10am-4pm. See current tour options in booking section below.

Berlin Historical Walking and Bike Tours

Ideal urban exploration weather with 16-19°C (61-66°F) daytime temperatures and extended daylight until 8pm. Spring green softens stark WWII memorial sites, while comfortable temperatures make 3-4 hour walking tours manageable. Tiergarten and Unter den Linden are particularly beautiful with fresh foliage.

Booking Tip: Walking tours range €15-25 per person, bike tours €25-40. Book 5-7 days ahead for popular themes like Cold War or street art tours. Afternoon tours 2-6pm avoid morning shower potential. Most tours operate rain or shine with covered meeting points.

Romantic Road Medieval Town Cycling

Prime cycling season along the Romantische Straße from Würzburg to Füssen. Medieval towns like Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Dinkelsbühl showcase spring flowers in window boxes and market squares. Cool mornings 8-12°C (46-54°F) warm to perfect cycling temperatures by afternoon. Tourist bus crowds minimal before June.

Booking Tip: Self-guided bike rentals cost €18-25 per day including route maps and luggage transfer. Guided tours typically €85-150 per person for day segments. Book accommodations 2 weeks ahead as May begins peak season for this route. Current tour options available in booking section below.

Black Forest Cuckoo Clock Workshop Tours

Shoulder season offers authentic experiences in traditional workshops around Triberg and Furtwangen. Spring weather perfect for combining indoor craftsman visits with forest hiking. Local restaurants feature seasonal specialties like wild garlic (Bärlauch) dishes only available April-May.

Booking Tip: Workshop tours cost €12-20 per person, combination forest hiking tours €35-55. Many workshops close Sundays and Mondays - plan Tuesday-Saturday visits. Book through local tourism offices or see current options in booking section below.

Dresden and Saxon Switzerland Rock Climbing

Optimal climbing season begins in Saxon Switzerland National Park. Sandstone formations dry quickly after spring rains, routes above 400m (1,312 ft) offer comfortable temperatures, and crowds remain light. Dresden provides cultural balance with outdoor adventure only 45 minutes apart.

Booking Tip: Guided climbing experiences range €65-120 per person including equipment. Multi-day packages with Dresden accommodation cost €180-280. Book 10-14 days ahead for weekend climbing. Weather windows typically afternoon 1-7pm after morning moisture evaporation.

May Events & Festivals

Throughout May

Asparagus Festival Season (Spargelfest)

Multiple towns across Germany celebrate white asparagus harvest with weekend festivals featuring asparagus dishes, local wines, and traditional music. Particularly notable in Schwetzingen, Beelitz, and throughout Baden-Württemberg. Markets sell fresh asparagus directly from farms.

May 18

International Museum Day

Free or reduced admission to museums nationwide on May 18th, with special exhibitions and extended hours. Many cities coordinate with their regular Museum Long Night events for exceptional cultural access.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof jacket with hood - spring showers arrive suddenly and last 30-45 minutes, umbrella insufficient for walking tours

Layered clothing system - morning temperatures 9°C (48°F) can reach 20°C (68°F) by afternoon, requiring 3-layer flexibility

Comfortable waterproof walking shoes - cobblestone streets become slippery when wet, which happens 12 days in May

Light merino wool base layers - excellent for unpredictable temperature swings and quick-drying after rain

Compact quick-dry towel - useful for wiping wet outdoor seating at beer gardens and park benches

SPF 30-50 sunscreen - UV index reaches 6, higher at Alpine elevations above 1000m (3,281 ft)

Small daypack with rain cover - essential for day trips and protecting electronics during sudden downpours

Portable phone charger - extended daylight until 8pm encourages longer sightseeing days

Cash in small bills - many traditional restaurants and Spargel markets remain cash-only, especially in rural areas

Light evening jacket - beer garden temperatures drop quickly after sunset around 8pm

Insider Knowledge

Germans shed winter clothing eagerly in May - locals wear summer dresses and shorts at 15°C (59°F) while tourists bundle up, making you instantly identifiable as a visitor

Spargel (white asparagus) appears on every menu in May with premium pricing €18-25 per plate - try it once for the cultural experience but know it's overhyped tourist food

Book accommodations before May 1st Labor Day - Germans take 3-4 day weekends throughout May, driving up prices and reducing availability in tourist areas

Many family-run restaurants close Monday-Tuesday in smaller towns during shoulder season - check opening hours and make Tuesday-Saturday dinner reservations

Avoid These Mistakes

Underpacking for cold weather - those May 11-15 Ice Saints can drop temperatures to 2°C (36°F) overnight even after warm days

Assuming beer gardens are always open - many close during rain and won't reopen until surfaces dry, typically 1-2 hours after showers end

Booking only indoor activities - missing the psychological shift Germans experience after winter when any sunny weather above 15°C (59°F) brings everyone outdoors