Month guide · Copenhagen · Denmark
Copenhagen in May
What May is really like in Copenhagen: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: kallerna, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
May is one of the best months to visit Copenhagen. Expect average highs of 16°C (61°F), lows of 7°C (45°F), about 8 rainy days and roughly 16.2 hours of daylight. Bright, long days and fresh green parks; café terraces and canal-side drinks fill up.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 16°C (61°F) / 7°C (45°F)
- Rainy days
- About 8
- Daylight
- About 16.2 hours
- Sea temperature
- 10°C (50°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in May
May is the 5th-warmest month in Copenhagen: days average 16°C (61°F) against a yearly average high of 12°C (54°F), and nights fall to about 7°C (45°F). Rain falls on roughly 8 of its 31 days. Compared with April (11°C (52°F)), May is warmer; by June highs climb to around 19°C (66°F).
- Sunrise (15 May)
- About 04:58
- Sunset (15 May)
- About 21:14
- Daylight
- About 16.2 hours
- Sea
- 10°C (50°F)
Spring (March–May). Cherry blossom, Tivoli reopening and rapidly lengthening days; still cool, with crisp mornings.
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
- Copenhagen Marathon (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.
Palace · Slotsholmen
Christiansborg Palace
Go up the free tower first (expect a security check), then choose which paid sections to visit.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- History
- Views
- Architecture
- Rainy day
Landmark · Langelinie
The Little Mermaid
Edvard Eriksen's small bronze of Hans Christian Andersen's mermaid has sat on a rock at Langelinie since 1913.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Iconic
- Photo spot
- Outdoors
Neighbourhood · Christianshavn
Freetown Christiania
Walk the paths along the ramparts and the lake to see the most inventive homes, and follow the residents' signs.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Architecture
- Outdoors
- History
Religious site · Christianshavn
Church of Our Saviour
This baroque church is famous for its spire, whose outer spiral staircase winds round the outside to a gilded globe about 90 metres above the ground, with views over the harbour and the city's rooftops.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Views
- Architecture
- History
- Active
What to pack
For highs near 16°C, lows near 7°C and 8 wet days: layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is May a good time to visit Copenhagen?
One of the best months to visit Copenhagen, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are June–September. Compare every month.
Copenhagen in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is May a good time to visit Copenhagen?
It is one of the best months to visit Copenhagen. Bright, long days and fresh green parks; café terraces and canal-side drinks fill up.
+How warm is Copenhagen in May?
Average highs are around 16°C (61°F) and lows around 7°C (45°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Copenhagen in May?
Expect rain on about 8 days of the month.