Karlovy Vary is one of those resorts where, at any time of the year, you can find something to do, see, and go to with the whole family. Therefore, travelers usually do not face the question of when to go to the resort. Karlovy Vary in May is a real vacation for the soul and a healing balm for the body.
The famous Czech resort offers excellent service in well-appointed hotels and sanatoriums, many years of balneological traditions, interesting architectural and natural sights, and, of course, the hospitality of the locals.
May vacation in Karlovy Vary is chosen by those who cannot stand the heat and prefer comfortable weather conditions, families with children, and tourists who want to improve their health during a short vacation.
From this Kidpassage article, you will learn what weather prevails in the famous Czech spa resort in May and whether there are any disadvantages to vacationing in Karlovy Vary with kids at the end of spring. We will offer a list of the most popular attractions in the city and tell you what exciting events take place in the town in May.
Contents
Photo: pixabay.com
Karlovy Vary in May: pros and cons
Numerous reviews about vacations in Karlovy Vary in May are very positive. The beautiful spa town gives its guests peace and tranquility in the lap of blossoming nature, filling them with energy and vitality revealing deep feelings and emotions.
The famous balneological spa center of the Czech Republic is popular at any time of the year, but in May, it has such undeniable advantages:
- It is the time of year when the spring weather is lovely. You can take long walks along the quiet streets of the town, enjoying nature.
- At the end of spring, there is a calm and peaceful atmosphere in the resort.
- Prices for accommodation, excursions, and entertainment are affordable for most vacationers.
- In early May, Karlovy Vary becomes the venue for several colorful festivals.
- In May, the stores and boutiques of Karlovy Vary continue their spring sales so that you can combine your vacation at the resort with a pleasant shopping experience. Read about what to bring as a gift from Karlovy Vary in our blog.
There are also disadvantages to vacationing in Karlovy Vary in May; let us name the most significant of them:
- At this time of year, the weather at the resort is not stable. In May, there can be significant temperature fluctuations, so a warm sweater or even a light jacket will not be superfluous in your luggage.
- The last month of spring is one of the rainiest months of the year.
- During the May holidays, Carlsbad sees an influx of tourists. If your vacation is planned for this time, we advise you to book a room in the selected hotel or spa in advance.
Weather in Karlovy Vary in May
May is a beautiful spring month, especially in such a wonderful city as Karlovy Vary. The weather in May - June is conducive to a comfortable and leisurely vacation. The weather in early May is pleasant with really warm days, winds gradually subside, and the sun peeks out from behind the clouds more often. On some days, the temperature ranges from +15 °С to +18 °С, and it seems that it is almost summer. City visitors spend more and more time outdoors, enjoying the delicate aromas of blooming chestnuts, jasmine, and lilacs.
Temperatures in Karlovy Vary in mid-May can reach +20°C, but on some days, the weather forecasters still record a cooling down to +14°C.
The only thing that can slightly overshadow the vacation is the increased rainfall. However, it must be said that the rain in late spring is short and not very intense. The weather in Karlovy Vary at the end of May is warm in summer, and the thermometer does not fall below +20 ° C during the day. The city is dressed in bright greenery and is bursting with the lush colors of blossoming flowers.
Photo: pixabay.com
Air and water temperature
The mild, moderately warm climate of Karlovy Vary is due to its geographical location: the spa is situated in a shallow gorge surrounded by coniferous forests. The temperature in Karlovy Vary in May does not fall below +10°C during the day, although cold weather is still possible, especially in the first half of the month.
Air temperature in Karlovy Vary in May
May in Karlovy Vary is characterized by significant temperature fluctuations even within a single day. The maximum daytime temperature at the spa over the last few years of observation has been +22 °C, while the minimum nighttime temperature has been as low as +1 °C. The average temperature in Karlovy Vary in May is +17.4 °C during the day and +6.6 °C at night.
Precipitation
The amount of precipitation falling in the city in the last month of spring is 66.1 mm, which makes it possible to forecast six rainy days. Thus, the last month of spring is one of the "wettest" months of the year.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
The weather in Carlsbad in May is variable and unstable. 35% of the days of the month are sunny, 39% of May is dominated by variable cloudiness, and 26% of the days in the spa town are cloudy. Daylight hours during the month continue to increase from 14.7 hours at the beginning of May to 16.1 hours at the end.
SPA treatment
Many famous personalities once appreciated the value of the mineral springs of Karlovy Vary. The spa was visited by Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, Johannes Brahms, Frédéric Chopin, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Franz Kafka, Thomas Mann, Russian Tsar Peter the Great, British King Edward VII, German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck and prominent contemporary European politicians and show business stars.
Karlovy Vary remains today the most famous Czech thermal spa.
Sanatoriums and spa hotels of the city offer guests excellent accommodation conditions, quality service, and a full range of health-improving procedures. In early May, the entire tourist infrastructure of the town is in full force; the resort is filled with tourists after a relatively quiet and deserted off-season.
The large number of health centers is explained by more than 70 thermal springs in the city, of which only 15 are used for therapeutic procedures. In addition to drinking mineral water-based treatment, pearl baths, and inhalations are also available.
A broad specialization distinguishes sanatorium treatment at the resort. Depending on the state of health, experts recommend spending 7 to 20 days in Karlovy Vary.
In addition to recovery procedures, the weather at the end of May is favorable for long walks and outdoor sports. Playing tennis or golf, horseback riding, cycling, and fishing will diversify your family's leisure time.
Tour Holidays
Karlovy Vary is undoubtedly famous for its unique mineral springs, but there are also many interesting sights in the city.
- The Church of Saints Peter and Paul is the largest and one of the oldest Orthodox churches in Karlovy Vary. The cathedral was opened back in 1898 and continues to function to this day. The attention of tourists is attracted by the ancient interior of the monastery, stucco, paintings, and the carved iconostasis.
- The Jan Becher Museum tells visitors about the history of the creation of the famous Czech Becherovka. During the tour, you will discover some of the secrets of making a unique alcoholic drink; you can also taste the herbal tincture and buy "Becherovka" in souvenir packaging.
- Loket Castle, located 12 km from the city center, was built in the VIII century and well preserved. The ancient structure is shrouded in numerous myths and legends, and the mesmerizing landscape adds to the mystery of this place. There is a museum on the castle's territory, which exhibits a collection of medieval weapons and porcelain tablewear.
Photo: pixabay.com
Children will not be bored in the spa town of Karlovy Vary either. Be sure to make time for a family visit:
- The Museum of Glass, where the guide will tell you about the history of the Czech glass industry in a child-friendly way.
- Wax Museum — an unusual and exciting place with wax replicas of various historical characters.
- The Diana Funicular is a ride on which both kids and teenagers are sure to enjoy.
Holidays, events and festivals
Spring is the time of festivals and concerts in the Czech spa town. The celebrations here in May are bright and colorful, and the number of people on the streets continues to increase.
In addition to the unique sights and natural beauty of the resort, tourists are attracted by the remarkable local culture and national peculiarities.
- A series of festive events in May begins with the opening ceremony of the spa season, which takes place on the first weekend in May. The most spectacular part of the event is a costumed procession through the city streets and the solemn consecration of healing mineral springs. The festivities are rounded off with a grand fireworks display.
- Another colorful event occurs in Karlovy Vary in the first days of the month — the Food Festival. The main event of the festival is a culinary tournament in which chefs from local restaurants take part. Festival guests enjoy tasting the competition dishes and voting.
- For the past two decades, the famous Thun porcelain factory has held its annual Porcelain Fair from May 1-3. Admission is free for all visitors. In addition to the opportunity to purchase unique porcelain pieces, guests of the event can participate in various competitions for adults and children.
Cost of vacation
It is in the last month of spring that the new tourist season in the Czech resort opens. Prices in Karlovy Vary in May are still far from the maximum. The decision to spend a vacation in a quiet, cozy town will not only give you a lot of positive emotions but also save your budget.
Accommodation
The cost of hotels in Karlovy Vary is influenced by seasonality. The location of the hotel also partially has an impact on pricing. However, it is best to book a hotel in the western and central part of the city, as this is where the best value-for-money offers can be found.
The cost of a hotel room in a popular Czech resort in May is 110 euros on average. It is 15% cheaper than in April and 5% more expensive than in June.
Airfares
Karlovy Vary airport is located only 5 km from the city center. The journey to the vacation destination will not take long and will not be tiring for children. You can get from the airport to the place of rest by cab or shuttle bus. Many tourists book their flights to Prague airport and then take a bus or cab to Karlovy Vary.
With the beginning of the tourist season, the cost of airfare increases. In May air travel will cost 5% more than in April. In June, tickets are 15% more expensive on average.
Photo: pixabay.com
Package Tours
Since May, the demand for tours to Karlovy Vary has been increasing. In April, the budget for a 7 day tour package will be 20% less than in May, and already in June, the tour cost will increase by 5%.
Recommendations for tourists with children
May vacations in Karlovy Vary can be safely recommended for parents of schoolchildren and families with infants. Older children will be interested in informative excursions, while babies will benefit from long walks in the fresh air.
It is worth noting that not all sanatoriums and hotels of the resort welcome tourists with infants, so it is worth carefully studying the age restrictions.
Nevertheless, some hotels offer special children's menus and family rooms, and in the city's supermarkets, parents can easily buy baby formula milk.
It makes no sense to overload your luggage with unnecessary things and accessories for the baby, but you still need to consider the changeable May weather. Be sure to take light jackets and raincoats for all family members.
Remember your camera: there will be plenty of beautiful views for selfies and family photos in the picturesque spa resort. Kidpassage wishes you a good vacation and bright impressions!
