Budapest in May 2024: Weather, Temperature, What to Do?

Is Budapest Parliament worth visiting in May?

Budapest in May 2024 – is it worth going? Weather, air temperature, what to wear, prices in hotels and on excursions. What to do in Budapest in early May and close to June, where to visit in Hungary as a whole – in the review of good Time for Trip.

May is a wonderful month for traveling around the world. If not all over, then in Europe – for sure. It’s not hot yet, but usually quite warm, replete with a large (in comparison with winter, of course) number of clear days and literally splashing with spring energy.

Nature blooms everywhere: timidly or stormy, giving a powerful impulse even to citizens suffering from vitamin deficiency. Those who have no reason to complain about the lack of strength, discover in themselves the desire for moving without interruption.

In which direction? In this review, we will explore rich opportunities that offers to tourists May in Budapest. As, indeed, in Hungary as a whole!

Obviously, not the most popular among travelers (Americans at least) European country. But, as an increasing number of them have been finding out lately, very promising one – especially in late spring.

If you take the trouble to study the question, then you’ll find out that can’t see the main attractions of Hungary even in a week!

And that’s not all, as there are quite a few relatively little-known treasures here. In the end, in addition to sightseeing tourism, you can also do purely gastronomic. In this case, though, be careful – traditional Hungarian cuisine is replete with very hearty dishes!

Many people are also going to Hungary in May for

Health Improvement

Which is not surprising – the number of thermal baths in Budapest alone is in the dozens!

And, by the way, you should not limit yourself to the Hungarian capital – there are a unique thermal lake in Heviz, well known are baths in Tapolc, Miskolc, Eger…

However, let’s get back to the topic!

Weather in Budapest in May

Exceptionally well suited for familiarization walks around the city and trips to the neighborhoods. With one exception, perhaps, – the probability of rain in the city increases in comparison with any other months.

Not up to staggering, however, values – there are up to 5-6 days of inclement weather per month. The average rainfall in Budapest during May is about 50-60 mm.

Which is less than the same, for example, in May in Venice. And it is quite comparable with the statistical realities of Istanbul. Which in the last month of spring, by the way, is experiencing an incredible influx of tourists.

The air temperature in Budapest in early May often ranged from +16-20 °C. But by the end of the first decade of the month, it can afford liberties in the form of an increase to +22-24 ° C.

Foreigners are often deceived by this trick – they believe that Budapest is exceptionally warm in May. Therefore, tourists are waiting for the continuation and begin to figure out where they can swim in the city and nearby.

But the local weather usually has its own considerations on this matter!

Therefore, even at the end of May, Budapest observes uncertain fluctuations in air temperatures around +20 °C. And the weather is not making serious efforts to warm up the atmosphere more.

By the way, it is much colder at night. Usually the temperature is kept at +10-14 °C, but in the first decade it is possible to decrease to +5°C.

Winds fortunately behave calmly. Sometimes they allow themselves sharp attacks of up to 10 meters per second, but in most cases only pleasantly refresh tourists during cruises along the Danube.

Weather Forecast See Here – met.hu/en/idojaras/

What to Wear in Budapest in May

No matter which review you look at – no one gives themselves the trouble to describe their wardrobe in detail. And yes – mentions of the weather are lost amid the excitement about Budapest’s beauties and Hungarian cuisine.

Which indirectly, but unequivocally indicates that the writers didn’t experience any inconvenience in this sense. And felt themselves quite comfortable, in May walking around Budapest in “frivolous” clothes!

Of course, we still advise you to bring in trip a waterproof windbreaker with a hood. And also wear shoes with soles that are not afraid of small puddles and rain. Plus, take something really warm things in case of weather disasters: like a cardigan or a woolen pullover.

It is possible that some of the clothes will not be needed, and you will walk around in a T-shirt throughout the whole trip. But there is a chance that some outer garment will be in demand!

And then – you are unlikely to risk leaving your hometown in May, dressed in almost beach clothes?!

Prices 2024

You can get from the airport to Budapest for absolutely sane money – it’s enough to buy a 200e bus ticket at the vending machine near the terminal.

Those who love comfort, order a taxi – the trip will cost about € 25-30

To find a cheap apartment or a hotel located relatively close to the center is a quite difficult but feasible task. Especially if you started organizing a May trip to Budapest in the winter.

In this sense Ziti Citi Budapest (personally tested by the authors of the review) looks like an ideal option. They are located about a kilometer from the Basilica of St. Stephen, that is, in fact, in the heart of old Pest. And with a discount cost about 65 € per day

Budanest Apartments are also very good, and the charge is equal to the amount indicated above. The flat is very small, but cozy. And within walking distance from it are: the Mammut, one of the largest shopping centers in Budapest, baths for locals: Lukacs and Veli Bej.

Quite far from the city center is City Park Rest Apartment. Interestingly, even slightly more expensive than the apartments we mentioned before. But also not suffering from an abundance of satisfied guest reviews.

Things to Do in Budapest in May

We have outlined a detailed action plan for visiting the main sights of Budapest within 3-4 days in a separate article. In fact, this is an exhaustive guide to action for most travelers arriving in the Hungarian capital for the first time. And it can be supplemented only by those who have visited this city many times, having managed to discover its secret “pearls”.

As part of our material, we will mention only the most outstanding sights. Like the Fortress Hill with the Royal Palace and a Fisherman’s bastion, towering not far from the exemplary Gothic Church of St. Matthias.

Almost every traveler wants not only to see from afar the literally sugar building of the Hungarian Parliament, but also to visit inside. Please note only that to participate in the tour of the huge complex, you need to buy a tour for the required date.

To do this, however, is not difficult

Walking around Pest for the first time is better in the company of a guide. Not for fear of getting lost – although the city is large and very lively – but for a deeper immersion in its history and traditions.

Moreover, in May due to the warm weather excursions in Budapest takes place in a particularly pleasant atmosphere

Of course, it is worth seeing with your own eyes St. Stephen’s Basilica and the “Christmas” Vörösmarty square. At least for the sake of order, walk along the street of shops of Vaci and enter the imposing building of the

Central Market

Not so much even to buy souvenirs and other “hungarikums”, but to get acquainted with the available assortment. And making at least an approximate list of what would be worth bringing from Hungary.

Mandatory points in almost any route are: Heroes’ Square and Varoshliget. With such a Transylvanian Vajdahunyad castle towering in the middle of the pond and Szechenyi Baths.

Children will almost certainly enjoy a visit to the

Budapest Zoo

Well, adults who consider themselves fine art connoisseurs will certainly appreciate the collection of the local Museum of Fine Arts.

Just in case, we emphasize that in May the number of tourists visiting Budapest is seriously growing in comparison, for example, with the winter months. And therefore you will almost certainly encounter queues and waiting.

Holidays

Planning to visit Budapest in May, don’t forget to consider that in this month Hungary celebrates 1, and sometimes 2 holidays, which are official public holidays:

Labor Day (May 1st) – known as “A munka ünnepe” in Hungarian, this holiday celebrates workers and labor movements
Pentecost Monday (May 19th) – known as “Pünkösd” in Hungarian, this Christian holiday celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. It is celebrated on a Sunday, 50 days after Easter, and the following Monday is also a non-working day

In Hungary, Pentecost is observed with religious services, processions, and various cultural events. The city’s churches hold special Masses and services to mark the occasion, often focusing on the themes of renewal, spiritual empowerment, and unity among believers. Many churches are adorned with flowers and greenery, symbolizing the renewal and vitality associated with the Holy Spirit.

In addition to the religious observances, Pentecost in Budapest may also feature cultural festivities such as concerts, exhibitions, and traditional folk performances. Local communities might organize street fairs or parades, showcasing Hungarian music, dance, and cuisine.

Overall, Pentecost in Budapest provides an opportunity for both spiritual reflection and communal celebration

Where to Visit Nearby

In the immediate vicinity of Budapest, you need to go to Szentendre. The charming, literally fabulous town, looking especially beautiful against the background of blooming spring nature.

Along the way, visit tiny Visegrad, once the capital of the Hungarian Kingdom. And Esztergom, where the huge Basilica of St. Adalbert stands.

The Erzbet or Elizabeth Tower is located near Budapest on Mount Janos. According to many travelers, it is the best view point in the city

About 30 km north-east of the capital of Hungary, in the town Gödöllő, there is a country royal palace. Favorite summer residence of the famous Empress Sissi and her husband, Franz Josef.

If you have time, be sure to get out to the city Gyor. Fortunately, you will have very few competitors in such a trip!

And then, if you still have the strength, get to the Abbey of Pannonhalma. The global attraction of Hungary, noticed, by the way, by UNESCO. Today the whole complex is included in the World Heritage List!

Is it worth going from Budapest to Vienna? “The Waltzing Capital” and in general one of the most beautiful city in the world?

We believe that worth a trying! If the format of your trip to Hungary allows you to spend at least a day visiting neighboring Austria.