Things to Do in Czechia in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Czechia
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect hiking weather - temperatures of 22°C (72°F) make all-day outdoor activities comfortable without summer heat exhaustion
- Spring blooms peak in May - castle gardens, monastery courtyards, and countryside trails burst with lilacs, apple blossoms, and wildflowers
- Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs 30-40% less than peak summer months, with better availability at boutique hotels
- Longer daylight hours (15+ hours) with sunrise at 5:30am and sunset after 8pm, maximizing sightseeing time without summer crowds
Considerations
- Unpredictable rain showers - 12 rainy days per month means outdoor plans need flexibility and indoor backup options
- Cool mornings and evenings require layered clothing - temperature swings from 11°C (52°F) at dawn to 22°C (72°F) afternoon
- Some mountain trails and higher elevation castles may still have muddy conditions from spring snowmelt
Best Activities in May
Prague Castle Complex and Lesser Town Walking Tours
May's mild 22°C (72°F) temperatures and extended daylight make this perfect for exploring Prague's castle district without summer heat or winter crowds. Gardens are in full spring bloom, and you can comfortably spend 4-5 hours walking the complex. Morning mist often creates dramatic photography conditions around the castle spires.
Český Krumlov Medieval Town Exploration
This UNESCO site is magnificent in May when spring flowers line the Vltava River and castle gardens bloom. Cool mornings perfect for photography, warm afternoons ideal for riverside walks. Fewer tourists than summer months mean better access to viewpoints and restaurant terraces.
Bohemian Paradise Rock Formation Hiking
May offers ideal hiking conditions with comfortable temperatures and spring wildflowers covering the sandstone formations. Trails are dry from winter but not yet dusty from summer heat. The 65mm (2.6 inches) of May rainfall keeps forests lush without making trails muddy.
Moravian Wine Region Cycling and Tasting
May is perfect for cycling through Moravia's vineyards as vines leaf out and wildflowers bloom between rows. Temperatures are ideal for all-day cycling without overheating, and wineries offer spring wine releases alongside traditional varieties. Fewer tour buses than summer months.
Karlovy Vary Spa Town and Hot Springs Experience
Cool May weather makes outdoor hot spring sampling comfortable - you can walk between springs without summer heat making the experience overwhelming. Spring crowds are manageable, and many spa hotels offer shoulder-season packages. Colonnades are perfect for rainy day exploration.
Traditional Czech Brewery Tours and Beer Gardens
May is beer garden season in Czechia - perfect weather for outdoor drinking with temperatures warm enough for terraces but cool enough to enjoy hot food. Pilsner Urquell and regional breweries often have spring beer releases, and gardens are beautifully landscaped with spring blooms.
May Events & Festivals
Prague Spring International Music Festival
One of Europe's most prestigious classical music festivals, featuring world-class orchestras and soloists in Prague's historic concert halls and churches. The festival atmosphere transforms the city with outdoor concerts and special cultural programming.
Night of Museums
Annual event when museums across Czechia stay open late into the night with special exhibitions, demonstrations, and performances. Many locations offer unique after-hours access and behind-the-scenes tours not available during regular hours.