The Beautiful City of Vienna, the City of Dreams, the Music Capital of the World, the Singing City — these names are a pleasure to hear and bring the outlines of the old castles back to life in anyone who has had the good fortune to see one of the most exquisite cities in the world.
The leisurely flow of the Danube, the swiftness of the spires soaring into the sky and the pompous majesty of the cathedrals create a unique atmosphere that will captivate and enchant you no matter how many times you return.
Holidays in Vienna in May: pros and cons
A trip to the capital of music in May is a chance to see Vienna in near-summer clothes and avoid the inconvenience of the sweltering summer heat.
Travel reviews for May andMay holidays in Vienna tend to describe the late spring trip as a pleasant and relaxing experience.
At this time of year it can be somewhat overshadowed by the region's typical cold snap, but the possible vagaries of the Austrian weather aside, Vienna in May is generally a luxurious option for a family holiday with many benefits:
- Warm and sunny weather;
- A city that is very child-friendly;
- The opportunity to enjoy the taste of Vienna's famous Viennese coffee at an outdoor café table;
- A chance to take part in the Austrian May Day celebrations;
- A chance to attend the opening of the Vienna Spring Art Festival;
- A chance to brush up your gourmet cooking skills at the Culinary Festival.
Weather in Vienna in May
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The weather in Vienna in May and June is already warm like in summer, but even at this time of year you can expect some surprises. For example, the weather at the beginning of May and during the May holidays can reach +15 to +16°C, drop to +9°C within two days and then rise to +18°C a few days later.
The weather in Vienna at the end of May is much warmer than at the beginning of May. During the day it can reach +22°C to +24°C, and by nightfall it's usually about 3 to 5 degrees cooler.
Despite the almost summer-like warmth, May is the windiest month in Vienna, so even the slightest signs of warming are noticeable.
Air temperature
Vienna has a mild climate, but the proximity of the Danube River means that the city is often humid. In reality, the weather is often much cooler than the thermometer indicates, so don't be lazy and pack some warm clothes. An umbrella is also a good idea.
Air temperature in Vienna in May
The maximum temperature in Vienna in May and during the May holidays is +24°C to +26°C, the minimum is close to +8°C.
Daytime temperatures range from +13-+15°C at the beginning of May to +19°C to +23°C at the end of the month. The average day temperature in Vienna in mid-May ranges from +20°C above zero, dropping to +10°C at night. Night temperatures are almost twice as high as day temperatures, ranging from +6°C to +8°C at the beginning of May to +10°C to +13°C at the end of the month.
Amount of precipitation
May is characterised by an abundance of rain. The average rainfall during this period is 56.6 mm. There are approximately 4 to 8 wet days per month. May is the second wettest month of the year after June, so travel with waterproof shoes and an umbrella is a must, especially if you are travelling with a child.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
Despite the rains, sunny weather prevails in May with cloudy and overcast days. The number of clear days in the month is 14-15, while the rest of the month is overcast.
Excursions: the best places to visit in May
If you're in Vienna in late spring, you're in luck. The days of May are made for exploring the stunning architecture of the old city and simply strolling through the shady lanes of Vienna's parks and gardens.
Vienna is famous for its castles and palaces, and May, with its abundance of sunny days, is the perfect time to visit.
Schönbrunn Palace. The palace is the residence of the Austrian Emperors in Vienna. Its 40 rooms are open to the many visitors who come here to experience the astonishing wealth and splendour of Austrian Baroque art.
Many visitors are attracted not only by the unique architecture of the palace itself, but also by the beautiful park and fascinating labyrinth at Schönbrunn.
Young travellers will enjoy the exciting strudel show that takes place several times a day in the nearby café, as well as a stroll through the historic zoo.
Schönbrunn Zoo. Schönbrunn Zoo is one of the oldest zoo in the world and has been voted the best zoo in Europe four times. Several generations of giant pandas have been born here, a rare occurrence.
More than 700 species live in the park's vast area. These include funny baby elephants, dwarf mongooses, golden-haired penguins and other fascinating creatures from around the world.
A visit to this amazing place is an excellent addition to the holiday experience for adults and children alike.
The Belvedere Palace. This architectural monument is more than a century old — it dates back to the 18th century. Today it houses a unique art gallery with works by famous masters.
The Belvedere Park is the pride of its Alpine Garden, the first in Europe, which still amazes with its unparalleled beauty and luxury.
Kreuzenstein Castle. Situated on the banks of the majestic Danube, the castle looks like an elaborate setting for a fairy tale, with a real moat, drawbridge, picturesque towers and even an underground tunnel.
Such a journey into the glorious era of knightly deeds can fill any boy's heart with boundless happiness, and it's interesting for girls too. Who could resist a walk through the corridors of a fairytale castle?
There is so much to see in the castle! There's a medieval chapel, a clock tower, stables and an old well. In the bedroom you'll find the lord's bed and the tablet on which his dreams were recorded when he woke up.
Vienna in May: time for fun
Holidays are a time for fun. In Vienna, you can take your mind off the architectural masterpieces, relax with your family and simply have fun any day of the week. There are plenty of attractions for young visitors to the Austrian capital:
- The Liliputbahn in the Prater Park, where you can not only take a ride on the little old train, but also on other no less exciting rides;
- The TIME TRAVEL Magic Vienna History Tour, which takes passengers on a magical carriage ride back in time;
- The Kahlenberg Rope Park, where you can test your skills without the sacramental "Behave like a man, you're not an ape!
- The FAMILY FUN amusement park, where children can take part in blow-up battles and boat rides;
- Therme Wien, where summer reigns all year round.
Holidays and festivals in Vienna in May
Spring arrives in the city, waking it from its winter melancholy. The merry and bustling series of festivals that began in April passes into its successor, May, in a colourful relay race.
Vienna's May festivities begin on the very first day: the Austrian people honour the legacy of their grandfathers with an annual May Day celebration.
1 May - International Workers' Day
If you're visiting Vienna in early May, don't miss the chance to catch a glimpse of your parents' Soviet childhood: On 1 May, the streets of the Austrian capital are transformed by the roar of voices, millions of balloons, flags and... bundles of radishes. Here, radishes are given as festive souvenirs on Labour Day.
Representatives of all kinds of political parties, mostly communist, take part in the May Day demonstration, waving their flags in unison.
Traffic on the main streets is blocked. The crowd on the Ringstrasse is cosmopolitan, as it is an international festival, but all participants are united in their joy and cheerfulness.
Enterprising vendors are also on hand to sell the right merchandise to the masses, with stalls in the streets displaying all sorts of May Day symbols.
Vienna Music and Theatre Festival
The annual Vienna Music, Opera and Theatre Festival opens in mid-May and runs until the end of June. The festivities begin with a concert on Rathausplatz in front of the Vienna City Hall.
Throughout the festival, the capital's concert halls play host to a mix of plays, operas, musicals and spectacles, with performances by famous artists from around the world.
In addition to the concert programme, the city hosts lectures, workshops and exhibitions on music and theatre. In the cinemas, the public can watch videos of the festival, which is a kind of conference for the exchange of artistic experiences.
The event, which is open to everyone, will be of particular interest to teenagers and young people who are passionate about music and theatre — in other words, everyone.
The dates of most events in May vary from year to year. You should therefore plan your participation in these activities well in advance of your trip to Vienna.
Culinary Festival
Genussfestival's eloquent name lives up to its name. For three days in mid-May, Stadtpark Park welcomes visitors to its lawns, where Austria's finest culinary professionals present a showcase of their culinary skills and astonish gourmets with some of their finest national dishes.
The whole cooking process takes place in front of a salivating audience, with exciting masterclasses. And believe it or not, there's a lot to learn!
Even if you're very young, there's no harm in picking up a few secrets from Vienna's best chefs, especially as there's no entrance fee.
Midsummer Night Concert in Schönbrunn Park (Sommernachtskonzert)
One of the most romantic and beautiful events is the annual night concert of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra under the starry skies of Austria. The concert is a worldwide cultural event and is televised in at least seventy countries.
The event usually takes place at the end of May, during the last week of May.
Life Ball
Held at the end of May, this charity event has little in common with the classic Viennese ball.
Rather, it is a spectacular charity event with a programme that changes from year to year. But one thing remains the same: the event is always colourful and extravagant.
The festival includes fashion shows, various marathons, carnivals, concerts, dances and colourful shows. Internationally renowned actors, opera singers, fashion designers and public figures take part in the event. The event takes place in the square in front of the Town Hall and everyone is welcome to attend.
The aim of the Life Ball is to raise awareness and funds for people living with AIDS.
Cost of vacation
In late spring, holiday prices continue to change in the same direction as in previous months: tickets become slightly cheaper and the cost of accommodation in Vienna increases.
According to experienced travellers, not all hotels in Vienna offer comfortable conditions for their guests, even if they have four stars on the sign.
To avoid problems when travelling with a child, make sure you book your accommodation well in advance. You can find a list of recommended quality hotels in the Hotels section of our website.
It should be noted, however, that prices in Vienna are not rising as fast in May as they did in March and April. Hotel accommodation in Vienna will cost travellers only 4% more.
The only thing to bear in mind is that hotels are almost fully booked for the May holidays, so accommodation needs to be booked well in advance. Airfares are even 5-6% cheaper than last month.
A trip to Vienna with a child in May
Travelling to Austria's capital with a child in May promises to be enjoyable in every way. The weather in May is ideal for long walks, and the many festivals and celebrations make for an interesting holiday for the whole family.
You can take children of all ages with you, as you're sure to spend plenty of time outdoors in the city's parks and gardens and interesting museums. It's also a great idea to spend a few days in the city during the May holidays.
Prices for the May holidays are slightly higher than in April, so financially the two months are about the same. On the other hand, the weather at the end of spring is much more pleasant for travelling with the little ones.
