Things to Do in Bruges in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Bruges
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Spring bloom transforms the city - the Minnewater and Begijnhof gardens hit peak flowering in early May, and you'll actually have space to photograph them without tour groups blocking every shot. The wisteria along the canals is particularly stunning around May 10-20.
- Shoulder season pricing means accommodation runs 30-40% cheaper than summer rates. A canal-view room that costs €250 in July will run you €150-180 in May, and you can book quality places just 2-3 weeks out instead of the 8-week minimum for peak season.
- Daylight stretches to 9pm by late May, giving you those long European evenings perfect for canal walks after dinner. The light between 7-9pm is that golden-hour glow photographers dream about, and locals are actually out enjoying the city instead of hiding from tourist crowds.
- The Procession of the Holy Blood happens the first week of May (Ascension Day, 40 days after Easter) - this is Bruges' most significant religious festival, dating back to 1291. It's genuinely meaningful to locals, not a tourist show, and watching 2,000 residents in medieval costume parade through the Markt gives you a glimpse of what matters here.
Considerations
- Weather is genuinely unpredictable - you might get 20°C (68°F) and sunny one day, then 10°C (50°F) with drizzle the next. Those 10 rainy days are scattered randomly throughout the month, so you can't just plan around them. Pack layers and accept you'll probably get rained on at least once.
- The city hasn't fully woken up yet - some smaller attractions and restaurants that close for winter renovations don't reopen until mid-May. A few canal boat operators still run reduced schedules (every 30 minutes instead of every 15), and some museum wings might be under maintenance.
- Evenings can feel chilly despite daytime warmth - that 8°C (47°F) low hits after sunset, and the humidity makes it feel colder. Outdoor café seating isn't always comfortable past 8pm, especially if you're near the water where it's windier.
Best Activities in May
Canal boat tours through the waterways
May is actually ideal for canal tours because the trees have leafed out but haven't grown so thick they block the medieval architecture. The water reflects that variable spring light beautifully, and you'll avoid the July crowds where boats queue 45 minutes at peak times. Morning tours (9-11am) give you the best light and calmest water before afternoon breezes pick up. The 70% humidity feels less oppressive when you're moving on the water.
Cycling routes to surrounding villages
The countryside around Bruges explodes with rapeseed fields in May - those bright yellow blooms you see in photos. The 15 km (9.3 miles) loop to Damme through the canal towpath is flat, well-marked, and gives you that quintessential Flemish landscape. Weather is cool enough that you won't overheat (a real problem in July), and the occasional rain shower just means ducking into a village café for a beer. Locals do this every weekend in May.
Brewery tours and beer tastings
May weather makes this perfect - warm enough to enjoy walking between breweries, but those occasional rainy days give you a legitimate excuse to spend two hours tasting beer indoors. De Halve Maan is the only working brewery in the city center and their rooftop terrace is actually pleasant in May (too hot in summer, too cold in winter). The beer culture here is serious, not touristy, and May is when locals start transitioning from winter stouts to lighter spring ales.
Walking tours of medieval architecture
That variable May weather actually works in your favor - the mix of clouds and sun creates dramatic lighting on the Gothic facades that flat summer sunshine can't match. The Belfry, City Hall, and Basilica of the Holy Blood are all within 400 m (0.25 miles) of each other, so you can duck inside when it drizzles. May crowds are manageable enough that you can actually appreciate the 15th-century details without being shoved along. The UV index of 8 means you need sun protection, but you won't be sweating through your shirt like in July.
Chocolate workshop experiences
Bruges has legitimate chocolate-making heritage, not just tourist shops. May is perfect for workshops because chocolate work requires cool temperatures - summer heat makes tempering difficult, and winter workshops are packed with holiday tourists. You'll learn why Belgian chocolate actually tastes different (it's the cocoa butter content and conching time), and making your own pralines gives you something to do on those rainy afternoons. The humidity can affect chocolate work slightly, but professionals adjust techniques accordingly.
Day trips to Belgian coast and North Sea beaches
The coast is 15 km (9.3 miles) away and May is when Belgians start visiting beaches themselves - it's not swimming weather (North Sea stays around 13°C/55°F), but beach walks and seafood lunches in towns like Blankenberge or De Haan are genuinely pleasant. That 17°C (63°F) high feels warmer by the water, and you'll avoid the summer beach crowds entirely. The light on the North Sea in May is spectacular for whatever reason - something about the angle and those variable clouds.
May Events & Festivals
Procession of the Holy Blood (Heilig-Bloedprocessie)
This happens on Ascension Day, which falls on May 1st in 2026. It's one of Europe's oldest religious processions - locals spend months preparing costumes and the whole city turns out to watch or participate. You'll see Biblical scenes reenacted, medieval guilds marching, and the relic of Christ's blood carried through the streets. It's genuinely moving even if you're not religious, and it's the one day when Bruges feels like a living medieval city rather than a museum. Arrive at the Markt by 2pm for decent viewing spots, or book a café terrace overlooking the route weeks in advance.
Bruges Beer Festival
Typically happens the first weekend of May in the Beurs building on the Markt. This isn't a tourist trap - it's where serious Belgian brewers showcase new releases and rare vintages. You'll find 80-100 breweries pouring 300+ beers, and locals use this to stock up on limited releases. Entry runs €15-18 including a tasting glass. It gets packed by 3pm on Saturday, so go Friday evening or Sunday morning for actual conversations with brewers. Worth noting: Belgians take beer seriously, so this is more educational than party atmosphere.