Annecy in May
Great time to visit
One of the best months to visit Annecy. You get spring's fresh energy without summer's crowds, plus hiking trails and lake activities fully operational.
Weather
May delivers on spring's promise with consistently pleasant temperatures. Occasional rain showers keep everything lush and green, but sunny days dominate. The lake remains chilly but adventurous swimmers start taking dips. Perfect hiking weather arrives.
20°C high11°C low11 rain days
Crowds & Cost
moderate crowds
~$130/day average
Events & Festivals
- •May Day celebrations
- •Opening of lake swimming season
May Tips
- •Still shoulder season pricing but book popular restaurants in advance
- •Pack a light rain jacket for afternoon showers
- •Perfect time for cycling around the lake before summer crowds
All Months
July and August bring warm lake swimming but also crowds that make the old town feel like a theme park. Every photo spot has a line.
May through June offers the sweet spot - warm enough for outdoor dining, cool enough for hiking, and the lake starts warming up. Flowers bloom in the Alpine meadows above town, and hotel prices stay reasonable.
September rocks if you can swing it. The water's still warm from summer, crowds thin out after French vacation season ends, and fall colors start painting the mountains. Restaurant terraces stay open through October most years.
Winter transforms Annecy into something different - Christmas markets fill the old town, and you can ski at La Clusaz (30 minutes away) then return for dinner by the lake. Just know that many lakeside restaurants close from November through March.
Annecy Scores
Solo
7/10
Couples
9/10
Families
8/10
Adventure
6/10
Budget
5/10
Luxury
7/10
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