St. Petersburg in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in St. Petersburg

16°C (61°F) High Temp

7°C (44°F) Low Temp

48 mm (1.9 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

White Nights begin - daylight extends until 9:30pm by late May, giving you 4+ extra hours for outdoor exploration and photography
Museum crowds are 40-50% smaller than summer peak, meaning 15-20 minute waits instead of hour-long queues at Hermitage
Spring palace gardens bloom - this destination gardens and Peterhof fountains activate mid-May with fewer tour buses
Canal boat season launches with optimal water levels and comfortable temperatures for 1-2 hour river tours

Considerations

Unpredictable weather requires constant outfit changes - can shift from 7°C morning to 16°C afternoon within hours
Frequent light rain (10 rainy days) disrupts outdoor photography plans and makes cobblestone streets slippery
Many outdoor terraces and rooftop bars remain closed until late May due to variable temperatures

Best Activities in May

Hermitage Museum Extended Tours

May offers the perfect balance - smaller crowds than summer but full access to winter-closed wings. Morning visits (10-11am) have the fewest people, and overcast May light actually enhances the artwork viewing experience without harsh summer sun glare through windows.

Booking Tip: Book timed entry tickets 2-3 weeks ahead. Skip-the-line tours typically cost ₽2,500-4,000. Choose morning slots to avoid afternoon tour group rushes. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Peterhof Palace and Gardens Tours

Fountains officially restart mid-May after winter shutdown, but with manageable crowds. Late May timing catches the gardens in spring bloom while avoiding summer's overwhelming tour bus traffic. Cool temperatures make the 2-3 hour garden walk comfortable.

Booking Tip: Fountain season runs May 15-October 15. Book combined palace-garden tours 10-14 days ahead, typically ₽3,000-5,500. Early morning departures avoid crowds and catch better lighting for photos.

Neva River and Canal Boat Tours

Navigation season opens early May with optimal water levels and comfortable viewing temperatures. May's extended daylight means evening tours (6-8pm) offer golden hour lighting on palace facades while avoiding midday tourist crowds on waterways.

Booking Tip: Canal tours run May through October. Evening tours typically cost ₽1,800-3,200 and offer the best photographic conditions. Book through licensed operators at major piers - see current options below.

Catherine Palace and Amber Room Tours

May offers the ideal combination - palace access without summer's 2-hour queues, plus gardens beginning to bloom. Cool weather makes the 25 km (15.5 mile) journey to Pushkin more comfortable than summer heat, and photo conditions inside are optimal without harsh lighting.

Booking Tip: Book combined transport and skip-the-line entry 2-3 weeks ahead. Tours typically cost ₽4,500-7,000 including transport from city center. Morning departures ensure best amber room viewing conditions.

White Nights Walking Photography Tours

Late May marks the beginning of White Nights season - sunset doesn't occur until after 9pm, providing extended golden hour for architectural photography. Palace Square, this destination, and Nevsky Prospekt are perfectly lit during evening hours with fewer crowds than peak summer.

Booking Tip: Photography tours run 7-10pm taking advantage of extended daylight. Typically cost ₽2,000-3,500 per person. Book with photography-focused guides who know optimal shooting locations and timing.

Mariinsky Theatre Ballet and Opera

May concludes the traditional Russian ballet season before summer break, featuring final performances of Swan Lake, Giselle, and Russian classics. Cool evenings make the formal dress code comfortable, and tourists haven't yet overwhelmed ticket availability.

Booking Tip: Book tickets 3-4 weeks ahead through official theatre website or authorized resellers. Orchestra seats typically ₽3,500-8,000. Dress code strictly enforced - bring formal attire suitable for 15°C (59°F) evening temperatures.

May Events & Festivals

Late May

White Nights Festival (Early Season)

The famous White Nights phenomenon begins in late May, though peak celebrations occur in June. Late May offers a preview with extended daylight hours and the start of outdoor cultural events without summer crowds.

May 9

Victory Day Celebrations

May 9th marks Victory Day with military parades on Palace Square and throughout the city. Streets close 6am-2pm, affecting tourist transportation but offering unique cultural experience of Russia's most important national holiday.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered waterproof system - bring base layer, fleece, and waterproof jacket for 9°C (16°F) temperature swings

Waterproof walking shoes with good grip - cobblestones become slippery in May's frequent light rain

Compact umbrella that fits in daypack - afternoon showers last 30-45 minutes but come suddenly

Light scarf or neck warmer for morning canal tours when temperatures hover around 7°C (44°F)

Formal outfit for evening theatre - venues maintain dress codes and evening temperatures drop to 10-12°C (50-54°F)

Power bank and waterproof phone case - extended daylight encourages more photography but weather threatens electronics

Comfortable walking layers - you'll walk 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles) daily on uneven surfaces

Light gloves for early morning outdoor activities when temperatures remain around 7°C (44°F)

Sunglasses for late May when daylight extends past 9pm and UV index reaches 4

Quick-dry clothing - 70% humidity combined with temperature changes means slow-drying fabrics stay damp

Insider Knowledge

Museum heating systems run until mid-May - Hermitage and Russian Museum interiors can be 5-7°C (9-13°F) warmer than outside temperature, so dress in removable layers

Local babushkas (grandmothers) switch from winter coats to lighter jackets around May 15th regardless of actual temperature - this signals when outdoor terraces and food stalls typically reopen

Nevsky Prospekt shop hours extend in May as daylight increases - many stores stay open until 10pm by month's end, taking advantage of White Nights tourism beginning

Canal tour operators often offer May-only discounts (15-25% off) to attract early season customers before peak pricing begins in June

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only for average temperatures - May weather swings require clothes for both 7°C (44°F) mornings and 16°C (61°F) afternoons

Booking outdoor activities without rain backup plans - 10 rainy days means 1 in 3 days will have some precipitation

Expecting full summer restaurant terraces and rooftop access - many outdoor dining areas don't fully open until late May or early June