Hungary in May: Warm Weather, Festivals and More
As the weather begins to warm up, crowds start to return, and festivals kick up in full flow, Hungary in May is one of the best times to visit this amazing country. On the cusp of spring and summer, you’ll have great weather for a walking tour around Buda, the old part of Budapest, or exploring the gardens at the Royal Palace of Godollo. May is also filled with blooming botanical gardens, and outdoor cultural festivals, like the Gourmet Food Festival, that bring travelers from all around the world to Hungary. Read on to find out what your trip to Hungary this month can look like.
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Hungary Weather in May
The weather in Hungary in May is generally warm with highs of 22°C (72°F) and lows of 12°C (54°F). However, May does mark the rainiest month in Hungary, with 15 rainy days in Budapest, so it’s best to bring an umbrella!
If you’re journeying to Godollo for the spring blooms, then you can expect around 39mm of rainfall across the entire month and high temperatures of 22°C (72°F). While there is plenty of rain in Hungary in May, the warmer temperatures mean that you dry off a lot quicker if you’re caught in a rain shower!
For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Hungary.
Weather in Hungary in May - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 1 | 4 | 10 | 15 | 21 | 24 | 26 | 26 | 22 | 16 | 7 | 3 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | -3 | -2 | 2 | 6 | 11 | 14 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 7 | 2 | -1 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 34 | 40 | 50 | 59 | 70 | 76 | 79 | 79 | 72 | 61 | 45 | 38 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 27 | 29 | 36 | 43 | 52 | 58 | 61 | 59 | 54 | 45 | 36 | 31 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 40 | 30 | 40 | 40 | 70 | 60 | 40 | 70 | 70 | 60 | 60 | 40 |
| Apr | May | Jun | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 15 | 21 | 24 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 6 | 11 | 14 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 59 | 70 | 76 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 43 | 52 | 58 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 40 | 70 | 60 |
Why Visit Hungary in May
So, why should you tour Hungary in May? Well, with so many festivals and events happening throughout the month, you’re spoiled for choice!
- Budapest Beer Week: If you’re a big fan of beers, ales, and pilsners, you’re going to be in your element in Budapest in May. With breweries and bars from all around Hungary taking part in the festivities, it’s as much about supporting small businesses as it is about drinking amazing beer! Dozens of bars and event spaces are participating in Beer Week, taking over the city with tastings, meet-the-brewer events, and more.
- Children’s Day Festival: Happening since 1980 on International Children’s Day on the last Sunday of May, this festival at Varosliget (City Park) is the ideal event to visit if you’re traveling as a family. There are arts and theater performances, sporting events, food and drink, and much more.
- Gourmet Food Festival: Held in Budapest’s Millenaris Park, this huge food festival involves high-end and creative chefs from all over Hungary and beyond for a weekend of hearty eating, bespoke drinks, and appreciation of culinary skills!
- More tours available: One of the best things about visiting Hungary in May is that as it's the high season, there are more tours and excursions available. Pre-Easter, not all of the vendors are open for business, but by May, the tourism season is well and truly open!
Where to go and what to do
Hungary is well known for its spa culture. With many to choose from, you can easily go on a tour of Budapest and its best spas, the most popular being the Gellért Spa. Despite it being open all year round, the picturesque and iconic outdoor spa pool only opens from May until September, making it a perfect time to visit before the summer crowds hit.
If you are a nature enthusiast, May is the perfect time to visit the city of Godollo. It’s only a 26-minute bus ride from Budapest, making for an ideal day trip or quiet city respite. Flowers are blooming in May, so it’s the perfect time to check out the Royal Palace of Godollo and its world-class gardens. Known to be favored by the late Queen Elizabeth, the gardens at the Royal Palace of Godollo are some of the best in Europe. Beat the summer crowds and see these stunning gardens at their peak in May.
May in Hungary is also an excellent time to enjoy a walking tour around the Pest neighborhood of Budapest. The newer and more touristy side of the city is easily walkable, but in May, there aren’t quite as many tourists as in summer. Also, a walking tour around spots like St. Stephen’s Basilica and the House of Hungarian Art Nouveau gives you opportunities to dip inside if the rain starts falling.
Need Help Planning a Trip to Hungary?
Between the warmer temperatures, bountiful festivals, and blooming flowers, there are plenty of great reasons to visit Hungary in May. If you’re struggling to book your trip to Hungary or just need a helping hand, why not contact our in-country travel experts? They can put together a tailor-made trip to Hungary for you that hits all the hotspots!
