Things to Do in Austria in May

May Weather in Austria

22°C (72°F) High Temp

8°C (46°F) Low Temp

89 mm (3.5 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Spring bloom season transforms Austrian landscapes - chestnut trees flower in Vienna's Prater, apple orchards blossom throughout Wachau Valley, and alpine meadows burst with wildflowers at elevations below 1,200m (3,937ft)
Perfect hiking weather in lower elevations with temperatures of 15-20°C (59-68°F) during midday, while higher Alpine trails above 1,500m (4,921ft) become accessible as snow melts
Outdoor dining season begins - Viennese Gastgärten (beer gardens) open with extended hours, and you can comfortably eat outside during the warmer afternoon hours of 12-6pm
Tourist shoulder season means 40-50% lower accommodation prices compared to summer months, plus significantly shorter queues at major attractions like Schönbrunn Palace and Salzburg's old town

Considerations

Unpredictable weather requires layered clothing - morning temperatures of 8°C (46°F) can jump to 22°C (72°F) by afternoon, then drop again by evening, making outfit planning challenging
Frequent spring showers occur on 14+ days with sudden downpours lasting 30-60 minutes, often disrupting outdoor sightseeing plans and making waterproof gear essential
Many high-altitude attractions remain closed - cable cars to Dachstein glacier and high Alpine hiking trails above 1,800m (5,906ft) typically don't open until mid-June due to snow conditions

Best Activities in May

Danube Valley Wine Region Cycling Tours

May is ideal for cycling through Austria's Wachau Valley as vineyards come alive with new growth and temperatures stay comfortable for full-day rides. The 36km (22.4-mile) Danube cycle path from Melk to Krems offers stunning river views without summer's intense heat. Apricot orchards are in full bloom, creating Instagram-worthy backdrops.

Booking Tip: Book bike rentals and guided tours 5-7 days ahead during May as this is prime cycling season. Expect to pay €25-45 per day for quality e-bikes. Look for operators offering waterproof panniers and backup support. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Vienna Coffee House Cultural Experiences

May's variable weather makes Vienna's legendary coffee houses perfect retreats. Traditional cafés like Café Central and Demel extend their outdoor seating as temperatures warm, while maintaining cozy interiors for rainy afternoons. Spring is when locals transition from heavy winter pastries to lighter seasonal treats like Marillenknödel (apricot dumplings).

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for most traditional coffee houses, but guided coffee culture tours typically cost €35-65 and should be booked 3-5 days ahead. Look for experiences that include multiple historic locations and traditional pastry tastings. Current options available in booking section below.

Salzburg Sound of Music Landscape Tours

May transforms the Salzburg region into the perfect Sound of Music backdrop as alpine meadows bloom and lake temperatures begin warming. The contrast between snow-capped peaks and flowering valleys creates the iconic Austrian scenery featured in the film. Weather is ideal for outdoor filming locations like Mondsee and Hallstatt.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours range €40-75 per person, with full-day options €85-125. Book 7-10 days ahead as May is popular for these scenic tours. Choose operators with covered vehicles due to potential spring showers. See current tour availability in booking section below.

Austrian Alpine Lake District Exploration

May marks the beginning of lake season in Salzkammergut region. While water temperatures remain cool at 12-15°C (54-59°F), the surrounding hiking trails offer perfect conditions with wildflowers blooming and waterfalls at peak flow from snowmelt. Hallstatt and Wolfgangsee are particularly stunning with fewer crowds than summer months.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Salzburg cost €65-95 including transportation. Book 5-7 days ahead for best selection. Look for tours that include boat rides (weather dependent) and multiple lake visits. Operators provide blankets for boat portions. Current tour options in booking section below.

Vienna Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens Experiences

May is perfect timing for Schönbrunn as the baroque gardens come into full bloom while avoiding summer's peak crowds and heat. The palace's 1,441 rooms benefit from spring cleaning, and outdoor areas like the Gloriette offer comfortable walking conditions. Morning visits (9-11am) often have clearest weather.

Booking Tip: Skip-the-line tickets cost €22-35 depending on tour inclusion. Book online 3-5 days ahead for guaranteed morning slots. Combined palace and gardens tours range €45-75. Choose packages including Imperial Tour and garden access. Current tickets available in booking section below.

Austrian Market and Culinary Walking Tours

May brings spring vegetables and early summer produce to Austria's markets. Vienna's Naschmarkt and Salzburg's Grünmarkt feature asparagus, radishes, and early berries. Cooler morning temperatures make market walking comfortable, while afternoon cooking classes provide perfect rainy-day backup plans.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost €55-85 for 3-4 hour experiences including tastings. Book 4-6 days ahead for weekend slots. Look for tours combining market visits with traditional restaurant stops or cooking classes. Weather-flexible itineraries preferred. Current options in booking section below.

May Events & Festivals

Mid May

Long Night of Museums (Lange Nacht der Museen)

Austria's premier cultural event where over 700 museums and cultural institutions stay open until 1am for a single €15 ticket. Perfect for May's unpredictable weather as it provides comprehensive indoor cultural immersion across Vienna, Salzburg, Graz, and other cities simultaneously.

Mid to Late May

Vienna Festival (Wiener Festwochen)

International theater and performing arts festival featuring world premieres and avant-garde productions across multiple venues. May's cooler evenings are ideal for outdoor performances in venues like Burgtheater's courtyard and various parks throughout the city.

Late May

Genuss Festival in Stadtpark Vienna

Austria's largest culinary festival featuring over 120 vendors showcasing regional specialties, wines, and craft beers. Spring weather allows comfortable outdoor sampling, with covered areas for rainy periods. Features live cooking demonstrations and regional product tastings.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket with hood - May averages 14 rainy days with sudden 30-60 minute downpours that can soak through umbrellas

Layering system: pack t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, and a warm sweater as temperatures swing from 8°C (46°F) to 22°C (72°F) daily

Comfortable waterproof walking shoes with good grip - cobblestone streets in Vienna and Salzburg become slippery when wet

Compact umbrella that fits in daypack - essential for sudden spring showers while sightseeing outdoors

Light scarf or pashmina for cool evenings and air-conditioned museums - temperatures drop quickly after sunset

SPF 30+ sunscreen despite variable weather - UV index reaches 6 and alpine reflection intensifies exposure

Warm socks and closed-toe shoes for mountain excursions - snow persists above 1,500m (4,921ft) elevation

Quick-dry pants or jeans plus one dressier outfit for Vienna's traditional coffee houses and restaurants

Small daypack with waterproof compartment for electronics and important documents during outdoor activities

Portable phone charger - shorter daylight hours and frequent weather app checking drain batteries faster

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations near public transport stations - May's frequent showers make walking long distances uncomfortable, but Vienna's U-Bahn and Salzburg's buses provide excellent coverage with heated stations

Take advantage of museum passes during rainy afternoons - Vienna Pass (€78 for 72 hours) includes 60+ attractions and becomes excellent value when weather forces indoor backup plans

Shop at local markets between 10am-12pm for best selection - vendors arrive early but peak freshness coincides with warming morning temperatures before afternoon showers typically begin

Austrian restaurants serve Spargel (white asparagus) seasonally in May - this delicacy appears on menus for only 6-8 weeks annually and represents peak Austrian spring cuisine that tourists often miss

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only for warm spring weather - ignoring the significant daily temperature swings from 8°C (46°F) mornings to 22°C (72°F) afternoons leaves travelers uncomfortable

Planning full outdoor itineraries without indoor backup options - May's 14 rainy days require flexible plans with museum visits, shopping, and cultural activities ready as alternatives

Expecting all Alpine attractions to be open - many cable cars, high-altitude hiking trails, and mountain restaurants remain closed until June due to snow conditions above 1,800m (5,906ft)