Things to Do in Hanovre in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Hanovre
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Herrenhausen Gardens reach peak bloom in May - the 50-hectare (123-acre) baroque gardens show tulips, rhododendrons, and early roses without the summer tour bus crowds. Entry costs €8 adults, and you'll actually have space to photograph the fountains.
- Outdoor cafe season hits full stride with locals reclaiming the Maschsee lakefront - the 2.4 km (1.5 mile) waterfront path fills with beer gardens charging €4-5 per half-liter, and the weather's usually cooperative enough for afternoon sitting without freezing.
- Shoulder season pricing means central hotels run €70-110 per night in May versus €140+ during September's major trade fair weeks. Book 3-4 weeks ahead for best selection near the Hauptbahnhof.
- Daylight stretches to 9pm by late May, giving you genuinely long days for exploring the Altstadt reconstruction and Eilenriede forest without the compressed winter schedule or peak summer tourist density.
Considerations
- Rain gear stays mandatory - those 10 rainy days typically mean quick showers rather than all-day downpours, but you'll get caught at least once walking between the Marktkirche and Neues Rathaus. The weather shifts fast enough that morning sun means nothing for afternoon plans.
- May falls between major events - you'll miss April's spring markets and the big Maschseefest lake festival doesn't start until late July, leaving the cultural calendar somewhat thin compared to summer months.
- Evenings still require actual layers - temperatures drop to 8°C (46°F) after sunset, which catches travelers off guard when they've spent the afternoon in 18°C (64°F) sunshine. That beer garden session turns chilly by 8pm.
Best Activities in May
Herrenhausen Gardens Extended Walks
May hits the sweet spot for Hannover's premier attraction - the Great Garden shows late tulips and early roses while the Berggarten botanical section displays rhododendrons and alpine plants at peak color. Arrive at 9am opening to photograph the fountains without crowds, then spend 3-4 hours wandering the geometric hedges. The weather's mild enough for extended outdoor time without summer heat, and spring bloom actually outperforms summer's green-heavy appearance. The adjacent Herrenhausen Palace museum works as a rain backup.
Maschsee Lake Circuit Activities
The 2.4 km (1.5 mile) lakefront path becomes Hannover's social center in May as locals emerge from winter hibernation. Rent bikes from stations near the Sprengel Museum for €12-18 per day and circuit the lake in 20 minutes, or walk the full loop in 45 minutes. Beer gardens along the north shore open for season - expect €4-5 for half-liter pours and €8-12 for sausage plates. Paddle boat rentals run €15-20 per hour if weather cooperates. May offers the lakefront atmosphere without July's intense crowds or October's cold winds.
Altstadt Walking Routes
Hannover's reconstructed old town spans just 400 m (0.25 miles) across but packs 14th-century timber-frame buildings, the brick Gothic Marktkirche, and the Altes Rathaus into compact blocks. May weather allows 2-3 hours of comfortable outdoor walking between the market square, Ballhofplatz theater courtyard, and Kreuzkirche without winter's bitter wind or summer's tour group bottlenecks. The Holzmarkt fountain area fills with outdoor lunch tables serving €9-14 regional dishes. Architecture photography works best in May's softer light compared to harsh summer sun.
Eilenriede Urban Forest Exploration
This 640-hectare (1,581-acre) forest sits right in the city - larger than London's Hyde Park and crossed by 80 km (50 miles) of paths that locals use for running, cycling, and escaping urban density. May brings fresh beech leaf canopy and manageable temperatures for 1-2 hour walks without summer's muggy heat. Enter from the zoo end and follow marked trails to the Lister Turm observation tower for elevated city views. The forest stays genuinely quiet on weekday mornings. Bike rentals let you cover more ground across the north-south axis.
Market Hall and Food Scene Sampling
The Markthalle near Steintor brings together 20+ food stalls under one historic roof - perfect for May's unpredictable weather when outdoor markets get rained out. Spend €15-25 sampling regional specialties like Bregenwurst sausage, smoked fish from the North Sea coast, and local asparagus which hits peak season in May. The hall operates Tuesday-Saturday 8am-6pm with Thursday late opening until 8pm. Surrounding streets in the Nordstadt neighborhood show Hannover's emerging restaurant scene with dinner mains running €16-24.
Neues Rathaus and Observation Dome
The New City Hall's domed architecture from 1913 includes a unique curved elevator rising 43 m (141 ft) to observation platform with 360-degree city views. May's extended daylight means you can visit late afternoon for €3.50 admission and catch both daylight cityscape and evening light. The building itself shows Wilhelmine architecture excess worth 30 minutes exploring the main hall. Combine with adjacent Maschpark gardens and Maschsee lakefront for a 2-3 hour afternoon. Less crowded than summer months when tour buses add wait times.
May Events & Festivals
White Asparagus Season Peak
May marks peak season for Spargel, the white asparagus that Germans treat with near-religious devotion. Restaurants across Hannover run special menus featuring the locally-grown stalks - expect €14-22 for classic preparations with hollandaise, new potatoes, and ham. The Markthalle dedicates multiple stalls to fresh asparagus sales, and you'll see temporary roadside stands throughout Lower Saxony. This is genuinely the best month to experience this regional food obsession before the season ends in late June.