Spring is a beautiful time of year to visit the Czech capital, called Praha by the locals, before the summer crowds invade the city. The weather turns pleasantly warm and the trees burst into white, purple, pink, and yellow flowers. Expect lots of sun in Prague in May, but also expect some rain.
May weather in Prague
Spring temperatures in Prague fluctuate from low in the mid-40s to highs in the mid-60s, but begin warming throughout the month. The city’s restaurants begin to maximize their outdoor seating capacity this month, but the weather can change unexpectedly, from one sunny and warm minute to rain the next.
- May average temperature: 56 degrees Fahrenheit (14 degrees Celsius)
- Average May High: 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius)
- May average low: 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius)
Prague can be a bit gray and rainy throughout May. Expect rain on about 17 days a month, with a total accumulation of 2.7 inches. The city receives eight hours of sunshine, on average, throughout the day.
Spring packing list for Prague
Although temperatures begin to warm with spring, the rains can dampen your sightseeing plans. Keep this in mind when packing for travel to Prague in May. Most days, you will still want to dress comfortably, wearing Don’t forget a waterproof jacket, waterproof shoes, and an umbrella. Plus, windy conditions can make temperatures feel much colder than they actually are, so bring versatile layers for warmth.
May events in Prague
May 1 (Labor Day) and May 8 (Liberation Day) are nationally recognized Czech holidays. This means that some public institutions and attractions may close or operate at reduced hours. Additionally, the city hosts many other unique events throughout the month, ranging from cultural celebrations to beer drinking festivals.
- The Prague International Spring Music Festival takes place in May with more than 50 performances ranging from orchestra to chamber to contemporary music. Concerts throughout the city require advance purchase of tickets, so plan ahead. Sales usually start in December.
- The Czech beer festival in Prague takes place from mid-May to the end of the month. Take advantage of this event to taste beer from more than 150 breweries, large and small, in the Czech Republic.
- The Prague Church Night is a free event held at the end of May. Many of Prague’s churches are open to the public and host concerts, tours and religious services.
- The Czech Republic’s relationship with marionettes and puppets means that Prague is a good location for the World Puppet Art Festival that takes place this month.
- The Khamoro Festival showcases Roma culture, including Gypsy music and dance.
- Prague Fringe takes place throughout the city with carefully selected comedy, theater and spoken word performances, either in English or through non-verbal communication. Another theater festival, called Mezi Ploti , or Between the Fences, aims to draw attention to the issue of mental illness and takes place in the Bohnice psychiatric center.
- The Prague Food Festival , a three-day celebration of Czech food and other cuisines, puts the spotlight on 22 of the best restaurants in the country. In the gardens of Prague Castle, the festival also explores beer and wine pairings for food.
- Events taking place during May include the Book World Prague international literary festival, the Prague International Marathon and the International Tattoo Convention .
May travel tips
- Tourist crowds increase in May as the weather warms up. Plan your trip carefully so you can see top sites like Prague Castle without waiting in lines.
- Spring in Prague sees an increase in scammers, so arm yourself with tips to avoid pickpockets in the Czech capital.
