What May feels like in Hamburg
In Hamburg, May brings late spring. Afternoons are cool, pleasant for walking as long as you keep a layer on. Once the sun goes down the air changes: nights are cool. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Hamburg in May
Showers are a regular feature, arriving about one day in 3. Wet days average about 5.6 mm (0.2 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. Across the year Hamburg averages about 5.3 mm per rainy day, so May is typical.
Daylight and sunshine in May
Mid-month, Hamburg gets 15 h 51 min of daylight, from sunrise near 5:20 am to sunset near 9:12 pm. Since mid-April the day has gained 1 h 55 min. About 70% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, there are plenty of bright spells.
How May compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, May comes out as the 5th warmest month in Hamburg. Compared with April, afternoons are 4°C (7.2°F) warmer, with 21 mm more rain. The warm-up continues into June. The next month's average high: 21.3°C (70.3°F).
Who May suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — comfortable enough to explore on foot all day.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — comfortable for long walks and picnics.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
Tips for visiting Hamburg in May
Versatile Layers
Pack pieces you can take off by noon and put back on at dusk.
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Light Jacket
A light jacket or knit layer is enough for most of the day.
Sunglasses
Bright days make sunglasses worth packing.
Quick questions
How warm is Hamburg in May?
Expect around 17.8°C (64°F) in the afternoon and 8.7°C (47.7°F) at night, which most visitors would call cool.
Does it rain a lot in Hamburg in May?
Quite a lot — 68 mm spread over about 12 days.
What should I wear in Hamburg in May?
Based on the averages: versatile layers, rain protection, a light jacket and sunglasses. Bring something extra for the cooler evenings.
Is May or June better for visiting Hamburg?
June, clearly: it ranks #3 of 12 among Hamburg's months, against #6 for the other. June is warmer.