What kind of weather can I expect in Austria and Switzerland during May?

Spring brings comfortable temperatures across both countries making it an excellent time for exploring. In lower-lying cities like Interlaken and Lucerne temperatures range from 12-20°C (54-68°F). Mountain destinations such as St. Moritz stay cooler with temperatures between 5-15°C (41-59°F) and occasional snow. As one TourRadar traveler notes: "The weather in May offered stunning views of the Alps without the summer crowds making it perfect for photography and hiking."

What are the best places to visit in Austria and Switzerland during May?

May provides ideal conditions to explore both countries' key destinations. Switzerland's Jungfraujoch region opens up for hiking while Lucerne starts its lake cruise season. In Austria visitors can enjoy Salzburg's gardens in full bloom and catch Innsbruck's cable cars as they begin summer operations. Many travelers choose to stay at the historic Sacher Hotel in Salzburg or the well-positioned Hotel Ambassador in Zermatt. One TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The spring flowers in May around Salzburg's Mirabell Gardens were absolutely stunning and the mountain views were crystal clear."

Where are the best places to stay in Austria and Switzerland in May?

The selection of accommodations ranges from city-center hotels to mountain retreats. The Renaissance Tower Hotel in Zurich puts you close to urban attractions while the Grand Hotel National in Lucerne offers waterfront views. For mountain scenery the Hotel Grace La Margna in St. Moritz is a top choice. Vienna's Hotel Sacher represents classic Austrian hospitality. One TourRadar traveler noted: "The Grand Hotel National in Lucerne offered amazing views of the lake and mountains especially beautiful with spring flowers blooming everywhere."

What are the most scenic routes to explore in Austria and Switzerland during May?

Spring transforms the famous rail routes into visual feasts. The Golden Pass line connecting Lucerne to Interlaken shows off green valleys while the Glacier Express between Zermatt and St. Moritz reveals alpine meadows coming to life. Austria's Grossglockner High Alpine Road typically opens in May displaying mountain panoramas. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Taking the panoramic train from Chur to Zermatt in May was breathtaking - the contrast between snow-capped peaks and green valleys was incredible."

What are the best day trips to take in Austria and Switzerland during May?

Spring weather makes day trips especially enjoyable. Popular options include exploring the Sound of Music locations near Salzburg taking the cable car ride to First from Grindelwald or visiting Chillon Castle from Montreux. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The day trip to Mondsee from Salzburg was magical in May - the lakeside setting and mountain backdrop were perfect for photos."

What unique culinary experiences are available in Austria and Switzerland in May?

Spring brings seasonal specialties to local menus. Austrian restaurants feature fresh asparagus dishes while Vienna and Zurich's café terraces reopen for outdoor dining. The pleasant weather enhances experiences like cheese tastings at Chillon Castle and Swiss chocolate demonstrations. One TourRadar traveler shared: "The outdoor cafés in Vienna's historic center were perfect in May - we enjoyed Sachertorte at Café Central while people-watching in comfortable temperatures."

Austria and Switzerland Tours in May 2026

10 best Austria and Switzerland trips in May 2026

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Explorer
Active Alps
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Well organised trip!"
Fionan, traveled in September
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Hopfgarten im Brixental, Lauterbrunnen
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Mountain
Alps
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
From
US$1,155per person
Price based on Shared Room
29 May, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
Swiss and Austrian Alps - covering Zurich, Innsbruck, Salzburg and Vienna in 10 days
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Vienna
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Alps
Operated in
English
Operator
WiseYatra
11% Off
From $2,803
US$2,494per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Switzerland (20 destinations)
4.2 (30 traveler reviews)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Switzerland Italy Liechtenstein Austria Germany
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
11% Off
From
US$1,799per person
Price based on Private Double Room
4 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
11 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Best of Austria and Switzerland
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Austria Germany Switzerland
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
11% Off
From
US$1,869per person
Price based on Private Double Room
4 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
18 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Bicycle
St. Moritz - Innsbruck 7/6
Duration
7 days
Destinations
St Moritz, Zernez, Scuol, Prutz, Imst, Innsbruck
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Alps
Operated in
English, German
Operator
Eurobike
11% Off
From
US$1,552per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 May, 2026
10 spaces left
9 May, 2026
10 spaces left
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Bicycle
Inn-Radweg From St.Moritz Maloja Pass to Rosenheim 9 days
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Switzerland Austria Germany
Age Range
Ages 16+
Regions
Alps Tyrol
Operated in
Only: German
Operator
ASI Reisen
11% Off
From
US$1,821per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
9 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Bicycle
St. Moritz - Innsbruck 8/7
Duration
8 days
Destinations
St Moritz, Zernez, Scuol, Prutz, Imst, Innsbruck
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Alps
Operated in
English, German
Operator
Eurobike
11% Off
From
US$1,751per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 May, 2026
10 spaces left
8 May, 2026
10 spaces left
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Bicycle
St. Moritz - Innsbruck - 8 Days Cycle Route on the Upper Inn 8 Days
Duration
8 days
Destinations
St Moritz, Zernez, Scuol, Prutz, Imst, Innsbruck
Age Range
Ages 16+
Mountain
Alps
Operated in
Only: German
Operator
ASI Reisen
11% Off
From
US$1,751per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
8 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Bicycle
St. Moritz - Innsbruck - 7 Days Cycle Route Along the Upper Inn 7 Days
Duration
7 days
Destinations
St Moritz, Zernez, Scuol, Prutz, Imst, Innsbruck
Age Range
Ages 16+
Mountain
Alps
Operated in
Only: German
Operator
ASI Reisen
11% Off
From
US$1,552per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
9 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Hiking & Trekking
National Park & Glacier Worlds
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Austria Switzerland Germany
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
Only: German
Operator
DERTOUR
11% Off
From
US$1,345per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
13 Day Zurich ,Interlaken, Innsbruck, Salzburg and Munich And Much More.
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"The places that they chose for each area were good ones. We liked all the hotels except for one."
Hueyru, traveled in December
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Switzerland Germany Austria
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
35% Off
From $4,548
US$2,956per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 May, 2026
10 spaces left
2 May, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
From Prague to Zurich (8 destinations)
3.6 (13 traveler reviews)
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Czech Republic Germany Austria Switzerland
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Alps
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
35% Off
From
US$1,009per person
Price based on Private Double Room
4 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
11 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Switzerland´s Best (20 destinations)
4.4 (9 traveler reviews)
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Switzerland Italy Liechtenstein Austria Germany
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
35% Off
From
US$2,028per person
Price based on Private Double Room
4 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
11 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Switzerland and Austria
3.4 (5 traveler reviews)
"Optional experiences were great opportunities to do things I might not have thought of on my own."
Michael, traveled in May
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Austria Switzerland Italy
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Alps
Operated in
English
Operator
Trafalgar
12% Off
From $5,195
US$4,572per person
Price based on Shared Room
4 May, 2026
8 spaces left
18 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Fall/Spring Swiss Alps Mountain Passes Driving Tour: Pre-set sat-nav guided
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"This turned out to be one of the best trips we have ever taken. Planning of the trip and booking was seamless."
Lauren, traveled in September
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Switzerland Austria Italy Liechtenstein
Age Range
Ages 23+
Mountain
Alps
Operated in
English
Operator
EPIKdrives
12% Off
From
US$5,251per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 May, 2026
2 spaces left
2 May, 2026
2 spaces left
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