What's the Weather like in Bruges in May
May is another great time to visit the region as the cold air is beginning to retreat and spring is taking a stronger hold over the area's weather. Bruges can be very beautiful in the spring and with most tourists not arriving until the summer months, there are plenty of hotel rooms available and restaurants are likely to enjoy the business.
Rainfall
One downfall to visiting at this time of the year is that the amount of precipitation begins to creep upward again. However, the good news is that there is very little chance of seeing any frozen precipitation. Thanks to warmer temperatures, all of the precipitation should be in the form of rain. Overall, 59mm of rainfall is expected during the month. This rain will fall over an average of just 4 days. As a result, much of the rain comes from thunderstorms and some of the precipitation can be heavy at times.
Temperature
Temperatures are also on the increase and visitors can now leave the heavy winter coats at home and get by with a more lightweight coat and long sleeves. This pattern follows a similar one seen throughout the rest of Belgium. The average daily temperature for this time of the year is a much warmer 12°C (54°F). The overnight lows are now well above the freezing mark and will bottom out with an average temperature of 8°C (46°F). Meanwhile, average afternoon highs are much warmer and will reach temperatures of 15°C (59°F).
Average Sunshine Hours
Additionally, there is much more sunshine to enjoy along with the warmer temperatures. This time of the year experiences an average of 7 hours of sunshine each day.
Average Sea Temperature
Water temperatures also continue their slow climb to much warmer conditions. The average sea surface temperature is a cool 12°C (54°F), but is much warmer than just a few months ago.
Bruges Hotels in May
Flanders Hotel
The Flanders Hotel allows for plenty of relaxation for guests and offers them a chance to leave all their worries behind in May or any other time of year. The hotel offers 50 elegant guest rooms to choose from as well as amenities that include an indoor heated swimming pool, Flemish salon and bar, gardens and a hot and cold breakfast. This four-star hotel prides itself on exquisite service and the staff's personal attention will make sure that every guest's need is quickly met. Additionally, the hotel offers five different room styles that are perfect for all budgets and number of travellers.
Hotel Alegria
Located just 150 metres from the Market and Belfry, the Hotel Alegria is the perfect choice for those who are looking to stay on a budget, but still want plenty of amenities. This three-star hotel is charming and offers rooms that are equipped with flat screen smart TVs, wood floors and large windows with views of the city. Additionally, guests may take advantage of a large breakfast buffet and are only a few minutes away from some of the best restaurants in the city.
Best Western Premier Weinegrugge
While located three kilometres outside of the centre of the city, the Best Western Premier Weinegrugge is an excellent choice for those who want to combine the name of a worldwide hotel with the ambiance of one that is locally owned. This four-star family owned and operated hotel offers a total of 35 rooms as well as three meeting rooms, a bar, on-site restaurant, parking and Wi-Fi. The hotel has been regularly recognised as a top award winner and guests come back time and time again.
Bars and Restaurants
Chez Albert
Visitors can't go to Belgium and leave without having at least one Belgium waffle and the place to do so is at Chez Albert. Because the waffles are so good, it can get busy so be prepared to wait a while. The waffles are melt in your mouth delicious and make an excellent treat any time of the day.
Le Chef Et Moi
Le Chef Et Moi is located in the centre of the city and offers a fairly limited menu, but one that changes with the seasons. All dishes are prepared in-house by the owner and chef and use only the freshest ingredients. The restaurant itself offers a cosy environment that is a combination of classical and contemporary design. Don't miss this spot for a great lunch or a romantic dinner.
Staminee De Garre
If you are a fan of draft beers being served in a warm and cosy environment, then Staminee De Garre is the place for you. Open every day of the week, the pub offers a wide array of local beers as well as other drinks. There are also a wide number of fruit drinks and Trappist selections to choose from as well.
Things to do in Bruges in May
Market Square
May finally brings temperatures near 15°C (59°F) in the afternoon allowing visitors the first opportunity to enjoy what Bruges has to offer outdoors. Now is a great time to explore the Markt or Market Square located in the heart of Bruges. The region is surrounded by some of the oldest buildings in the city and is a gathering place for both tourists and locals. The market was completely renovated in 1995 when the area became traffic-free, thereby making it very friendly to anyone on foot or bike.
Folkore Museum
Those who are interested in the history of the city and the region will want to pay a visit to the Folklore Museum. A little hard to get to, but worth the effort, this museum offers a glimpse of everyday life in earlier times. The museum is small, but is well laid out and has a wide array of artefacts to show off.