Bucharest in May

In May, Bucharest averages 23°C (73°F) during the day and 11°C (52°F) at night, with around 12 days of rain (70 mm total).

High season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.

May offers comfortable temperatures in Bucharest, with some rain to plan around.

23°C
Avg high
11°C
Avg low
12
Rain days
70 mm
Rainfall

How May compares to the rest of the year in Bucharest

5th
warmest month of the 12
1st
wettest month of the 12
13%
of yearly rainfall falls in May
14 h 47 min
daylight on the 15th

May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Bucharest (5th of 12) and one of the wettest months (1st of 12). Daytime temperature runs 7°C above the annual average (16°C). May runs 5°C warmer than April (18°C) and warms a further 4°C into June (27°C).

May sunrise & sunset in Bucharest

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
5:48 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
8:35 PM
Day length
14 h 47 min

Times shown for Bucharest local time (Europe/Bucharest), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Bucharest — May

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Bucharest's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
4:48 AM – 5:28 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:28 AM – 6:28 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
7:55 PM – 8:55 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
8:55 PM – 9:35 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Good
Galactic core is up but lower on the horizon; head well outside city limits for a clean view.

📅 When to book — Bucharest in May

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on May's tier (High season) and Bucharest's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
2-3 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-3 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.

Crowds & pricing — May in Bucharest

High season

This is a busy month in Bucharest — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.

Why this tier: excellent tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — May in Bucharest

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
11.4
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●○○
Moderate
Active mosquito season. DEET 25-30% repellent recommended, especially at dawn/dusk.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Bucharest in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 1°C / 34°F -5°C / 23°F 40 mm 9 5
February 4°C / 39°F -3°C / 27°F 30 mm 7 4
March 11°C / 52°F 1°C / 34°F 35 mm 8 1
April 18°C / 64°F 6°C / 43°F 45 mm 10 0
May 23°C / 73°F 11°C / 52°F 70 mm 12 0
June 27°C / 81°F 15°C / 59°F 80 mm 11 0
July 30°C / 86°F 16°C / 61°F 55 mm 8 0
August 29°C / 84°F 16°C / 61°F 40 mm 7 0
September 24°C / 75°F 12°C / 54°F 40 mm 6 0
October 18°C / 64°F 7°C / 45°F 30 mm 7 0
November 9°C / 48°F 2°C / 36°F 40 mm 9 1
December 2°C / 36°F -3°C / 27°F 40 mm 9 3

Other cities with similar May weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Bucharest in May →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Bucharest in May?

In May, Bucharest averages a high of 23°C (73°F) and a low of 11°C (52°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in Bucharest in May?

May can be fairly wet in Bucharest, with about 12 rainy days on average.

Is May a good time to visit Bucharest?

May is mild and pleasant. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Bucharest in May?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Bucharest for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Bucharest on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.