Things to Do in Munich in May

May Weather in Munich

19°C (66°F) High Temp

9°C (48°F) Low Temp

107 mm (4.2 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect beer garden weather - May hits the sweet spot when locals flock to Biergärten as temperatures reach 19°C (66°F), but tourist crowds haven't peaked yet
Asparagus season (Spargelzeit) runs through June 24th - restaurants serve fresh white asparagus with hollandaise, and weekly markets overflow with local varieties at €8-12/kg
Museum shoulder season means 30-40% shorter queues at Deutsches Museum and Residenz, with comfortable indoor temperatures during those 10 rainy days
Hiking season opens in nearby Alps - cable cars resume full schedules, and day trips to Garmisch-Partenkirchen (90 km/56 miles south) offer snow-capped peaks without winter closures

Considerations

Weather unpredictability requires constant outfit changes - you might need a t-shirt at 2pm and a jacket by 6pm as temperatures swing 10°C (18°F) daily
Frequent afternoon showers (60% of days) can disrupt outdoor plans, especially walking tours and market visits between 2-5pm when most rain occurs
Tourist season pricing begins - accommodation rates increase 25-35% from April levels, though still 15% below peak summer rates

Best Activities in May

English Garden Beer Garden Sessions

May is when Müncheners reclaim their beloved Biergärten after winter. The English Garden's Chinesischer Turm and Seehaus come alive with 1-liter Maß at €11-13 and traditional pretzels. Perfect weather window before summer tourist invasion - locals still outnumber visitors 3:1. Afternoon temperatures of 16-19°C (61-66°F) create ideal conditions for 3-4 hour sessions.

Booking Tip: No reservations needed for beer gardens - arrive by 3pm on weekends for best table selection. Bring cash (many don't accept cards) and expect to spend €25-35 per person for food and 2-3 beers. Check weather apps religiously - outdoor seating closes during rain.

Bavarian Alps Day Hiking

May marks the opening of mid-altitude hiking trails (800-1,500m/2,625-4,921ft) around Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Berchtesgaden. Snow melts reveal wildflower meadows, and cable cars resume weekend schedules. Weather is crisp enough for comfortable hiking (15°C/59°F at altitude) without summer heat exhaustion. Book hiking tours 5-7 days ahead through certified mountain guides.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours typically cost €75-120 including transport from Munich. Look for groups limited to 8-12 people and certified DAV (German Alpine Association) guides. Weather can change rapidly at altitude - tours cancel for safety, so book refundable options.

Traditional Market and Food Tours

Viktualienmarkt peaks in May with spring vegetables and the legendary white asparagus season. Morning tours (9-11am) avoid afternoon rain and catch vendors at their chattiest. May brings ramp (wild garlic), strawberries, and artisanal cheeses. Food tours cost €45-75 and include 6-8 tastings plus cultural context locals never share with casual browsers.

Booking Tip: Book walking food tours 3-5 days ahead, especially for Saturday morning slots. Tours run rain or shine but provide indoor market hall backup. Avoid tours starting after 1pm - many vendors close early on rainy afternoons. Look for guides who speak German with vendors for authentic interactions.

Classical Concert and Opera Season

May concludes the prestigious Bavarian State Opera season before summer break, offering final chances to see world-class productions in the stunning National Theatre. Spring programming features lighter operas perfect for first-timers. Concert halls provide elegant refuge during those 10 rainy days, and dress codes relax slightly in warmer weather.

Booking Tip: Last-minute tickets (€25-45) available 90 minutes before curtain at box office. Premium seats (€80-150) book weeks ahead. Student discounts (€15) available with ID for under-27s. Dress smart-casual for concerts, formal for opera. Performance schedules change seasonally - check current listings.

Cycling Tours Through Historic Districts

May offers ideal cycling weather - warm enough for comfort but cool enough to avoid overheating during 15-25 km (9-16 mile) city tours. Spring rain creates gorgeous reflections on cobblestones, and lighter crowds mean better photo opportunities at Marienplatz and Residenz. Electric bike tours accommodate all fitness levels and cover more ground between rain showers.

Booking Tip: 3-4 hour tours cost €35-55 including bike rental and helmets. Book 2-3 days ahead for weekend tours. Electric bikes cost €10-15 extra but worth it for Munich's hills. Tours typically postpone (not cancel) for heavy rain - maintain flexible scheduling during May's variable weather.

Day Trips to Neuschwanstein Castle

May reopens optimal Neuschwanstein visiting conditions - mountain roads clear of snow, tourist buses not yet at summer saturation, and hiking trails to viewing points accessible. Interior tours run full schedules, and the famous bridge viewpoint offers spectacular photos against spring alpine backdrop. Cool mountain air (12-15°C/54-59°F) perfect for the uphill walk to castle entrance.

Booking Tip: Castle entry tickets must be pre-booked online (€15 adults) - no walk-up sales. Full day tours from Munich cost €55-85 including transport and guided commentary. Book tours 1-2 weeks ahead for weekend departures. Consider morning tours to avoid afternoon rain clouds obscuring mountain views.

May Events & Festivals

Mid May

Lange Nacht der Museen (Long Night of Museums)

Annual citywide event where 85+ museums open until 2am for one €18 ticket. Perfect for May's unpredictable weather - indoor exploration with special exhibitions, demonstrations, and after-hours access. Includes public transport and runs typically mid-May weekend.

Throughout May weekends

Spring Festivals in Beer Gardens

Traditional Maifest celebrations throughout the city's beer gardens featuring maypole dancing, brass bands, and seasonal beer releases. Each beer garden hosts weekend festivities with live music and traditional Bavarian fare during the month.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof jacket with hood - sudden afternoon downpours last 15-30 minutes and umbrellas useless in Munich's spring winds

Layering pieces: lightweight sweater and t-shirts for 10°C (18°F) daily temperature swings

Waterproof walking shoes with good grip - cobblestones become slippery when wet, which happens frequently

Compact umbrella despite wind issues - useful for light drizzle while walking between trams

Light scarf for evening beer gardens - temperatures drop quickly after sunset to 9°C (48°F)

Crossbody bag or daypack with water-resistant zippers for camera protection during showers

Casual dress clothes for opera/concert opportunities - venues maintain dress expectations year-round

Sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 6 and alpine reflection intensifies exposure

Power bank for weather apps - constantly checking forecasts drains phone batteries

Cash in small bills - beer gardens and markets prefer cash, €5-10 notes most useful

Insider Knowledge

Locals check weather obsessively in May using WarnWetter app - download it for hyperlocal rain timing that tourist apps miss

Beer garden etiquette: you can bring your own food to tables without tablecloths, but must buy drinks on-site - saves €15-20 per visit

MVG public transport day passes (€8.80) become cost-effective after 3 rides, and work during museum night events

White asparagus restaurants post daily specials on sidewalk boards - €18-25 gets full traditional preparation locals wait all year for

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking outdoor activities without backup plans - 40% of May days have some precipitation, often arriving without warning

Underdressing for evening activities - that pleasant 19°C (66°F) afternoon becomes chilly 9°C (48°F) by 8pm

Assuming beer gardens operate like restaurants - seating is communal, service is minimal, and cash-only policies common