Month guide · Zurich · Switzerland
Zurich in May
What May is really like in Zurich: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
May is one of the best months to visit Zurich. Expect average highs of 18°C (64°F), lows of 8°C (46°F), about 12 rainy days and roughly 15.1 hours of daylight. Green and pleasant, though showery; the lake baths usually open in mid-May.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 18°C (64°F) / 8°C (46°F)
- Rainy days
- About 12
- Daylight
- About 15.1 hours
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in May
May is the 5th-warmest month in Zurich: days average 18°C (64°F) against a yearly average high of 14°C (57°F), and nights fall to about 8°C (46°F). Rain falls on roughly 12 of its 31 days. Compared with April (14°C (57°F)), May is warmer; by June highs climb to around 22°C (72°F).
- Sunrise (15 May)
- About 05:49
- Sunset (15 May)
- About 20:55
- Daylight
- About 15.1 hours
Spring (March–May). Blossom, the Sechseläuten festival in April and the opening of the lake baths in May; showery but fresh.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, May rates 3 for crowds (the peak is June at 4) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in May). Book accommodation early: May is one of the pricier months.
Events in May
May has no major recurring festival in Zurich, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in May
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Museum · Main station
Swiss National Museum
It is right behind the main station, so it fills an hour before or after a train.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- History
- Rainy day
- Architecture
- Kids
Zoo · Fluntern
Zurich Zoo
On the wooded Zürichberg hill, the zoo is known for its Masoala Rainforest hall, a recreation of a Madagascan rainforest with free-roaming lemurs and birds, the Kaeng Krachan Elephant Park and the Lewa savannah with giraffes and rhinos.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Nature
- Rainy day
Museum · Enge
FIFA Museum
Leave time for the interactive football games on the lower floor, which children enjoy most.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Rainy day
Gallery · Enge
Museum Rietberg
Switzerland's museum of non-European art, with collections from Asia, Africa, the Americas and Oceania, occupies the Villa Wesendonck and a glass entrance pavilion in the Rieterpark.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Art
- Rainy day
- Off the beaten path
- Architecture
What to pack
For highs near 18°C, lows near 8°C and 12 wet days: layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; comfortable walking shoes.
Is May a good time to visit Zurich?
One of the best months to visit Zurich. The other best months are June–September. Compare every month.
Zurich in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is May a good time to visit Zurich?
It is one of the best months to visit Zurich. Green and pleasant, though showery; the lake baths usually open in mid-May.
+How warm is Zurich in May?
Average highs are around 18°C (64°F) and lows around 8°C (46°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Zurich in May?
Expect rain on about 12 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.