Things to do in Dresden in May

When is your trip?

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Looking for a different month?

Overview

May is a great time to visit Dresden. The weather is usually moderately chilly with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 45—64°F (7—18°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Dresden during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a guided walking tour of Dresden's historic Old Town, take a day trip to Saxon Switzerland National Park, visit the Pillnitz Castle and Park, and more!

Dresden has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your May trip to Dresden. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to May. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Dresden in May. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout May, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

Visiting Dresden? See our Dresden Trip Planner.
I'll never travel to Dresden without this trip planner again
Learn more
Don't take our word for it
Slide 1 of 6

Best events and things to do in Dresden in May

Top experiences in May
Take a guided walking tour of Dresden's historic Old Town
In May, the weather is perfect for a guided walking tour of Dresden's historic Old Town, where you can explore the city's rich history and architectural treasures. You can visit iconic landmarks such as the Zwinger Palace, the Dresden Castle, and the famous Frauenkirche, while learning about the city's fascinating past from knowledgeable local guides. It's a fascinating and educational experience that will give you a deeper appreciation for the beauty and heritage of Dresden.
Take a day trip to Saxon Switzerland National Park
In May, the weather is perfect for a day trip to the stunning Saxon Switzerland National Park, just a short drive from Dresden. The park is known for its dramatic rock formations, lush forests, and breathtaking views of the Elbe River. You can hike along scenic trails, climb to the top of towering sandstone cliffs, and marvel at the natural beauty of this unique landscape. It's a memorable and invigorating outdoor adventure that shouldn't be missed.
Visit the Pillnitz Castle and Park
In May, the Pillnitz Castle and Park is a stunning sight to behold, with its lush gardens and beautiful architecture. You can wander through the meticulously landscaped grounds, taking in the fragrant blooms and serene ponds. The castle itself is a masterpiece of Baroque design, and you can explore its opulent interiors and learn about its fascinating history. It's a must-see destination for anyone visiting Dresden in May.
Visit the Dresden Music Festival
The Dresden Music Festival is a month-long celebration of classical music, featuring performances by world-renowned musicians and orchestras. In May, the festival is in full swing, with concerts taking place in historic venues such as the Semperoper and the Frauenkirche. It's a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of Dresden's music scene and immerse yourself in the city's rich cultural heritage.
Explore the Dresden Neustadt neighborhood
In May, the Dresden Neustadt neighborhood comes alive with outdoor markets, street performers, and lively cafes and bars. It's a vibrant and eclectic area, known for its bohemian atmosphere and artistic community. You can spend hours wandering the colorful streets, browsing the unique shops and galleries, and soaking up the creative energy of this hip and happening part of Dresden.
Visit the Dresden Botanical Garden and Palace
In May, the Dresden Botanical Garden is in full bloom, with a riot of colorful flowers and plants on display. The garden is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, and the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the beauty of nature. The nearby Dresden Palace is also worth a visit, with its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens.
Take a boat tour on the Elbe River
In May, the weather in Dresden is perfect for a leisurely boat tour on the Elbe River. You can take in the stunning views of the city's skyline, as well as the picturesque countryside along the riverbanks. It's a relaxing and scenic way to see Dresden from a different perspective and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
I'll never travel to Dresden without this trip planner again
Learn more
Holidays in Dresden in May
May
  • May Day (May 1)
  • Fathers' Day (May 9)
  • Ascension Day (May 9)
  • Mothers' Day (May 12)
  • Whit Sunday (May 19)
  • Whit Monday (May 20)
Other notable holidays
I'll never travel to Dresden without this trip planner again
Learn more

Weather in Dresden in May

Temperatures on an average day in Dresden in May

The average temperature in Dresden in May for a typical day ranges from a high of 64°F (18°C) to a low of 45°F (7°C). Some would describe it as moderately chilly with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Dresden, July, has days with highs of 77°F (25°C) and lows of 57°F (14°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 35°F (1°C) and lows of 24°F (-4°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Dresden in May based on historical data.

Visiting Dresden? See our Dresden Trip Planner.

Historical temperature average in May
64°F
highs
45°F
lows

General weather summary

Moderately chilly with a gentle breeze
Feels like
24%
Chance of rain
0.086 in
Amount
13.2 mph
Wind speed
71%
Humidity
15.5 hrs
Daylight length
5:16 AM
Sunrise
8:46 PM
Sunset
43%
Cloud cover
Sweater
What to wear
What to wear in May
With an average high of 64°F (18°C) and a low of 45°F (7°C), it generally feels moderately chilly with a gentle breeze. With that in mind, most people would dress in something moderately warm like a sweater
I'll never travel to Dresden without this trip planner again
Learn more

Best attractions for Dresden in May

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Dresden has to offer for travelers in May, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Dresden that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Dresden for May.
Frauenkirche Dresden
1. Frauenkirche Dresden
4.8
(30095)
Church
Sights & Landmarks
Baroque church reconsecrated in 2005 after being destroyed in World War II, with guided tours.
Zwinger
2. Zwinger
4.7
(49303)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Baroque building with a garden, porcelain collection & exhibits on historic scientific instruments.
Fürstenzug
3. Fürstenzug
4.8
(3615)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
This long, dramatic mural made of porcelain tiles depicts Saxon rulers throughout the ages.
Green Vault
4. Green Vault
4.7
(6620)
Art museum
Museums
Museum showcasing cabinet pieces by Dresden court jeweler Dinglinger & other precious objects.
Old Masters Picture Gallery
5. Old Masters Picture Gallery
4.8
(7558)
Art gallery
Museums
Art museum comprising 23 rooms of old masters including works by Raphael, Correggio & Vermeer.
Semperoper Dresden
6. Semperoper Dresden
4.8
(13636)
Opera house
Concerts & Shows
Originally built in 1841, this hall was rebuilt by the original architect after a fire in 1869.
Brühl's Terrace
7. Brühl's Terrace
4.7
(12618)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Renaissance terrace nicknamed the "balcony of Europe", running along the river with sweeping views.
Dresden Castle
8. Dresden Castle
4.7
(10916)
Museum
Sights & Landmarks
Palace state art collection venue rebuilt after wartime bombings with an iconic domed courtyard.
Pillnitz Castle
9. Pillnitz Castle
4.6
(11566)
Castle
Sights & Landmarks
Renaissance palace restored after a fire, with a botanical palm house & a decorative arts museum.
Kathedrale Sanctissimae Trinitatis
10. Kathedrale Sanctissimae Trinitatis
4.7
(2805)
Catholic cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
Landmark 18th-century structure by Gaetano Chiaveri, restored after damage in World War II.
Kunsthofpassage Dresden
11. Kunsthofpassage Dresden
4.6
(5686)
Art center
Sights & Landmarks
Network of decorated courtyards housing outdoor cafes, artists' studios & independent boutiques.
Neumarkt
12. Neumarkt
Town square
Sights & Landmarks
Surrounded by shops & restaurants, this historic square also features a restored church & monuments.
Dresden Panometer
13. Dresden Panometer
4.7
(5316)
Museum
Art museum
Brick gasometer with a massive 360° panoramic painting of the city of Dresden as it was in 1756.
Altmarkt
14. Altmarkt
4.5
(62)
Tram stop
Sights & Landmarks
Restored medieval town square & site of an iconic Christmas market since the 15th century.
Dresden-Neustadt
15. Dresden-Neustadt
Sights & Landmarks
Neighborhoods
Hip, busy Neustadt is known for its diverse nightlife, including cocktail bars and rock clubs in former industrial spaces. The Baroque Quarter is home to elegant buildings housing art galleries, while the Kunsthofpassage has courtyards full of street art, plus vegan cafes and vintage stores. Cultural draws include the 18th-century Japanese Palace and the Daniel Libeskind-designed Museum of Military History.
Museum of Military History
16. Museum of Military History
4.5
(6014)
History museum
Museums
Museum in an 1870s arsenal & 2011 extension by Daniel Libeskind, exploring the nature of violence.

Top searches in Dresden

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Dresden?

Get inspired for your trip to Dresden with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

Planning a trip to Dresden?
Save all the best places to visit with WanderlogDownload the travel planning app everyone's been raving about
  • Itinerary + map in one view
  • Live collaboration
  • Auto-import hotels and reservations
  • Optimize your route
  • Offline access on mobile
  • Optimize your route
  • See time and distance between all your places
Learn more
Get the iOS app from the App Store
Get the Android app from Google Play