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May is a great time to visit Austria, with pleasant weather and fewer crowds than in the peak summer months. The country's tourist season runs from May through to September, with summer offering the best weather, snow-free Alpine trails, and longer days. However, May and June are ideal for hiking, with modest temperatures and longer days on the trail. May is also a good time to visit if you want to avoid the busiest months in the cities of Vienna and Salzburg, which are at their busiest in July and August.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Good time to visit? | Yes, May is a good time to visit Austria. |
| Reasoning | May is the start of the "tourist season", which runs from May to September. It's a good time for hiking and there are fewer visitors than in summer. |
| Hotel prices | Hotel prices are lower than in summer. |
| Weather | The weather is pleasant, with modest temperatures of around 30°C (86°F) in the valley and cooler at higher altitudes. |
| Crowds | There are smaller crowds than in summer. |
What You'll Learn
Good weather and fewer crowds
May is a great time to visit Austria if you're looking for good weather and fewer crowds. The country's tourist season typically runs from May through September, with summer – June, July and August – offering the best weather and snow-free alpine trails. However, summer is also the busiest time to visit Austria, with higher hotel rates and longer lines for attractions.
May, on the other hand, offers pleasant weather without the crowds. With temperatures in the mid-50s°F (about 12°C) in the cities and a maximum of around 86°F (30°C) in the valleys of the Austrian Alps, it's a great time to hike. The sun rises early, giving you longer days to explore, and the nights are still cool.
In May, you can also expect to get good deals on hotels and alpine huts. However, keep in mind that there are public holidays in May, which can limit sightseeing hours but also mean special festivities.
If you're looking for warm weather and fewer crowds, May is a great time to visit Austria. You'll be able to enjoy the country's outdoor attractions without the peak summer crowds.
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Cheaper travel and accommodation
May is a great time to visit Austria if you're looking for cheaper travel and accommodation. While the tourist season in Austria runs from May through September, visiting at the very start of the season can help you take advantage of the warmer weather and beat the crowds.
In May, you can expect more reasonable prices on travel and accommodation, as the peak summer prices have not yet set in. This is especially true if you're visiting cities like Vienna and Salzburg, as these tend to be busiest during the summer season. You can also find good deals on hotels and alpine huts, although you should keep public holidays in mind, as accommodations tend to fill up quickly during these times.
If you're looking for the cheapest time to visit Austria, winter (November to March) typically offers the most affordable prices, although this does not include towns close to ski resorts, which enter their high season during this period. Spring is also a good time to find deals throughout the country, with savings of 20-30% in most regions.
For those looking to combine pleasant weather with more affordable prices, late spring and early summer (May and June) are ideal. During these months, you can enjoy hiking in the mountains or exploring cities like Vienna and Salzburg, which are busy but not yet crowded.
So, if you're planning a trip to Austria and want to take advantage of cheaper travel and accommodation, consider visiting in May or early June. You'll be able to enjoy the best of both worlds – pleasant weather and fewer crowds, all while keeping your costs down.
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Christmas markets and festivities
Austria is a year-round destination, with something to offer every traveller, whatever the season. However, if you're looking for Christmas markets and festivities, mid-November to early January is the best time to visit.
Christmas Markets
Austria's Christmas markets are a quintessential part of the country's festive culture. Traditionally, most markets open on the first weekend of Advent, usually the beginning of December. However, in recent years, some markets have extended their opening dates. Vienna's City Hall market, for example, opens in mid-November and closes after the Christmas holidays.
The Christmas markets are a delightful experience, with stalls selling seasonal food and drink, as well as Christmas gifts. They are often accompanied by entertainment and festive lights, creating a magical atmosphere.
New Year's Eve
If you're visiting in December, you may also want to consider celebrating New Year's Eve in Vienna. The city hosts one of Europe's biggest year-end celebrations, with a bustling and vibrant atmosphere.
Balls
Winter is also ball season in Austria, with February being counted as Vienna's fifth season of the year. These events are a highlight on social calendars, with locals gathering to dance and celebrate Viennese culture. It's an excellent opportunity to dress up and join in the festivities.
Ski Season
For those passionate about skiing, the ski season typically runs from late November to April, with the best time for skiing being March. During this period, you can take advantage of the snow-covered landscapes and enjoy world-class ski resorts.
Spring Festivities
If you're visiting in the spring, you can experience Easter processions in Tyrol or Styria and enjoy spring festivals like Narzissenfest or Steiermark-Frühling.
A Year-Round Destination
While winter offers Christmas markets and festivities, Austria is a country that can be enjoyed at any time of year. Each season brings its unique attractions, from hiking in the Alps during the warmer months to exploring the cities and enjoying the vibrant summer festivals.
So, whether you're seeking Christmas markets, ski adventures, or spring festivities, Austria has something magical to offer during the colder months.
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Outdoor activities
May is a great time to visit Austria for outdoor activities. The weather is warming up, and there are fewer crowds than in the peak summer months.
Hiking
Austria is known for its stunning hiking trails, and May is a perfect time to explore them. The snow has melted, revealing snow-free alpine trails, and the temperatures are mild, making it a comfortable time to hike. You can explore the Austrian Alps, or head to the mountains and lakes district for scenic hikes.
Boating
Warmer weather in May makes it a great time to get out on the water. Head to the lake district towns of Saint Wolfgang and Hallstatt to enjoy boating and other water activities.
Cycling
With the snow gone and pleasant temperatures, May is a great time to explore Austria by bike. You can cycle through the picturesque countryside, or head to the cities and explore by bicycle.
Swimming
While the lakes and rivers are not as warm as they will be in July and August, the water temperatures are still pleasant for swimming in May. So, if you don't mind slightly cooler water, you can take a dip in lakes such as Wolfgangsee, Wörthersee, and Attersee.
Exploring Cities
May is a great time to explore Austrian cities such as Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck. The weather is comfortable for walking and sightseeing, and the cities are busy but not yet crowded with summer tourists. You can explore Vienna's outdoor cafes and parks, or wander the historic streets of Graz.
Overall, May offers a lovely combination of warm weather and fewer crowds, making it an ideal time to enjoy outdoor activities in Austria.
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City breaks
May is a great time to visit Austria's cities, as it is warm but not too hot, and the summer crowds have not yet arrived.
In May, you can expect temperatures in the mid-50s °F in the cities, and thinner crowds. This means you can enjoy exploring the cities without the hustle and bustle of peak season.
In Vienna, you can wander the streets, visit the outdoor cafes and parks, and take in the vibrant city life without the summer crowds. You can also enjoy the Vienna Festival, with its cultural performances, and explore the city's famous museums and art galleries without the usual crowds.
Salzburg is also a great city to visit in May. You can take in the stunning surrounding mountain scenery, which is often obscured by cloud cover in the winter months. The city is likely to be busy but not overcrowded, and you can enjoy the Salzburg Easter Festival.
May is also a good time to visit smaller towns and villages across Austria. While some attractions in these areas may be closed or operating on a limited schedule, you can still enjoy the beauty of the country and explore its rich cultural offerings.
If you plan to visit Austria in May, keep in mind that there may be public holidays, especially towards the end of the month, which can impact your travel plans and sightseeing options. However, these holidays also bring special festivities and events that you can enjoy during your trip.
Overall, May offers a pleasant combination of warm weather and fewer crowds, making it an ideal time for a city break in Austria.
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Frequently asked questions
May is a great time to visit Austria, especially for hiking in the mountains and exploring cities. The weather is warm, and you'll experience fewer crowds than in the peak summer months.
May is a shoulder season month in Austria, so you can expect smaller crowds and decent weather. It's also a good time to get deals on hotels.
May is a great time for hiking in the Austrian Alps, as the snow has cleared and the temperatures are mild. You can also enjoy exploring cities like Vienna and Salzburg, which tend to be busiest during the summer season.
