Your friends are under the impression that the specific part of Europe they visited is characteristic of the entire continent.

They may be right about a certain area they visited, but it’s also possible that they part of Europe they visited was experiencing uncharacteristic weather for that time of year. Anyways, you can look this information up in an encyclopedia or wikipedia, or a guidebook; you don’t have to rely on your friends.

I don’t know about Prague, but Rome and Paris will have fantastic weather in May. Paris may experience some occasional rain, being a maritime climate, but most of the time will be sunny. Rome, having a mediterranean climate, should be sunny virtually the entire month, but a frew rainy days may occur. Temperatures will be pleasant (ie not cold) in both cities, and may even get hot during mid-day. It may get chilly at night, so pack a light jacket with you. If you’ll be doing lots of walking in the daytime, definitely pack some light clothing with you (like shorts and sandals), you’ll most likely need it on some days.

It can be cool and rainy for a day or two just about anywhere in Europe at just about any time of year. I don’t think I’ve ever been to Europe when it didn’t rain at least once in 2 to 4 weeks — including a street flooding downpour in Rome in May. Rain happens, just about everywhere in the world. A lightweight water repellent jacket and at least one thing with long sleeves should be adequate for Europe in May since you’re not at high altitude. It will probably be comfortable, temperature-wise, for sightseeing and staying in un-airconditioned hotels/hostels. However, Rome could be scorchingly hot for a couple of days.

I can tell you this in case you go to Germany: NO IDEA.

Totally unpredictable. Can be perfect, and can be cold, greay an rainy…

I’ve been in Italy in late May when it was quite hot indeed.
This was great for the beach, but I remember a few uncomfortable nights in stuffy lodging.
I still think May is a nice time to travel because as Oldlady says, it’s usually fairly comfortable.

Also, it is usually still considered shoulder season and might be cheaper traveling.

Yeah, Germany can have all four seasons in one day.

The only thing you can say about the weather in May with any confidence is that it probably won’t snow

Central Europe in particular is quite a bit more “moderate” than we North Americans are used to; it doesn’t get as cold in the winter, nor as hot in the summer (USUALLY.) The Springtime though is the natural medium point, and again, depending on where you’re going, you can probably expect it to be similar to what you’re used to at home (unless you’re from like… southern Florida… then it will seem cold as all hell )

I was in Sweden in May/June a few years ago, and I thought the weather was great, even though it’s way up north. Spent alot of time in Germany the last few years too, and I’d say that even in the summer you might want to bring a hoodie with you because one day it could be 70 degrees, and the next night could be 45.

But yes, remember it can rain at any time too…again, just like in America/Canada.

lol well I was actually born, raised and currently reside in South Florida but I can deal with the cold if need be. I am more concerned about it being cold AND rainy then anything else. Thanks for the info!

Cold AND rainy – the main reason my sanity is stretched to the breaking point every year in Germany. My wife and I have already decided that next year for Jan and Feb I have to go away somewhere warm. So if anybody has work for me Jan – Feb or March ’10 in a warm climate – lemme know.

I love Europe, and want to stay here forever. But northern Europe is hell on earth for at least four months a year…(sometimes six..)

Cannons, you should be used to rain then.

Well in that case then, you have my condolences!!

Nah, joking aside, you should be fine. I mean I’ve never been to FLA, but based on impressions from friends, I’d wager anywhere from the Alps/Pyrenees on up is always going to be colder than you’re used to for any given time of year So by definition it might be cold and rainy to you even if…well…it’s just rainy

But yeah I really don’t think you’ll have a problem. The winter there is really the worst since in a lot of places it just hovers around what I’d consider “pre-winter” here in the Northern US… i.e., it might snow a little bit, but more than likely it’s gonna be 37 and rainy.