Things to Do in Hanover in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Hanover
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect spring weather with temperatures reaching 18°C (65°F) - ideal for walking tours of the Old Town and exploring Herrenhausen Gardens without summer crowds
- Asparagus season (Spargelzeit) runs until June 24th - local restaurants serve fresh white asparagus with hollandaise sauce, a regional delicacy unavailable most of the year
- May Day celebrations on May 1st include traditional Maibaumaufstellen (maypole raising) ceremonies in surrounding villages, plus workers' demonstrations in the city center
- Hotel rates are 30-40% lower than summer peak season, and attractions like Herrenhausen Palace have shorter queues before tourist season begins in earnest
Considerations
- Unpredictable weather with 10 rainy days averaging 51mm (2.0 inches) - outdoor plans need flexible backup options as showers can last 1-2 hours
- Some outdoor beer gardens don't open until consistent warm weather arrives, limiting traditional German drinking experiences
- Daylight ends around 8:30pm, shorter than summer months for evening activities and outdoor exploration
Best Activities in May
Herrenhausen Gardens Walking Tours
May brings perfect 18°C (65°F) weather for exploring the baroque Great Garden and newly renovated palace. Spring flowers are in full bloom, and the fountain operates from 10am-6pm daily. The weather is ideal for the 2km (1.2 mile) garden circuit without summer heat or winter closures.
Old Town Historical Walking Routes
May's mild temperatures make the 3km (1.9 mile) Old Town circuit comfortable. The reconstructed medieval buildings and Market Church are perfect for photography in spring light. Locals emerge for outdoor café sitting when temperatures reach 15°C+ (59°F+), creating authentic street atmosphere.
Maschsee Lake Activities
The 2.4km (1.5 mile) lakeside promenade is perfect in May's moderate weather. Paddle boat rentals begin operating consistently, and the lakeside restaurants open outdoor seating. Water temperature isn't suitable for swimming yet, but walking and cycling conditions are optimal.
Asparagus Farm Experiences
May is peak white asparagus season in Lower Saxony. Farm visits in nearby Nienburg (45km/28 miles from Hanover) offer harvesting experiences and traditional asparagus meals. This seasonal experience is unavailable outside April-June and represents authentic local culture.
Marienburg Castle Day Trips
Located 20km (12.4 miles) south of Hanover, this neo-Gothic castle reopens for full tours in May after winter closures. Spring weather makes the 1.5km (0.9 mile) grounds walk pleasant, and fewer crowds mean better access to the ornate royal apartments.
Regional Beer Garden Cycling
May marks the opening of traditional beer gardens in surrounding villages like Isernhagen and Garbsen. Cycling routes of 15-25km (9-15 miles) connect multiple gardens, and mild weather makes the rides comfortable. This is when locals begin their beer garden season.
May Events & Festivals
May Day (Tag der Arbeit) Celebrations
Traditional May 1st celebrations include maypole ceremonies in surrounding villages and large demonstrations in central Hanover. The Steintor district hosts outdoor markets and live music from 10am-6pm.
Spring Festival at Herrenhausen
Annual spring celebration featuring classical music performances in the Great Garden and illuminated evening fountain shows. Local vendors sell regional specialties including white asparagus dishes.