Things to Do in Moscow in May

May Weather in Moscow

High Temp

Low Temp

Rainfall

% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect spring weather for walking - comfortable 15-19°C (59-66°F) afternoons ideal for exploring Red Square and Kremlin without summer heat or winter crowds
Lilac season blooms throughout the city - Sokolniki Park and VDNKh become spectacular with over 300 varieties of blooming lilacs, peak blooming mid-May
Victory Day celebrations on May 9th - witness the massive military parade on Red Square and citywide festivities commemorating WWII victory with street parties and fireworks
Museum season begins - Tretyakov Gallery and Hermitage extend hours, special spring exhibitions launch, and outdoor sculpture parks at Muzeon reopen after winter

Considerations

Unpredictable spring weather - can swing from 8°C (46°F) to 19°C (66°F) in one day, requiring layered clothing and flexibility with outdoor plans
Victory Day week disruptions - May 7-10 brings massive crowds, street closures around Red Square, and fully booked accommodations near city center
Mud season in parks - early May ground remains soft from snowmelt, making some park paths messy, particularly in Izmailovsky Park and Sokolniki

Best Activities in May

Red Square and Kremlin Complex Tours

May offers ideal conditions for exploring Moscow's historic heart - comfortable walking weather without summer's oppressive heat or winter's bitter cold. Victory Day preparations add extra excitement with rehearsals and decorations. Spring light provides excellent photography conditions for the iconic domes of St. Basil's Cathedral.

Booking Tip: Book Kremlin tickets 14-21 days ahead as May is popular with both tourists and Russian school groups. Expect prices of ₽1,500-2,500 ($18-30) for combined tickets. Avoid May 7-10 due to Victory Day restrictions. See current tour options in booking section below.

Moscow River Cruise Tours

Perfect timing as river ice has fully melted and spring temperatures make deck seating comfortable. May offers the longest daylight hours for evening cruises - sunset around 8:30pm provides stunning golden hour views of the Kremlin walls and Christ the Savior Cathedral reflections.

Booking Tip: River cruises resume full schedules in May after winter hiatus. Evening cruises (7-9pm) are most popular, typically ₽2,000-3,500 ($24-42). Book 7-10 days ahead for weekend slots. Weather can change quickly, so choose covered boats for flexibility.

Sokolniki and VDNKh Park Exploration

May is Moscow's secret lilac season - Sokolniki Park contains over 300 varieties of blooming lilacs reaching peak beauty mid-month. VDNKh combines Soviet architecture with spring gardens, while comfortable temperatures make the 2-3km (1.2-1.9 mile) walking routes enjoyable without winter gear.

Booking Tip: Parks are free to enter, but guided botanical tours cost ₽800-1,500 ($10-18). Rent bikes at park entrances for ₽300-500 ($4-6) per hour. Visit mid to late May for peak blooms. Bring layers as parks are 2-3°C cooler than city center.

Tretyakov Gallery and Art Museum Tours

Spring season brings extended museum hours and special exhibitions. May weather makes the walk through historic Zamoskvorechye district pleasant, and you can combine indoor culture with outdoor exploration of nearby parks along the Moscow River embankment.

Booking Tip: Museums extend hours in May (typically 10am-8pm vs winter 10am-6pm). Skip-the-line tickets cost ₽1,200-2,000 ($14-24). Book 5-7 days ahead for weekend visits. Combine with nearby Gorky Park visits when weather permits.

Moscow Metro Architecture Tours

Ideal indoor backup activity for May's 10 rainy days, but equally rewarding on pleasant days. Spring brings fewer winter coat crowds, making photography easier in stations like Mayakovskaya and Komsomolskaya. Comfortable temperatures mean less fatigue during 3-4 hour underground exploration.

Booking Tip: Metro tours work perfectly as weather backup plans. Guided tours typically cost ₽1,500-2,500 ($18-30) for 3-hour exploration covering 8-12 stations. Book flexible cancellation options due to May's variable weather. Single metro rides cost ₽60 ($0.75).

Sergiev Posad Day Trips

Spring transforms the journey to Russia's spiritual center - 70km (43 miles) northeast of Moscow. May weather makes the outdoor monastery complex comfortable to explore, and spring landscapes provide beautiful contrast to the golden domes of Trinity Lavra. Roads are fully clear of winter conditions.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically cost ₽3,500-5,500 ($42-66) including transport and guide. Book 10-14 days ahead for small group tours. Train option available for independent travelers (₽500-800/$6-10 each way). Allow full day - monastery requires 4-5 hours minimum.

May Events & Festivals

May 9th with celebrations May 8-10

Victory Day Parade and Celebrations

May 9th brings Moscow's most significant annual event - massive military parade on Red Square followed by citywide celebrations, fireworks, and the Immortal Regiment march where families honor WWII veterans. Streets fill with music, food stalls, and patriotic displays.

Throughout May

Moscow Spring Festival

Classical music festival featuring performances at Tchaikovsky Concert Hall and Bolshoi Theatre throughout May. International orchestras and renowned Russian musicians perform in venues across the city, with outdoor concerts in Sokolniki Park weather permitting.

Mid-May (typically third Saturday)

Night of Museums

Annual citywide event where 200+ museums stay open until 2am with special exhibitions, performances, and dramatically reduced admission fees (₽600 for all participating venues vs normal ₽3,000+ combined). Extremely popular with locals and requires advance planning.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof jacket with hood - May brings 10 rainy days with sudden spring showers lasting 15-30 minutes, often without warning

Layering system: thermal base layer, light sweater, and outer layer - temperatures swing from 8°C (46°F) morning to 19°C (66°F) afternoon

Comfortable waterproof walking shoes - cobblestones in Red Square become slippery when wet, and park paths may be muddy from snowmelt

Compact umbrella - essential for frequent light rain and spring drizzle, easier to carry than full rain gear

Light scarf and gloves for early morning/evening - temperatures drop quickly after sunset, especially during river cruises

Sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 6 and spring sun reflects strongly off wet pavement and remaining snow patches

Power bank and phone weather apps - May weather changes rapidly, and you'll rely on weather updates for outdoor planning

Cash in small denominations - many attractions, metro stations, and park vendors still prefer cash over cards, especially for amounts under ₽500

Dressy outfit for theater/concerts - Moscow's cultural scene peaks in May with extended performance schedules at Bolshoi and Mariinsky

Small daypack with dry storage - for camera protection during sudden showers and carrying extra layers as weather changes throughout day

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations outside the Garden Ring during Victory Day week (May 7-10) - hotels near Red Square charge 3x normal rates and are often fully booked months ahead

Use the 'Moscow Pass' app in May for museum discounts - many venues offer 20-30% spring promotions that aren't advertised to tourists, saving ₽500-1,000 per day

Visit major attractions before 10am or after 4pm to avoid Russian school groups - May is excursion season for students, creating crowds between 10am-4pm at Kremlin and major museums

Pack snacks for park visits - food vendors in Sokolniki and VDNKh don't fully reopen until late May, and nearby restaurants can be 2-3km (1.2-1.9 miles) walking distance