Interlaken weather in May
“Mild and bright — an underrated time to visit.”
Roughly 20 rainy days across the month, on average.
May transforms Interlaken into a lush alpine paradise with mild, unpredictable weather. Expect average highs of 17.5°C (64°F) and lows of 8.9°C (48°F), making layers essential. The month brings substantial rainfall—around 213mm spread across roughly 20 rainy days—but you'll still enjoy about 10 hours of sunshine daily. Mornings tend to be cool and misty, afternoons clearer and warmer.
May is shoulder season in Interlaken, striking a perfect balance between spring crowds and summer peak. Alpine wildflowers bloom across meadows, cable cars reopen to higher elevations, and the town buzzes with outdoor enthusiasts. Tourist numbers are moderate, allowing you to explore without battling peak-season crowds. Local festivals celebrate the season, and restaurants showcase fresh seasonal ingredients.
For 2026 travelers, May offers excellent value and fewer queues than July or August. Pack waterproof layers and be flexible with plans—afternoon thunderstorms are common but usually brief. This month suits hikers, cyclists, and photographers who don't mind occasional rain. Book accommodations early but expect better rates than summer months.
What to pack for Interlaken in May
- •A light layer for cool mornings and evenings
- •A compact travel umbrella — one you'll actually carry
- •A merino base layer for the cold evenings
- •Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes
- •A small daypack that won't look like a tourist beacon
What to pack for Interlaken in May
- →Breathable travel pantsAmazon · shop this
- →Packable rain jacketAmazon · shop this
- →Compact travel umbrellaAmazon · shop this
- →Waterproof dry bagAmazon · shop this
- →Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50Amazon · shop this
- →Polarized sunglassesAmazon · shop this
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Where to stay in Interlaken
We don't review individual hotels — plenty of people do that well. What we do is send you to compare rooms in Interlaken across trusted platforms.
Compare hotels on Booking.com→Things worth doing
Hiking Jungfrau trails, mountain biking through valleys, paragliding on clear days, exploring alpine wildflower meadows.
Other places with a similar climate right now
Interlaken in May — FAQ
Q01Is May a good time to visit Interlaken?
Is May a good time to visit Interlaken?
It is a challenging month — you may want to consider another time of year. In May, Interlaken averages a high of 18°C (64°F) and a low of 9°C (48°F), with 206mm of rainfall across roughly 20 rainy days.
Q02What is the average temperature in Interlaken in May?
What is the average temperature in Interlaken in May?
The average high temperature in Interlaken during May is 18°C (64°F), with an average low of 9°C (48°F). These figures are averaged from ten years of daily records (2015–2024, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03How many rainy days does Interlaken have in May?
How many rainy days does Interlaken have in May?
Interlaken averages approximately 20 rainy days in May, with a total monthly rainfall of about 206mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What should I pack for Interlaken in May?
What should I pack for Interlaken in May?
For Interlaken in May, pack layered clothing for changing temperatures, a merino base layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on the ten-year weather averages for this specific month.
Q05How crowded is Interlaken in May?
How crowded is Interlaken in May?
Tourist crowds in Interlaken during May are typically moderate — shoulder season, a sweet spot between crowds and weather. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely.