Things to do in Ferrara in May

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Overview

May is a great time to visit Ferrara. The weather is usually mildly cool with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 55—74°F (13—23°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Ferrara during this time. Some of our top recommendations: visit the Palazzo dei Diamanti, explore the Po Delta National Park, visit the Palio di Ferrara, and more!

Ferrara 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 Ferrara. 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 Ferrara 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.

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Best events and things to do in Ferrara in May

Top experiences in May
Visit the Palazzo dei Diamanti
This iconic Renaissance palace is home to the National Art Gallery of Ferrara and is renowned for its striking facade, which is adorned with over 8,500 marble blocks carved to resemble diamonds. In May, the gallery hosts special exhibitions and events, showcasing a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the Renaissance period. Visitors can admire masterpieces by artists such as Titian, Tintoretto, and Cosmè Tura, as well as explore the palace's elegant courtyards and gardens. It's a must-see destination for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Explore the Po Delta National Park
May is the perfect time to visit the Po Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The park's wetlands, lagoons, and marshes are teeming with birdlife, including herons, flamingos, and ducks, making it a paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts. Visitors can also take boat tours, bike rides, and nature walks to discover the park's natural beauty and ecological significance. It's a peaceful and serene escape from the city, offering a chance to connect with nature and appreciate the unique landscapes of the Po Delta.
Visit the Palio di Ferrara
This historic horse race takes place in May and is a beloved tradition that dates back to the 13th century. The race is held in Piazza Ariostea, where riders compete in a series of thrilling heats around a makeshift track. The event also includes a colorful parade, flag-throwing performances, and traditional costumes, showcasing the city's medieval heritage. The Palio di Ferrara is a lively and spirited celebration that brings together locals and visitors alike, offering a glimpse into the city's vibrant cultural traditions.
Explore the Este Castle and its gardens
The Este Castle, also known as Castello Estense, is a medieval fortress that dates back to the 14th century. In May, the castle's gardens are in full bloom, with colorful flowers and lush greenery creating a picturesque setting. Visitors can wander through the gardens, admire the historic architecture of the castle, and learn about its fascinating history. The castle also hosts various events and exhibitions throughout the year, offering a glimpse into Ferrara's rich cultural heritage.
Take a bike ride along the Renaissance walls
Ferrara is known for its well-preserved Renaissance walls, which encircle the historic city center. In May, the weather is perfect for a leisurely bike ride along the walls, offering panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. The walls stretch for over 9 kilometers and are lined with trees, creating a scenic and peaceful route for cyclists. It's a great way to explore the city's architectural and historical landmarks while enjoying the fresh air and beautiful scenery.
Take a day trip to the nearby town of Comacchio
Known as "Little Venice" for its network of canals and bridges, Comacchio is a charming and picturesque town that is just a short drive from Ferrara. In May, the town's historic center comes alive with colorful buildings, traditional fishing boats, and lively outdoor markets. Visitors can
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Holidays in Ferrara in May
May
  • Labor Day / May Day (May 1)
  • Mother's Day (May 11)
Other notable holidays
  • Good Friday (April 18)
  • Easter Sunday (April 20)
  • Easter Monday (April 21)
  • Liberation Day (April 25)
  • The Feast of St Mark (April 25)
  • Republic Day (June 2)
  • The Feast of St. John (June 24)
  • The Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul (June 29)
  • Assumption of Mary (August 15)
  • Ferragosto (August 15)
  • The Feast of Saint Januarius (September 19)
  • All Saints' Day (November 1)
  • The Feast of St. Ambrose (December 7)
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Weather in Ferrara in May

Temperatures on an average day in Ferrara in May

The average temperature in Ferrara in May for a typical day ranges from a high of 74°F (23°C) to a low of 55°F (13°C). Some would describe it as mildly cool with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Ferrara, July, has days with highs of 91°F (33°C) and lows of 69°F (21°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 47°F (8°C) and lows of 34°F (1°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Ferrara in May based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in May
74°F
highs
55°F
lows

General weather summary

Mildly cool with a gentle breeze
Feels like
30%
Chance of rain
0.119 in
Amount
10.5 mph
Wind speed
60%
Humidity
14.8 hrs
Daylight length
5:46 AM
Sunrise
8:33 PM
Sunset
51%
Cloud cover
T-shirt
What to wear
What to wear in May
With an average high of 74°F (23°C) and a low of 55°F (13°C), it generally feels mildly cool with a gentle breeze. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something light like your favorite t-shirt
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Best attractions for Ferrara in May

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Ferrara has to offer for travelers in May, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Ferrara 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 Ferrara for May.
Este Castle
1. Este Castle
4.6
(28911)
Castle
Sights & Landmarks
Imposing 14th-century moated castle with lavish private chambers, plus a chapel, prison & museum.
Centro Storico Ferrara Rooms & Suites
2. Centro Storico Ferrara Rooms & Suites
4.0
(221)
Bed & breakfast
Sights & Landmarks
Bright, simply decorated rooms & suites in a relaxed hotel offering free Wi-Fi & a shared kitchen.
Palazzo dei Diamanti
3. Palazzo dei Diamanti
4.5
(8174)
Museum
Art museum
Renaissance palace clad in diamond-shaped marble, home of the renowned National Picture Gallery.
Mura di Ferrara
4. Mura di Ferrara
4.6
(982)
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Walking Areas
Original 16th-century city walls set on leafy grounds with embankments & a cycling path.
Via delle Volte
5. Via delle Volte
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Walking Areas
Cathedral of Ferrara
6. Cathedral of Ferrara
4.5
(6102)
Cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
12th-century cathedral with an ornate, 3-tiered marble facade, baroque interior & museum opposite.
Palazzo Schifanoia
7. Palazzo Schifanoia
4.4
(2685)
Art museum
Sights & Landmarks
Once a Renaissance palace, this musuem exhibits historical artwork, including celebrated frescoes.
National Archeological Museum of Ferrara
8. National Archeological Museum of Ferrara
4.6
(1157)
Museum
Specialty Museums
Vases, bronzes & jewelry from the Etruscan city of Spina, displayed in a Renaissance-era palazzo.
Museum of Casa Romei
9. Museum of Casa Romei
4.5
(899)
Museum
Historical place
Renaissance palace & an elegant courtyard housing rooms filled with sculptures, friezes & frescoes.
Monastery of Sant'Antonio in Polesine
10. Monastery of Sant'Antonio in Polesine
4.6
(614)
Monastery
Sights & Landmarks
Cathedrals Museum
11. Cathedrals Museum
4.3
(592)
Museum
Art museum
Small showcase of historical art from the cathedral, including sculptures, paintings & tapestries.
Parco Massari
12. Parco Massari
4.6
(1684)
City park
Nature & Parks
Cedar, yew & ginkgo trees shade paths & benches in a peaceful green space with play equipment.
Giardini della Certosa
13. Giardini della Certosa
4.6
(8)
Cemetery
Sights & Landmarks
Palazzina Marfisa d’Este
14. Palazzina Marfisa d’Este
4.3
(505)
Local history museum
Sights & Landmarks
Museum of the Risorgimento and Resistenza
15. Museum of the Risorgimento and Resistenza
4.2
(212)
History museum
Museums
Located on a historic battle site, this history museum showcases the region's resistance movements.
Comune di Ferrara - Palazzo Municipale
16. Comune di Ferrara - Palazzo Municipale
4.3
(107)
City government office
Sights & Landmarks

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Ferrara?

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

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