Germany, Europe
Munich in May
Maypoles, full beer gardens, and the Alps shedding snow. Watch for public holiday closures.
The straight answer
May is one of the best months of the year to visit Munich. Maypoles, full beer gardens, and the Alps shedding snow. Watch for public holiday closures.
- Weather
- Pleasant, highs near 67F (19C)
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What May is like in Munich
May is one of Munich's best months. Highs reach about 67F (19C), the chestnut trees shade full beer gardens, and the Alps shed their snow. Crowds and prices are moderate, well below the summer and Oktoberfest peaks. Watch the calendar, though: May 1, Ascension and sometimes Whit Monday are public holidays, and shops close on those days.
This month suits almost everyone: couples, families, first-timers and anyone who wants the city outdoors without summer heat. The only people who should skip it are skiers and those set on Oktoberfest. If your dates slip, early June or early September give you much the same trip.
Make the most of May
What is especially good about Munich this month.
Maypoles and May Day
Freshly painted maypoles go up in villages and squares, and May 1 brings local celebrations around them.
The end of Fruhlingsfest
The spring fair on the Oktoberfest grounds runs into early May, a relaxed taste of the tents and rides without the September crush.
Lake days start
The Starnberger See and the Tegernsee are an easy train ride away, and warm afternoons make a lakeside walk and a beer garden lunch perfect.
Beer garden season in full
The Chinese Tower, the Hirschgarten and the Augustiner garden are open every fine day. Bring a picnic, it is allowed.
What to pack for May
- A light jacket for cool mornings and evenings
- A compact umbrella for passing showers
- Comfortable walking shoes for long park days
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
Our timing tip
Look up the Ascension and Whit Monday dates for your year, since those holidays close shops and bring locals out in force to the beer gardens and lakes.
Book Munich for May.
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- Hotels for May
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in MunichOpens a hotel search for Munich in May, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in MunichWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in MunichTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Munich for May. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in May
Fruhlingsfest
Late April into early May
A smaller spring fair on the Oktoberfest grounds: tents, rides, far fewer tourists.
Things to do in Munich
Englischer Garten
Bigger than Central Park. Watch the Eisbach river surfers at the park's southern edge, then walk to the Chinese Tower beer garden.
Munich Residenz
The Antiquarium hall and the Treasury are the highlights. A rainy-day half day.
Deutsches Museum
Enormous; pick three sections and stop. Weekday mornings avoid school groups less than you would hope.
Pinakotheken
The Alte Pinakothek's Durer and Rubens rooms are the highlight. Sunday admission is heavily discounted, so crowds rise.
Nymphenburg Palace
Summer palace with a huge park and the royal carriage museum. The park is free.
Neuschwanstein Castle
About two hours away. Timed tickets are required and sell out weeks ahead in summer; book online.
Beat the crowds
- For Oktoberfest, go on a weekday before noon and you can usually walk into a tent. Weekend evenings need a reservation made months ahead.
- Book Neuschwanstein tickets online as soon as your date is fixed in summer, and take an early train to Fussen.
- Hotel rates during Oktoberfest and major trade fairs can triple. If you are flexible, check both before picking dates.
- Visit the Residenz and the Pinakotheken on weekdays; Sunday discounted entry fills them with locals.
Know before you go
- Bavaria has more public holidays than most of Germany (Epiphany, Ascension, Whit Monday, Corpus Christi, Assumption Day on August 15, All Saints). Shops close, and many sights run holiday hours.
- Sunday shopping is largely closed by law. Museums and beer gardens stay open.
- Many museums close one day a week, often Monday. The Deutsches Museum is an exception most of the year.
- Beer gardens are weather-dependent: they typically open from spring through early fall and close on cold or rainy days.
Munich in May, quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Munich?
May is one of the best months of the year to visit Munich. Maypoles, full beer gardens, and the Alps shedding snow. Watch for public holiday closures.
What is the weather like in Munich in May?
Pleasant, highs near 67F (19C).
Is Munich crowded in May?
Crowds in Munich are moderate in May; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
What is happening in Munich in May?
Fruhlingsfest (late april into early may).
Keep planning Munich.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in May
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