Weather
May is late spring in Romania and temperatures are comfortable, before the sometimes oppressive heat of summer. The average May temperature range in Romania is between 52° to 75°F (11° and 24°C) However, it's also one of the wettest months of the year (with June), so take this into consideration if you're planning outdoor activities.
Crowds & Costs
May is shoulder season for tourism in Romania so you may encounter some crowds and higher prices in particularly popular areas, but not everywhere. If Easter falls in early May, expect business closures for the three national holidays around Easter weekend. Late May is pushing into peak season so you may find higher prices and larger crowds then.
Where to Go
May is a good month to explore Romania's cultural attractions in the towns and cities without the heat and crowds of summer. Plus, if (and when!) it rains, you can duck into a cafe, museum, or church.
The Bucovina region in northeastern Romania is a must for travelers interested in culture, art, history, and architecture. The incredible painted monasteries and churches of this region are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Many churches are concentrated in the city of Suceava.
Another place with fantastic religious architecture is Maramures, in the north, with magnificent wooden churches, houses, and carved gates. Alternatively, base yourself in Cluj-Napoca or Sibiu to explore the large Transylvania region.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
To experience nature and the outdoors in Romania and May, head to the Danube Delta in the east of the country. Although the mountains may seem tempting, May's wet weather doesn't make it an ideal month for hiking. The birdwatching and wildlife photography in the Danube Delta is among the best you'll find in Europe. May is a good time to visit because the mosquitoes won't be as bad as in summer. These wetlands are among the best preserved in Europe. Around 350 bird species live in the Danube Delta or migrate here, particularly in the spring.
Events in May
Easter. Orthodox Easter falls between April 4th and May 8th. Romanian churches are decorated with flowers and people prepare special Easter food and paint eggs at home.
Pageant of the Juni, Brasov. You may catch this festival in Brasov if Easter falls in late April or May, as it's held on the first Sunday after Easter. Youth wearing colorful costumes ride on horseback through the city of Brasov, accompanied by a brass band.
Europafest, Bucharest. This ten-day festival begins in mid-May and showcases a wide range of contemporary music, from pop to jazz.
Transylvanian International Film Festival, Cluj-Napoca. Held over ten days in late May and early June, this film festival is one of the best in Romania.
Traveling to Romania in May? Check out these great itineraries
The Villages of Romania's Bucovina and Maramures - 9 Days. Step back in time and immerse yourself in bygone rural traditions on this 9-day tour of the Bucovina and Maramures villages.
Danube Delta Escape - 3 Days. Spend three relaxing days in Sfântu Gheorghe on the Danube River Delta, where the views are stunning and the biodiversity is rich.
Discover Transylvania’s Heritage by Bike: 9 Days. Wind your way by bike through the Carpathian Mountains and Transylvania's hills - the mysterious, beautiful land made famous by Bram Stoker's Dracula.