May Weather in Prague: What to Expect?
What is the Weather like in May in Prague?
In May, Prague sees an uptick in visitors, and it’s no wonder – May is the month of love, a celebration of romance, the peak of spring’s bloom, and a time filled with cultural events. If you’re planning a trip to Prague in May, be sure to take a stroll through Petřín and, on May 1st, share a kiss under a blooming cherry tree.
Temperatures in early May range from 50 to 68°F (10-20°C), and by mid to late May, it warms up to around 53 to 71°F (12-22°C). Keep in mind that there are usually about ten days of rain in May, similar to April, but with twice the rainfall – about 2 inches (52 mm). It’s a good idea to pack some waterproof clothing or carry an umbrella, but as long as you check the weather forecast, you shouldn’t be caught off guard.
With the sun shining for 15 to 16 hours a day and daylight lasting until 9:00 PM (21:00), May offers plenty of time to enjoy warm evenings outdoors. It marks the beginning of the season for dining on restaurant patios, picnicking in parks, visiting rooftop bars, and attending outdoor concerts and events.
May in Prague is brimming with musical and cultural happenings. You can experience
- the May 1st “Time of Love” celebrations, inspired by the well known poet Karel Hynek Mácha
- the start of the Prague Spring classical music festival
- the Mezi Ploty music festival
- the Khamoro Roma culture festival, and
- the architectural feast of Open House Prague.
With all these events and the beautiful weather, May is an excellent time to visit the city.
Years ago, May in Prague was still considered off-season, but nowadays, the city attracts many tourists even in May. Especially on warm weekends, Prague can be as crowded as during the peak season.
My tip for couples: On May 1st, share a kiss under a blooming cherry tree. According to the traditions, this gesture is said to bring luck, love, and fertility to the couple. You can find cherry trees in places like Petřín Hill and Újezd ♥️.
Temperatures
May in Prague marks the heart of spring, and the weather steadily warms up. Early in the month, you can expect temperatures ranging from 50 to 68°F (10-20°C). As May progresses and June approaches, it gets warmer, with temperatures hovering between 53 and 71°F (12-22°C). These mild temperatures, combined with long hours of sunlight, make for pleasant days that last from morning until sunset.
You’ll likely be comfortable in light clothing. While it’s a good idea to pack a hoodie or a light sweater, you probably won’t need it unless you’re staying out after sunset. Instead, consider bringing light pants, a t-shirt or polo, and a light jacket, or a skirt, dress, and a light scarf to drape over your shoulders. If you’re planning to carry a backpack, I’d recommend one with a ventilated back to keep you cool and avoid getting too sweaty.
Average Temperature in May in Prague (°C)
Average Temperature in May in Prague (°F)
Average Temperature by months in Prague (°C)
Average Temperature by months in Prague (°F)
Rainy Days
In May, Prague experiences twice as much rainfall as in April, though the number of rainy days is nearly the same. On average, you can expect about 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain spread over 11 days in the month. It’s a good idea to install a weather app with radar tracking, like Windy or Meteoradar, and check it each morning to see what the day holds. This will help you plan your day, including lunch breaks, coffee stops, and indoor activities like visiting museums, to avoid getting caught in the rain.
When packing, be sure to include waterproof shoes (or at least well-treated, non-leaky ones) and a small umbrella or a raincoat—just in case you can’t dodge the showers.
Sunset, Sunrise and Shining Hours
The days in May are filled with sunshine from morning until evening, and they get progressively longer as the month goes on. At the beginning of May, the sun rises around 5:30 AM (05:30) and sets at 8:30 PM (20:30), giving you nearly 15 hours of daylight. By the end of May, the sun rises even earlier, at 5:00 AM (05:00), and sets at 9:00 PM (21:00), providing a full 16 hours of continuous sunlight. Thanks to the time change at the end of March, solar noon occurs at 1:00 PM (13:00), and this timing remains consistent throughout the summer.
Around solar noon, the sun is at its most intense, and it’s possible to start sweating or even get sunburned. So, be sure to pack some SPF sunscreen, along with a hat and something to cover your naked shoulders. It’s also important to stay hydrated throughout the day. While there are about 20 drinking fountains with potable water in the city center, it’s a good idea to carry a water bottle with you so you can stay refreshed wherever you go.
Sunset and Sunrise throughout the Year
Our Weather Data Research
We conducted our own research using data from the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute, which measures temperature, precipitation, and other weather-related data at several locations in Prague and Czech republic. Our focus is on weather conditions in the city center, as this is where most tourists spend their time. Weather data from other areas might distort the forecast and statistics relevant to tourists.
We also found that climate change has altered Prague’s weather patterns in recent years. If we relied on the historical statistical data used by other websites and even Google, we would be looking at averages spanning the past 30 or even 100 years. This would significantly distort the current weather situation in Prague over the last 11 years.
Therefore, after careful consideration and study, we base our data on measurements from the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute, specifically from the Prague Klementinum meteorological station. This station is located just a few meters from the Charles Bridge, right in the heart of the city, providing the most relevant data for tourists. Our statistics cover the past 11 years, offering a sufficiently large sample size considering global climate changes. This gives a reliable statistical overview of the weather you can expect in Prague today.
My tip: Catch the blooming lilacs (šeřík) in Petřín Hill in May, offering stunning views and the sweet scent of spring in the air.
Things to Do in Prague in May?
Besides the usual must-see attractions like the Old Town Square with its Astronomical Clock, Wenceslas Square with the statue of Saint Wenceslas, Prague Castle with St. Vitus Cathedral, Charles Bridge, the National Museum, and the National Theater, you can also experience the following in Prague during May:
Explore the Gardens Around Prague Castle
The gardens beneath Prague Castle are already open, and in May, most of the trees and ornamental flowers are in full bloom. Be sure to visit Vojanovy Sady, where you’ll find peacocks, a serene pond, and towering magnolia trees – though by May, the magnolias will likely have finished blooming.
Just a short walk from Vojanovy Sady is the Wallenstein Garden near the Senate, one of the largest and most fascinating gardens in the area. Here, you can explore a grand sala terrena, a large pond with carp and other fish, a slightly eerie artificial stalactite wall with grottoes, numerous statues, ornamental shrubs, trees, and an enormous aviary housing exotic birds.
Prague boasts many more gardens worth visiting – such as the Petřín Gardens, the Southern Gardens of Prague Castle, the Vrtba Garden, the Franciscan Garden, the Palace Gardens below Prague Castle, and others.
Ride a Pedal Boat on the Vltava River
In the heart of Prague, you can rent typically yellow pedal boats and spend an hour or two gliding along the Vltava River. It’s perfect for couples or small groups of up to four people. This experience offers a unique perspective on Prague from the intimate setting just above the water’s surface.
You can find pedal boat rentals along the riverbank near Charles Bridge, by the National Theatre, and there are three spots on Slovanský Island. I recommend the rentals on Slovanský Island since the boat traffic is lighter there, and you won’t have to navigate around the sightseeing boats that often pass near Charles Bridge.
Bringing along a can of beer, a drink, or a small snack can make the ride even more enjoyable. Keep in mind that it can get quite hot on the water around midday, so bring plenty of water and make sure to use the restroom beforehand. The sun’s reflection off the water can be intense, so don’t forget your sunglasses. Anyone who can comfortably walk at least 5,000 steps a day and has no health issues should find this activity easy and enjoyable.
Events to Visit in Prague in May
Ongoing Events: During spring, the highly popular Farmers’ Markets take place at Náplavka. In addition to these ongoing events and the usual year-round attractions, May in Prague also brings:
Prague Spring Music Festival
The Prague Spring Music Festival, the city’s largest classical music event, kicks off on May 12th, marking the anniversary of the death of the famous composer Bedřich Smetana. The opening concert takes place in the Smetana Hall at the Municipal House. Performances are held at various prestigious venues across Prague, including the Rudolfinum, Municipal House, National Theatre, Forum Karlín, and DOX. This festival is a grand celebration of classical music, featuring the Czech Philharmonic, the Prague Philharmonic Choir, and renowned soloists and conductors.
United Islands
For the past 20 years, the United Islands festival has brought world music to Prague, with stages set up on Slovanský and Střelecký Islands and along the surrounding banks of the Vltava River. The festival has grown into a four-day event featuring 70 performers and bands. Entry is free for everyone, and it typically takes place in early May.
Prague Marathon
The Prague Marathon is held on the first or second Sunday in May, with the route winding through much of the city center. If you’re participating, you’ll enjoy running across Charles Bridge, past Prague Castle, around the National Theatre, through Pařížská Street, and across Old Town Square.
However, if you’re a tourist, you might find the event a bit disruptive, as much of the city center is cordoned off, filled with race infrastructure, and certain public transport routes and roads, including taxi services, may be closed. It might be wise to plan a day trip outside of Prague on this day to avoid the traffic chaos in the city center.
Open House Prague
For the past 10 years, Open House Prague has granted public access to some of the city’s most impressive buildings and architectural gems. Last year, over 100 usually closed buildings were opened to the public, attracting nearly 100,000 visitors. While you may spend a lot of time in lines, especially at the most popular sites from early morning, it’s a unique opportunity for architecture enthusiasts to explore both historic and modern structures. The event takes place on a weekend in mid-May and offers access to landmarks such as Strahov Stadium, Invalidovna, the Liechtenstein Palace, ARDIA Palace, Karel Čapek’s Villa, Troja Chateau, and many more.
Mezi ploty
Mezi ploty is a theatre and music festival held on the grounds of the Bohnice Psychiatric Hospital, aiming to bring awareness to the lives of people with mental illnesses. This exceptional event is supported by the President of the Czech Republic.
Khamoro
Khamoro is the world’s largest festival of Romani culture, taking place at the end of May. It’s a vibrant celebration of Romani traditions, music, and art.
Holidays and Vacations in May
In the Czech Republic, there are two public holidays in May: May 1st (Labor Day) and May 8th (Victory Day, commemorating the end of World War II in the Czech Republic). These days are typically not widely celebrated by Prague residents. If these holidays fall on weekdays, many Praguers take time off to extend their weekends and often head out of the city to their cottages, chalets, or other vacation spots. As a result, Prague tends to be a bit quieter, with fewer locals around, though the number of tourists remains relatively high.
May 1st – Labor Day and May Day
May 1st is a public holiday, and most employees who work regular weekdays have the day off. Some political parties attempt to claim this day for themselves by organizing political rallies that may appear to be simple gatherings for handing out roses or ice cream. Unfortunately, these events often take place on Petřín Hill – a popular spot where couples traditionally go for a kiss under the blooming cherry trees and a picnic in the park. If you plan to visit Petřín on May 1st, be prepared for this minor inconvenience.
May 8th – Victory Day
Victory Day on May 8th is marked by various commemorative events, special exhibitions, and activities organized by institutions and organizations. For instance, there’s a commemorative event at Vítkov Hill that includes a flyover by fighter jets, a journey on the Legionnaire train, or exhibitions honoring RAF pilots, among other things. While ordinary Praguers don’t typically celebrate this day in a big way, politicians use it as an opportunity to lay wreaths and flowers, often at Vítkov.
On May 8th, all large stores are closed (those with a sales area over 200 square meters). So, if you need to shop for groceries or want to explore shopping centers, make sure to plan those activities for another day.