Gdansk in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Gdansk
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect spring weather with comfortable walking temperatures averaging 12°C (54°F) - ideal for exploring the 1.2 km (0.75 mile) Main Town loop without summer heat or winter ice
- White Night festival season begins - extended daylight until 8:30 PM gives you 14+ hours of sightseeing time compared to winter's 7-hour days
- Shoulder season pricing with 25-30% lower accommodation costs than summer peak, plus most attractions open extended hours starting May 1st
- Baltic Sea awakens - harbor cruises resume full schedules, outdoor terraces reopen, and locals emerge for evening promenades along Motława River
Considerations
- Unpredictable spring showers hit 10 days of the month, often disrupting afternoon outdoor plans - always carry waterproof gear
- Cool evenings drop to 8°C (46°F) requiring layers even after warm 16°C (62°F) afternoons - pack for two seasons
- Some seasonal attractions like beach clubs and outdoor food markets don't fully open until June - limited seaside dining options
Best Activities in May
Historic Gdansk Old Town Walking Tours
May's mild temperatures make this perfect for covering the 2.5 km (1.6 mile) UNESCO route without summer crowds. Spring light enhances photography of Cracow and colorful merchant houses. Rain often clears quickly, leaving dramatic cloudy backdrops.
Westerplatte and World War II History Tours
Cool May weather is ideal for the 30-minute outdoor walk through the monument grounds. Spring timing means fewer school groups than summer. The 7 km (4.3 mile) journey by boat or tram is comfortable in layered clothing.
Amber Workshop and Museum Experiences
Perfect rainy day backup activity when May showers hit. Gdansk produces 90% of world's amber, and spring is when workshops run extended hours. Indoor locations stay consistently comfortable while you learn traditional jewelry-making techniques.
Motława River Cruise and Shipyard Tours
May marks the start of extended cruise season with boats running every 30 minutes until 8 PM. Cool air makes the 45-minute river tour comfortable, and spring light illuminates the historic cranes beautifully. Solidarity Shipyard portions are fully operational by May.
Traditional Polish Vodka and Food Tastings
May's cool evenings create perfect atmosphere for indoor tastings in historic cellars. Local seasonal ingredients like spring onions and early vegetables appear in traditional dishes. Cozy indoor venues provide ideal shelter from variable spring weather.
Malbork Castle Day Trips
May weather is perfect for exploring Europe's largest brick castle complex - cool enough for the 2 km (1.2 mile) walking tour through courtyards, warm enough to enjoy outdoor sections. Spring crowds are manageable compared to summer chaos.
May Events & Festivals
Museum Night (Noc Muzeów)
Annual event where 40+ museums stay open until midnight with special exhibitions, performances, and reduced admission fees. Perfect timing with May's extended daylight transitioning to cultural evening activities.
St. Dominic's Fair Preparation Festival
Traditional craft demonstrations and early market stalls appear as vendors prepare for summer's main fair. Experience authentic amber working, traditional food preparation, and local artisan techniques without summer crowds.