Romania in May: weather & travel tips

As spring settles in, Romanias landscapes come to life in a way that’s hard to forget. The rolling hills of Transylvania turn lush, the Danube Delta teems with wildlife, and villages across the country spring into action. Snow fades from the Carpathians, leaving behind trails and views just waiting to be explored. It’s a season that’s inspired travelers and artists for centuries. Here’s everything you need to know about the weather in Romania in May.

Romania in May at a glance

• Pleasant temperatures between 54°F to 72°F (12°C to 22°C)
• Occasional rain but generally sunny and clear
• Tourism picking up but still not peak season
• Excellent time to visit - perfect weather for exploring cities and countryside

Is May a good time to visit Romania?  

May is hands-down one of the best times to visit Romania. The weather is mild and warming up nicely as spring transitions into early summer. Expect plenty of sunshine with occasional showers that keep everything lush and green.

This is an ideal time for hiking, with longer days offering nearly 15 hours of daylight by the end of the month. Average rainfall hovers around 70mm across 10–12 days, mostly in quick afternoon bursts. The blooming lilacs and chestnut trees make even a casual city walk delightful. If you're still not sold, see our favorite places to visit in May.

Average daily temperatures in May

The weather in Romania in May delivers comfortable temperatures that are perfect for exploring. Daytime highs generally range between 65°F and 75°F (18–24°C), a pleasant jump from April without the heat of peak summer. Evenings can dip to around 50°F (10°C), so pack some layers, especially if you're headed to the cooler mountain areas of Transylvania. 

That said, the Black Sea hasn't quite warmed up yet by this time of year – temperatures hover around 63°F (17°C), making it a bit chilly for swimming except for the most determined visitors.

What about the crowd and cost?

You're in luck with May travel to Romania – it's still shoulder season, so you'll find reasonable prices and manageable crowds. While tourist numbers are starting to pick up, you won't face the peak season crush of July and August. Hotel rates are typically lower than summer prices, and you'll have better luck reservation your first-choice accommodations.

For fewer crowds and similar weather, early April or late September are worth considering. Keep in mind April can bring more rain, and September doesn’t have May’s fresh spring bloom. For beach trips, July and August offer warmer waters but come with higher costs and busier resorts. See our full guide to when to go to Romania. 

Things to do in Romania in May

Take advantage of the weather in Romania in May with this selection of must-try activities. Find even more suggestions in our guide to the best things to do in Romania.

Hike the Seven Ladders Canyon near Brașov

This is a  gorgeous limestone canyon, where metal ladders and platforms help you navigate its rugged terrain. Stretching about 525 feet (160 meters), it boasts seven waterfalls, giving it its name. May is ideal for this hike, with spring temperatures around 59-68°F (15-20°C) and snowmelt feeding the waterfalls at their peak. The trail starts at the Piatra Mare chalet, and the full circuit, including the serene forest approach, takes about 3-4 hours.

Take a boat tour from Tulcea to Sulina in the Danube Delta

This is your chance to explore Europe's largest wetland, right when it's buzzing with returning migratory birds. The journey from Tulcea to Sulina takes you through a maze of channels and lakes, where you'll spot pelicans, herons, and maybe even white-tailed eagles. May brings perfect weather - warm but not too hot - and fewer mosquitoes than summer. The trip takes about 4 hours each way, and you'll pass traditional fishing villages where locals still use traditional reed-harvesting techniques.

Visit the Dacian Fortress of Sarmizegetusa Regia

Romania’s most significant Dacian site in the Orăștie Mountains. These 2,000-year-old ruins are a remarkable blend of military and religious architecture, featuring limestone block foundations, sacred areas, and a sophisticated water system. May's clear skies and mild weather create the perfect conditions for walking through this ancient capital.

The Transalpina road from Novaci to Sebeș

Romania's highest road, hitting an altitude of 7,037 feet (2,145 meters) is at Urdele Pass. In May, you'll catch the tail end of snow on the peaks while enjoying clear driving conditions on the road itself. panning 92 miles (148 km), the route passes through four counties, offering breathtaking views of the Parâng Mountains. Temperatures can vary significantly with altitude, so bring layers. With the road typically opening in May, you'll be among the first to take in its beauty.

Explore the Turda Gorge climbing area

Located just 9 miles (15 km) from the famous Turda Salt Mine, this limestone gorge is a dream for climbers. It features over 200 climbing routes, with walls reaching up to 984 feet (300 meters). For non-climbers, a 2-mile (3 km) hiking trail through the gorge offers stunning views of the towering cliffs and unique plant species found only in the Trascău Mountains.  

Festivals and events in Romania in May

Don’t miss these incredible festivals and events taking place in May to add to your Romania travel itinerary.

• Orthodox Easter: Streets coming alive at midnight as believers circle churches holding lit candles. You'll experience the profound "Hristos a înviat!" (Christ has risen) greetings exchanged between locals, followed by traditional feasts featuring painted eggs and cozonac sweet bread.
• Sâmbra Oilor Festival: Head to Negrești-Oaș where you'll witness one of Romania's most authentic traditions. Shepherds gather their flocks for the annual trek to mountain pastures, celebrating with folk music, traditional cheese-making demonstrations, and local spirits called țuică.
• EUROPAfest: You'll find in Bucharest's vibrant music scene as over 300 artists from 45 countries perform across the city. The festival transforms historic venues into stages for jazz ensembles, classical orchestras, and contemporary musicians.
• Romanian Wine Fair: Get ready to discover Romania's rich wine heritage in Bucharest. You'll sample exceptional wines from renowned regions like Dealu Mare and Recaș, while chatting with passionate winemakers about their craft and traditions.
• Romanian Traditional Dance Festival: You'll be mesmerized by the swirling colors and rhythmic steps of dancers from across Romania. Each performance tells a unique regional story through intricate costumes, traditional music, and choreography passed down through generations.

Plan your trip with our Romania itineraries

Explore our Romania itineraries for expert tips, insider recommendations, and practical advice to create your perfect trip. For even more ideas, browse our trip ideas gallery—it’s full of options to inspire your travels.

Want to keep it stress-free? Our tailor-made trips are crafted by local experts, fully customizable, and supported every step of the way. Relax and enjoy a trip that’s planned just for you.