The May holidays are a great time to travel. It's no coincidence that this is the time of year when the travel buzz is at its peak, often resulting in a full week off, allowing you to relax without having to wait for the summer holidays.
Europe, with its sightseeing opportunities, appeals most to short-term visitors. So which city do you prefer? Where should you go this time? We'll help you decide: Salzburg, of course!
Holidays in Salzburg in May: a great choice
The sun is shining its gentle rays and it's so warm outside that you don't want to go home. The air is saturated with the scent of blossoming trees, the eyes can't get enough of the pore riot and the soul yearns for adventure.
If you want to soak up the arrival of spring with every fibre of your body and soul, come to Salzburg in May:
- From the beginning of May, every attraction, garden and fountain welcomes inquisitive visitors.
- Outside, the weather is warm and the sun is not yet as tiring as it is on summer days.
- The old streets are particularly beautiful, surrounded by young foliage - your photos will be bright and vibrant.
- Reviews of holidays in Salzburg in May are unanimous: quiet days alternate with bright holidays, giving you a full kaleidoscope of impressions and emotions.
- Although it often rains in May, it is the most pleasant month for travelling with children.
For a memorable holiday in a good way, consider the following points:
- May is one of the three wettest months in Salzburg, so it's important to stock up on umbrellas and mackintoshes in case the weather changes suddenly.
- At the beginning of the month, and especially during the May holidays, the city is inundated with tourists, so it's a good idea to book your hotel in advance.
- Be sure to pick up a Salzburg Card at one of the city's tourist offices or hotel receptions, which gives you free use of public transport and access to the city's sights.
Weather in Salzburg in May
The weather in May and June is very fickle when it comes to rain. The sun shines in the morning, then the clouds move in and it starts to rain heavily, and an hour later it's even drying out the roads.
However, the weather at the beginning of May and during the May holidays is rarely subject to such surprises. From the second third of the month, it becomes more common.
The temperatures in Salzburg in mid-May are quite pleasant for outdoor walks. It's warm enough that you don't have to worry about freezing if you go out later.
The weather in Salzburg at the end of May gives the first two months of summer, which are also one of the city's three rainy months, a whimsical feel.
But that doesn't mean there's slush under your feet all the time. On the contrary, the rapid downpours dry quickly, keeping the city's air fresh and clean.
Air and water temperature
Salzburg has a very mild climate due to its proximity to the Alps. This has contributed to the fact that there is never excessive heat or severe frost.
Temperatures in Salzburg in May are ideal for sightseeing in this beautiful city. During this month there are no tourists in transit for the ski season, so there's a good chance you can extend your stay if you want to, without having to worry about being booked for just one night.
In the colder months, it can be difficult to squeeze in between those one-night stands.
Air temperature in Salzburg in May
The average monthly temperature during the day is around +18°C. At night, the average temperature is +6.6°C. While the maximum daytime temperature is +16°C at the beginning of the month, it is closer to +22°C at the end of the month.
On some days, however, the sun can reach +27°C. On a few cloudy and rainy days, the thermometer can drop to +8°C. So, just in case, take at least a warm jumper with you so that you are well prepared for the cooler days.
Amount of precipitation
The average rainfall in Salzburg in May is 122 mm. There are 11 days of rain in this month. As mentioned above, May, June and July are the wettest months in the city. The humidity has a positive effect on the amount of green in the surrounding trees and castle parks.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
For almost half the month, the sun shines brightly on the city, while the other half plays hide-and-seek. In May, Salzburg has 45% sunny days, 26% overcast and 29% cloudy. The average number of sunny days is 14, which is not bad considering the high rainfall.
Excursion holidays in May
Start your city tour on the left bank of the river Salzburg. On the central Residenzplatz you'll find the bishop's palace with its art gallery and the Neue Residenz, where you can see old clocks and bells — no fewer than 35 of them!
In the centre of the square is the beautiful Residenzbrunnen fountain. It's open at the beginning of May and during the May holidays, and you can enjoy a phantasmagoria of baroque architecture and water.
Then visit the Benedictine Abbey of St Peter. It is now the site of a working men's monastery. The local catacombs are no longer frozen, so it's safe to venture into their depths.
Salzburg Cathedral and Franciscan Church are astonishingly grandiose. You can really feel the presence of a higher power within their walls, so spiritual are they.
Hohensalzburg Fortress is famous for its vantage point overlooking the whole city. In mid-May there are few people here and the breeze from the heights playfully ruffles your hair.
On the right bank of the city is Mirabel Park and Palace, which serves as a wedding palace for the locals. Be sure to admire the beautiful park, which is reminiscent of the grounds of Versailles in France.
Afterwards, take a walk down the Getreidegasse, a tourist street. Here you'll find the Mozart House Museum, where you'll learn a lot about the life of the great composer.
And if you're in Salzburg with a child, here are a few more places to visit:
- The House of Nature.
- The Toy Museum.
- Salzburg Zoo.
- The fun fountains on the grounds of Hellbrunn Palace.
Holidays, events and festivals
Holidays in Salzburg in May are as much about music as they are about nature and spring:
- May 1st is Labour Day in Austria, but Salzburg doesn't just take the day off: there are several festivities, including a music concert and the popular tradition of decorating the May tree. The festivities are accompanied by plenty of local beer.
- Mother's Day is celebrated in mid-May, when children at school make cards and gifts for their mothers, and shop windows and restaurant menus feature themed desserts available only on that day.
- Salzburg's biggest event in May/June is the Salzburger Dreifaltigkeitsfest. It was founded in 1973 and is one of the most important music festivals in Salzburg.
- Feast of the Ascension of Jesus Christ is celebrated at the end of May. Most Austrians are religious, so the services held on this day attract many parishioners. Tourists also come for the spiritual food. And there are market stalls in the town squares. A special tradition is that on this day only poultry is allowed to be eaten. That's why there are special menus and even buns shaped like birds.
Cost of vacation
Hotel prices in Salzburg rise by 10-15% in May due to a number of factors. The first is the May holidays. The second is the Salzburg Festival at Trinity. The second event influences hotel prices in the areas where music concerts take place. As far as the other festivals are concerned, during them prices increase, if at all, only by 5%.
Compared to April, airfares are up 15%. The main reason for the increase is the same bank holidays in May and several weekends in a row.
When it comes to eating out, the average bill for a modest lunch will be around €12, while a dinner for two with alcohol will be around €65. If you are prepared to eat in a fast-food restaurant such as McDonald's, you can expect to pay between €8 and €12 per meal. Prices in these restaurants don't vary according to the season.
Tips for tourists with children
It's worth noting that a trip to Salzburg with children is always a holiday, regardless of the weather or time of year. But when it's here in May, you can organise a wonderful family programme that includes museum visits, outdoor walks and views of the city from the castle's vantage points.
The weather is warm, the rain is not too cold, the temperatures are not too extreme, there are no mountains of warm clothes and shoes to pack, and outdoor excursions are a pleasure after the hibernation of winter.
Two or three days off over the May holidays can be a great option for a change of scenery.
This month it's safe to bring schoolchildren and toddlers. Choose a hotel within walking distance of the main attractions, plan your itinerary in case of bad weather and enjoy the hospitality of the City of Music.
