Things to Do in Prague in May

May Weather in Prague

20°C (69°F) High Temp

11°C (52°F) Low Temp

58mm (2.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect spring weather with temperatures 20°C (69°F) - ideal for all-day walking without summer heat exhaustion that plagues July-August visitors
Lilac season transforms the city - Petřín Hill becomes a purple wonderland and locals flock to beer gardens for the first time since winter
Shoulder season pricing saves 30-40% on accommodations compared to peak summer, with luxury hotels dropping from €200+ to €120-150 nightly
Extended daylight until 8pm gives you 3-4 more usable hours than winter visits - perfect for golden hour photography at Charles Bridge without crowds

Considerations

Unpredictable rain showers 10 days of the month can disrupt outdoor plans - always carry backup indoor activities
Tourist season officially begins mid-May, so popular attractions like Prague Castle start getting crowded after May 15th
Spring allergies hit hard with tree pollen - Prague's abundant linden and chestnut trees can make outdoor activities miserable for sensitive travelers

Best Activities in May

Prague Castle Complex Extended Tours

May's mild 20°C (69°F) temperatures make the extensive castle grounds walkable without summer heat. The gardens reopen after winter closure, and you'll avoid July's 2-hour entry queues. Spring lighting creates perfect conditions for photography in the courtyards.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead for skip-the-line access. Tours typically cost €25-40 and last 3-4 hours. Look for early morning slots (9-10am) to beat crowds that build after 11am. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Vltava River Cruise Tours

May marks the return of comfortable outdoor deck seating after winter's indoor-only cruises. The river reflects spring blossoms perfectly, and you'll see locals enjoying riverside parks for the first time since October. Rain showers are brief and dramatic from the water.

Booking Tip: Afternoon cruises (2-4pm) offer best lighting and weather. Typically €15-30 for 1-2 hour cruises. Book same-day at the dock or 2-3 days ahead online during busy weekends. Multiple departure times daily give flexibility for weather.

Petřín Hill and Tower Hiking

The famous lilac blooms peak in mid-May, creating Instagram-worthy purple tunnels along the 318m (1,043ft) climb. Locals call this 'Prague's Eiffel Tower season' when the observation deck offers crystal-clear views without summer haze. Cool mornings are perfect for the ascent.

Booking Tip: Free to hike, tower admission €5-8. Best visited morning or late afternoon when temperatures are coolest. The funicular railway runs every 10-15 minutes as backup if weather turns. Avoid weekends when Prague families crowd the hill.

Czech Beer Garden Culture Tours

May is 'beer garden season' opening in Prague - locals emerge from winter hibernation to outdoor drinking spots like Riegrovy sady and Letná. Temperatures are perfect for afternoon drinking without summer's oppressive heat. You'll experience authentic Prague social culture.

Booking Tip: Self-guided or join walking tours that include 3-4 traditional beer gardens. Tours cost €30-50 including tastings. Afternoon tours (3-7pm) capture the authentic after-work atmosphere when locals gather. Book 3-5 days ahead for weekend tours.

Old Town and Jewish Quarter Walking

Spring temperatures make 4-6 hour walking tours comfortable - summer heat makes afternoon walking miserable by July. The narrow medieval streets stay pleasant, and outdoor café seating returns. May's soft lighting enhances the Gothic architecture photography.

Booking Tip: Free walking tours run multiple times daily, premium tours €20-35. Morning tours (9-11am) beat crowds and afternoon heat. Look for small group tours (under 15 people) for better experience. Book 1-2 days ahead through licensed guides.

Day Trips to Český Krumlov

May reopens comfortable bus and train travel to this UNESCO site 180km (112 miles) south. The medieval town's outdoor areas become walkable after winter, and you'll avoid summer's crushing day-trip crowds from Vienna and Prague. Spring green countryside enhances the journey.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically €60-90 including transport and guided tour. Book 5-7 days ahead as May weekends fill quickly. Train journeys take 3 hours each way, bus tours include stops at countryside castles. Departure times usually 8-9am, return 6-7pm.

May Events & Festivals

Mid to Late May

Prague Spring International Music Festival

The city's most prestigious classical music festival runs from mid-May through early June, featuring world-class orchestras in historic venues like the Municipal House and St. Vitus Cathedral. Book tickets 2-3 months ahead as performances sell out.

One Saturday in Mid May

Night of Museums

Annual city-wide event where 50+ museums stay open until midnight for one special Saturday night in May. Single €15 ticket grants access to all participating venues including normally expensive attractions. Expect crowds but unique after-hours access to collections.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket - May's 10 rainy days bring sudden 15-30 minute downpours that locals wait out in cafés

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - cobblestones become slippery when wet, causing tourist injuries daily

Layers for 9°C (16°F) temperature swings - morning coffee requires a sweater, afternoon sightseeing just t-shirt

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and spring sun reflects intensely off Prague's light-colored stone buildings

Compact umbrella - locals always carry one in May, and you'll pay €20 for tourist versions near attractions

Light scarf or shawl - required for church visits and useful for cool evening river walks

Allergy medication if sensitive - Prague's heavy tree pollen in May affects 30% of visitors unexpectedly

Power bank - extended daylight until 8pm means more photo opportunities and battery drain

Cash in small bills - many beer gardens and traditional restaurants still don't accept cards despite being 2025

Insider Knowledge

Locals avoid Charles Bridge 10am-4pm in May - visit at sunrise (6am) or after dinner (7-8pm) for authentic photos without crowds

May 8th is Liberation Day holiday - many shops close but outdoor celebrations happen, especially around Wenceslas Square

Prague's spring cleaning tradition means many buildings get power-washed in May - some photo spots may be temporarily obscured by scaffolding

Beer garden etiquette: sit anywhere at communal tables, order directly from servers who circulate constantly, and locals expect you to stay for multiple rounds - not grab-and-go like summer tourist spots

Avoid These Mistakes

Underdressing for evening temperatures that drop to 11°C (52°F) - tourists shiver through outdoor dinners that locals enjoy with proper layers

Planning only outdoor activities without indoor backups - May's 10 rainy days catch unprepared visitors with nothing to do

Booking accommodation near Old Town Square assuming it's quieter in May - shoulder season still means street music and crowds until 11pm daily