What's the Weather Like in Vienna in May
May is the beginning of the warmer half of the year in Vienna, the capital of Austria. The weather is now characterised by comfortable temperatures and plenty of sunshine, but also by the occasional rain shower.
Temperature
This is the first month of the year that has an average temperature in the two digits. And May immediately has an average temperature of 15°C huge increase since the 9°C average in April. This makes May the fourth-warmest month of the year, together with September and after the three following summer months. During the night, the low temperature averages 9°C, while in the afternoon, the high temperature ranges around 20°C. Both those average temperatures tend to increase greatly in the course of the month. The average low rises from 8°C in the beginning of the month to 12°C toward the end. The average high temperature climbs from 18°C to 22°C.
Daylight Hours
May features gradually lengthening days. In the course of the month the days lengthen from 14.33 hours of daylight on May 1 to 15.46 hours on May 31. This 1.13-hour increase implies that every day in May is 2.4 shorter than the following day will be.
Clouds
Just like in the previous few months, cloud cover decreases throughout May, although not by a whole lot. It drops from 59% to 54%. This means that, on a typical day this month, the sky is overcast or mostly cloudy 31% of the time, partly cloudy 25% and clear or mostly clear 38% of the time.
Sunshine Hours
The above statistics explain why May is such a sunny monthonger days with less clouds. On average, there are 10 beautiful hours of sunshine per day, the same as in April and only one hour fewer than the annual maximum of 11 sunshine hours that is recorded from June through to August.
Rainfall
Even despite those clearing skies, May is one of the wettest months of the entire yeart is the third-wettest, in fact, after the two following months. The total amount of rainfall is 61mm and there are 13 days with precipitation. Less clouds, but an increase in rainfall can only mean that rain showers tend to be less frequent, but heavier. The most common type of rainfall in May is moderate rain, which is recorded on no less than 59% of the days with precipitation. Other possible rainfall types are thunderstorms and light rain, respectively occurring on 24% and 14% of the rainy days. The likelihood that you will experience a rain shower in May ranges around 53% and stays essentially constant throughout the month so you may need an umbrella! You can see a detailed weather forecast for Vienna on this page.
Hotels for Vienna in May
Meininger Hotel Viennna Downtown Sissi
All people who are fans of the Sisi films will be delighted to spend their May vacation at the Meininger Hotel Vienna Downtown Sissi. This centrally located hotel boasts a contemporary décor showcasing the charm of modern Vienna. The hotel's neighbourhood is dotted with cozy coffee bars, great restaurants and shops. In addition to a games room, bar, lounge area and internet corner, this recommended hotel also has a guest kitchen.
Hotel Schloss Wilhelminenberg
Hotel Schloss Wilhelminenberg is a completely different type of hotel. Located to the northwest of the city, it is set amid a large park consisting of wineries, woods and meadows. Housed in a fantastic imperial-style building, this is the place to stay if you want to feel like a Viennese royal. It is located outside of the city, though, but public transportation can get you to the heart of the city within a half hour.
Garden Hotel Gabriel
Another hotel that is situated on the outskirts of the city, but that is also a bit cheaper, is the three-star Garden Hotel Gabriel. Many public transportation options are available near the hotel to get you to the city centre. The hotel itself is family-run and aims to let all guests feel at home. After an attraction-filled day of sightseeing, you can catch a breath in the hotel's beautiful garden.
Restaurants and Bars for Vienna in May
Restaurant Hansen
Vienna is home to numerous trendy and elegant bars and restaurants and a great example of those is Restaurant Hansen. Located in a historic market hall, in the basement of the Vienna stock exchange, on the beautiful Ringstrasse, this is one of the city's best breakfast restaurants. Although it serves everything from breakfast to lunch to dinner, its breakfasts are most popular. After fueling up for a long day of sightseeing, also make sure to pay a visit to the neighbouring flower shop, which is said to be the best one in Vienna.
Hard Rock Cafe Vienna
A major city like Vienna also has its own Hard Rock Café. Hard Rock Café Vienna is located in the very heart of the Old Town and is made up of two floors. This is a great place to go for casual drinks and enjoy typical American fare, such as hamburgers, barbecue, sandwiches, fajitas, mac and cheese and steaks. This bar and restaurant also regularly organises events.
Things to Do in Vienna in May
Of all the shoulder months in Vienna, May is arguably the best one. It has the highest temperatures, but still not the crowds that will begin to arrive in June. This is a time of year when it's already pleasant to be outside, which can be done in Vienna's many parks, gardens and green spaces.
Danube Island
A particularly wonderful place to enjoy the Viennese outdoors is Danube Island, Donau Insel in German, located to the east of the Old Town. This is the recreational hub of the city, offering countless sports and other activities, ranging from sunbathing on a beach to kayaking to skating. Additionally, the island is also one of the city's entertainment centres. There are several bars, nightclubs and dining venues.
Danube Tower
Another attraction near Danube Island is the Danube Tower, a 352-metre-high concrete tower that offers absolutely spectacular views of the city. At the top, there's a restaurant and café that slowly rotates, allowing guests to fully enjoy the 360-degree panorama. In addition, and adventure enthusiasts will like this, the Danube Tower also houses the world's highest bungee jumping centre.
