Month guide · Cinque Terre · Italy
Cinque Terre in May
What May is really like in Cinque Terre: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: This Photo was taken by Timothy A. Gonsalves . Feel free to use my photos, but please ment, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
May is one of the best months to visit Cinque Terre. Expect average highs of 22°C (72°F), lows of 13°C (55°F), about 7 rainy days and roughly 14.7 hours of daylight. One of the best months for hiking: green terraces, warm days and long evenings.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 22°C (72°F) / 13°C (55°F)
- Rainy days
- About 7
- Daylight
- About 14.7 hours
- Sea temperature
- 18°C (64°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in May
May is the 5th-warmest month in Cinque Terre: days average 22°C (72°F) against a yearly average high of 20°C (68°F), and nights fall to about 13°C (55°F). Rain falls on roughly 7 of its 31 days. Compared with April (18°C (64°F)), May is warmer; by June highs climb to around 26°C (79°F).
- Sunrise (15 May)
- About 05:54
- Sunset (15 May)
- About 20:40
- Daylight
- About 14.7 hours
- Sea
- 18°C (64°F)
Spring (March–May). Wildflowers and fresh green terraces, good hiking temperatures and Easter crowds; the sea is still cool.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, May rates 4 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in July). Book accommodation early: May is one of the pricier months.
Events in May
- Sagra del Limone — lemon festival in Monterosso (usually May)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in May
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Neighbourhood · Corniglia
Corniglia and the Lardarina
Take the shuttle bus up and walk down the steps, which face the sea for the whole descent.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Views
- Free
- Active
- Photo spot
Nature · Monterosso al Mare
Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Path)
The classic coastal path links the villages through cliffs, olive groves and vineyards.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours per stretch
- Cost
- Low cost
- Active
- Views
- Outdoors
- Nature
- Iconic
Landmark · Riomaggiore
Via dell'Amore
Check the national park's website for the current access arrangements before you plan your day around it.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- Couples
- Views
- Iconic
- Photo spot
Castle · Vernazza
Castello Doria, Vernazza
The round medieval watchtower and ruined walls on the rock above Vernazza's harbour were built to watch for pirate raids and are among the oldest fortifications in the Cinque Terre.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- Views
- History
- Kids
- Photo spot
What to pack
For highs near 22°C, lows near 13°C and 7 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is May a good time to visit Cinque Terre?
One of the best months to visit Cinque Terre, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are June and September–October. Compare every month.
Cinque Terre in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is May a good time to visit Cinque Terre?
It is one of the best months to visit Cinque Terre. One of the best months for hiking: green terraces, warm days and long evenings.
+How warm is Cinque Terre in May?
Average highs are around 22°C (72°F) and lows around 13°C (55°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Cinque Terre in May?
Expect rain on about 7 days of the month.