A city like a fairy tale — ancient castles, cobblestone sidewalks, and tiled roofs of houses that seem toy-like from the height of Charles Bridge...Prague is beautiful at any time of the year! The heart of the Czech Republic is often called the city of love, and for a reason: in May, elegant Prague has a touch of subtle romance. It gives a unique mood to everyone lucky enough to be a guest of the capital during these amazing days.
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Holidays in Prague in May: pros and cons
You can talk about May in the Czech capital for hours: lushly blooming gardens, swans bobbing in the waves of the full-flowing Vltava, warmed by the spring sun, cozy tiled roofs — reviews about Prague in May are overflowing with delight at the incredible beauty of the ancient city. Add to this a thousand and one entertainment, which offers hospitable Prague to tourists in the warm season — and your heart will forever belong to this city.
A trip to Prague in May has some undeniable advantages that make it even more attractive to tourists of all ages:
- the weather at this time is warm enough for walking around the city but still far from the summer heat — a comfortable time to travel with a child;
- the blossoming of trees and shrubs, which began in April, has not yet finished, and it is time to hurry to plunge into this beauty and make inimitable photos for the envy of everyone around you;
- May in Prague is rich in holidays, which crowd the calendar, trying to get through without queuing. No sooner Walpurgis Night from April 30 to May 1 is over, as Labor Day is celebrated immediately following it, which is traditionally followed a week later by Victory Day, and so — until June;
- the first days of the month promises lively and profitable shopping.
However, there are disadvantages to visiting Prague in late spring, and it is highly advisable to consider them when planning your trip:
- Prague is popular with tourists in May, and choosing this month for traveling, be prepared to spend a lot on airfare and accommodation in the city;
- the fickle Czech weather can spoil your mood even at the end of spring by lowering the air temperature by 8-10 degrees Celsius in record time.
The temperature in Prague can drop sharply, and while warm clothes can save you during walks and excursions, it becomes uncomfortable indoors, especially at night.
When choosing accommodation in Prague, specify the possibility of additional heating in case of cold weather, especially if you plan to travel with children.
If you are not embarrassed by the sharply increased prices for tourist services, you are a happy owner of an umbrella and a pair of cozy sweaters, then Prague is where putting aside all doubts, you really should go in May.
Weather in Prague in May
The weather in May and June in Prague is characterized by much more precipitation than in early and mid-spring but remains as unpredictable as at any other time of the year. The weather at the beginning of May and on May Day usually reaches +10 to +15 degrees Celsius — the perfect temperature for walking around the city and participating in outdoor festivities.
The average temperature in Prague rises even more in mid-May: during the day, it can reach +17°C to +18°C, although clear days are often interspersed with rainy ones.
The feeling of real summer warmth comes to the city with the last days of the month — the weather in Prague at the end of May is no different from June.
Air and water temperature
Prague has a mild climate, with moderately warm winters and humid, rainy summers. Due to the high humidity, which reaches 81% in May, the streets of Prague can be uncomfortable even in warm weather. In addition, the differences between daytime and nighttime temperatures are significant, so even in May, you should take a sweater or windbreaker with you on a walk here.
Air temperature in Prague in May
The spring-summer period in Prague is characterized by capricious fickleness, so you can expect anything from the weather. Usually, the daytime temperature in Prague in May varies from +10 °С to +22 °С; in the evening, the indicators fall to 7-18 degrees Celsius, and at night they fall to +7 °С. The average daily temperature is +18.6 °С, night temperature is +8.9 °С.
River water temperature in Prague in May
The temperature of the river water in Prague in May does not yet allow you to open the beach season, but strolling along the promenade and taking a ride on the riverboat will be a great addition to the acquaintance with the Czech capital.
Precipitation
The precipitation in May increases sharply to 73.5 mm, approximately double the April precipitation norm. Despite this impressive precipitation, most are short, warm rains alternating with sunny weather.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
Sunny days in May comprise about 40% of the total, approximately 12. There are only 7 or 8 cloudy days, and the rest of the month is overcast.
Tour Holidays
The number of annual events held in Prague in May is so large that there may be no time left for traditional sightseeing.
However, a few places in Prague are worth visiting with children. These magical places can make a lasting impression on all travelers:
Mid-May, when the sun is warming up, but the heat is still far away, is the best time for fun walks around the city and exciting adventures.
Holidays, events and festivals
A separate topic of keen interest for visitors to the city are the colorful events and festivities in Prague in May, and there are many of them. The hospitable capital always has an unforgettable entertainment or breathtaking excursion for those who decided to spend a vacation here. But in May, it offers guests to participate in a series of colorful festivities starting... no, not even at the beginning of May, but on the night from April 30 to May 1!
Walpurgis Night
Even in Prague, you can turn into a ghost for one night — a wild but cute one — if you start your May vacation here just one day earlier — on April 30 — and bring a carnival costume — the scarier, the better.
By the evening, the city's streets will be unrecognizable: they will be filled with witches, ghouls, and other wickedness in bright outfits. At this time, decent citizens will be entertained by eating traditional flavored sausages and sweets, enjoying the performance of musical groups, and participating in fun contests.
This holiday — a kind of analog of Halloween but dedicated to the spring awakening of the earth — will especially appeal to children.
That's who will be happy to fool around as a little monster and take part in one of the children's shows, with which the ancient city, as if specially created for such festivities, is the whole of this night!
At the end of the festival, the organizers spoil the jubilant public by burning effigies of witches on bonfires on the banks of the Vltava River and in parks. The fun continues on May 1, smoothly transitioning into the Labor and Love Day celebration.
May 1 in Prague — Labor, Love and Spring Day
May 1st is a public holiday in the Czech Republic, officially commemorated as Labor Day (Svátek práce). However, the day is also celebrated locally in Prague as a Day of Love, similar to St. Valentine's Day. The day is marked by various traditions and customs, including kissing under blooming trees, which is believed to bring good luck and romance for the year ahead.
May 8 — Liberation Day, or Victory Day
May 8th is a public holiday in the Czech Republic, officially commemorated as Liberation Day, which marks the end of World War II in Europe and the defeat of the German army in the Czech Republic by the Russian and American army. In Prague, the day is celebrated with various events and activities, including flag-raising ceremonies, patriotic songs, and joyful music in the Jewish quarters of Prague and in the famous Jewish cemetery of Prague.
Here are some ways to celebrate May 8th in Prague:
- Attend a flag-raising ceremony: Several points in Prague carry flags symbolizing the triumph of the Czech Republic and the end of Nazi ideology. You can attend a flag-raising ceremony and witness the patriotic spirit of the Czech people.
- Visit a museum: Prague has many museums that celebrate the history and culture of the Czech Republic. Visiting a museum is a great way to learn about the country's rich heritage.
- Take a walking tour: Prague is a beautiful city with many historic landmarks and attractions. A walking tour is a great way to see the city and learn about its history and culture.
- Attend a concert: Prague has a vibrant music scene, and there are often concerts and performances on May 8th. Check out the local listings to see what's on
Prague Spring International Music Festival
First held in 1946 and recognized as one of the greatest music festivals in Eastern Europe, this festival is still an integral part of the cultural life of the Czech Republic.
Its opening day has remained unchanged since 1952: May 12 — the day of Berdzich Smetana's death. Concert venues include the Rudolfinum, the Liechtenstein Palace, the State Opera House, the St. Agnes Monastery, the Public House, and other concert halls in the city.
The festival includes a competition for young performers in various specialties, giving gifted young people a chance to gain fame and take the first confident step in their professional growth.
In addition to young people, the festival is attended by famous opera singers and musicians worldwide. Classical music lovers will be impressed by this event.
Svatojánské slavnosti Navalis
The festival, held on May 15, is dedicated to the honor of St. John of Nepomuk, the patron saint of sailors, fishermen, and all honest people who once linked their fate with the water. The roots of the feast go back to the 17th century when the grand celebration gathered thousands of pilgrims from all over the country on the banks of the Vltava.
Today, the Svatojan Navalis is also an exciting spectacle: after the festive mass in St. Vitus Cathedral, the procession goes to the Jan Nepomucký Monument on Charles Bridge and from there to Kříživnický Square.
After the official and unchanging program, the real fun begins: the stage at the Charles Bridge is filled with music until late at night when the performers are replaced one by one. The Vltava River is lined with gondolas carrying passengers and sailing regattas. This part of the festival offers new entertainment and surprises for the participants every year.
The festivities traditionally end with a spectacular fireworks display, bringing unimaginable joys. School-age boys have a lot of fun here: who would refuse the chance to feel like a real sea wolf, proudly sitting in a brightly decorated boat?
Czech Beer Festival
This event will not be very interesting to children, but it will undoubtedly appeal to parents. The annual beer festival is traditionally held in the second half of May and lasts 17 days. Admirers of this beverage can try different types of beer and original snacks, paying with a unique "beer" currency — beer thalers, sold here at the festival in Letenské Gardens for dollars and euros.
An integral part of the festival is performances of popular musical groups and folk ensembles in colorful costumes.
Annual festival "Prague Heart of Nations"
Traditionally held at the end of May, the week-long festival is a memorable spectacle for adults and children alike. Artistic groups representing the national minorities in the Czech Republic perform on the city streets. The inimitable flavor of folk songs, dances, and colorful costumes create a sunny and festive mood.
Cost of vacation
When planning a spring trip to Prague, you should remember that prices in Prague in May and May Day are not too budget-friendly. The endless string of busy events and festivals attracts the attention of many tourists, and the city's hosts will not fail to capitalize on such an influx of guests.
This month's air travel cost is pleasing: it decreases by 5% compared to April, while prices for accommodation in the city increase by almost 17%. You can significantly save on tickets and accommodation rentals only by booking in advance. On our website, you can view the list of hotels most suitable for accommodation with children.
Tips for travelers with children
May is a great time to travel with children. Warm weather and the beauty of blooming gardens are good reasons to visit the Czech capital at the end of spring.
Numerous festivals will be very interesting for children of older preschool and school age. However, for younger children, these events will not cause much interest, and endless crowds on the streets and inflated prices can be a real problem during a vacation with a baby.
Therefore, with a small child, it would be more reasonable to rest in Prague at a quieter time of the year — for example, in the fall, when the influx of tourists subsides and prices return to their standard level.