Things to Do in Tallinn in May

May Weather in Tallinn

15°C (59°F) High Temp

5°C (41°F) Low Temp

38 mm (1.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

White Nights begin late May - daylight extends until 22:30 (10:30 PM) creating magical evening photography opportunities in Old Town's cobblestone streets
Spring festivals peak in May including Estonian Spring Days and Medieval Days - locals emerge from winter hibernation with genuine enthusiasm
Perfect walking weather at 10-15°C (50-59°F) - comfortable for exploring Old Town's hills without summer's tourist crowds or winter's ice
Hotel prices drop 30-40% compared to summer peak season while maintaining full service - shoulder season sweet spot before June price jumps

Considerations

Unpredictable rain showers hit 10 days per month - outdoor plans need flexible timing and indoor backup options
Evenings still require warm layers - temperatures drop to 5°C (41°F) making outdoor dining uncomfortable after 20:00 (8 PM)
Baltic Sea remains too cold for swimming at 8-10°C (46-50°F) - coastal activities limited to sightseeing rather than water sports

Best Activities in May

Tallinn Old Town Walking Tours

May's cool temperatures make exploring the UNESCO medieval streets comfortable without summer heat exhaustion. Cobblestones can be slippery when wet, but rain showers are brief. Extended daylight until 22:30 allows for stunning golden hour photography of Toompea Castle and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

Booking Tip: Book day-of or 1-2 days ahead - low season means availability. Tours typically cost €15-25 per person. Look for small group tours (8-12 people) that can duck into cafes during rain showers. See current tour options in booking section below.

Estonian Food and Market Experiences

May brings fresh spring produce to Balti Jaama Market and Central Market. Black bread season begins, and locals start grilling again after winter. Indoor food halls provide perfect shelter during rain showers while sampling traditional dishes like blood sausage and kama.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost €45-75 per person for 3-4 hour experiences. Book 3-5 days ahead for weekend tours. Market visits work best 10:00-14:00 when vendors are fully stocked. Reference booking widget below for current culinary experiences.

Kadriorg Palace and Park Tours

Spring blooms peak in May at this baroque palace complex built by Peter the Great. Tulips and cherry blossoms create Instagram-worthy backdrops. Cool weather perfect for the 2 km (1.2 mile) walk through gardens without summer heat or winter ice hazards.

Booking Tip: Combine palace interior tours with self-guided garden walks. Palace tickets €8-12, gardens are free. Visit mid-morning after dew dries but before afternoon rain potential. See booking options below for combined palace and park experiences.

Estonian Islands Day Trips

Ferry services to Saaremaa and Hiiumaa resume full spring schedules in May. Cooler weather ideal for exploring medieval Kuressaare Castle and Suur Munamägi without summer crowds. Pack layers as island winds feel 3-5°C (5-9°F) cooler than mainland.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically cost €85-120 including ferry and transport. Book 7-10 days ahead as ferry capacity is limited. Weather can change quickly - choose tours with indoor backup activities. Current island tour options available in booking section.

Tallinn TV Tower and Pirita Beach Area

Clear May days offer 25 km (15.5 mile) visibility from the 314m (1,030 ft) tower. Beach walks comfortable in cool weather, though swimming remains impossible. Combine with nearby Pirita Convent ruins - spring lighting perfect for photography without harsh summer sun.

Booking Tip: TV Tower tickets €12-16, open weather permitting. Check morning conditions before booking - rain affects visibility. Pirita area best accessed by tour or rental car. Book combined tower and coastal tours through operators listed in booking widget below.

Lahemaa National Park Nature Tours

Spring migration brings 200+ bird species to Estonia's largest national park just 70 km (43 miles) from Tallinn. Bogs and forests accessible via boardwalks, perfect for May's variable weather. Viru Bog's wooden walkways stay dry during rain showers.

Booking Tip: Full day tours cost €75-95 per person including transport. Half-day options €45-60. Book 5-7 days ahead for weekend tours. Waterproof hiking boots essential - trails can be muddy. See current nature tour options in booking section below.

May Events & Festivals

Late May

Tallinn Old Town Days (Tallinna Vanalinna Päevad)

Medieval festival transforms Old Town into 15th century market with craftsmen, traditional food, and historical reenactments. Locals wear period costumes and demonstrate blacksmithing, pottery, and medieval cooking techniques.

Mid May

Estonian Spring Days Music Festival

Classical and contemporary Estonian music performed in historic venues throughout Old Town. Features Estonian National Opera soloists and emerging local composers in intimate medieval church settings.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof walking shoes - Old Town cobblestones become slippery when wet, and rain hits 10 days per month

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - May showers are brief (15-20 minutes) but frequent, umbrellas awkward on cobblestones

Layering clothes: t-shirt, sweater, light jacket - temperature swings from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F) daily

Warm evening outfit - temperatures drop to 5°C (41°F) after sunset, outdoor dining requires thermal layers

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 6, and extended daylight means 14+ hours of exposure potential

Portable phone charger - extended daylight until 22:30 means longer photography days drain batteries faster

Cash in small denominations - many Old Town vendors and markets prefer cash, ATMs charge €2-5 fees

Waterproof day bag - protects electronics and documents during sudden rain showers while sightseeing

Warm hat and light gloves - morning temperatures around 5°C (41°F) feel colder with Baltic wind chill

Comfortable walking socks - exploring Old Town requires 5-8 km (3-5 miles) of daily walking on uneven surfaces

Insider Knowledge

Locals eat lunch 12:00-13:00 sharp - restaurants get crowded then empty by 14:00, perfect timing to avoid waits and get better service

Free WiFi password 'tallinn' works at most Old Town cafes - locals know this universal backup when individual passwords fail

Rimi and Selver supermarkets sell identical items for 20-30% less than Old Town tourist shops - locals shop here for snacks and water

Take tram #1 or #2 to avoid Old Town's steep hills - costs €2 vs €15-20 taxi, runs every 10 minutes, locals use it constantly even for short distances

Avoid These Mistakes

Wearing only light spring clothes - evenings drop to 5°C (41°F), tourists shiver through outdoor dinners while locals layer properly

Planning entire days outdoors without rain backup - May brings 10 rainy days, flexible indoor options prevent wasted time and disappointment

Booking summer accommodations in Old Town's upper levels - May's cool evenings make fourth and fifth floor rooms uncomfortable without heating