Baltics Early May

[pdx13]

We are sailing Lisbon to Northern Europe in early May. I know there has been much discussion about the weather at that time of year. We chose this particular cruise because of the itinerary, length, sea days, etc. One of our most important considerations was that by traveling early in the season we would miss the worst of the crowds, which was probably our primary reason. We have traveled Europe in the summer, and even in early June it was a zoo. Not that we didnt have an extraodinary trip, but the crowds were at times overwhelming in the big cities. I suppose places like Paris, Amsterdam, St. Petersburg are always crowded except in the depths of winter/early spring, but our is the earliest cruise I could find. Yeah, the rain will be a drag, but we live in the Northwest, so we go with eyes wide open. It is a packing challenge, and we are hoping we get lucky with some sunshine, but all in all, the cool and wet weather don't outweigh the other advantages. But that is just us.

[GweninTX]

We went at that time and the crowds were not too bad. The only crowded days were St Petersburg, but it was ok. The weather was unseasonably warm while we were there.

[John Bull]

We went early May a couple of years back.

 

No significant crowds anywhere.

 

We were lucky with the weather for most of our 14-day cruise - warm & sunny, made good use of the balcony, very pleasant for sight-seeing, beers on pavement cafes.

On our second day in SPB the weather turned to wet & miserable. Our tour guide (Alla) knew the forecast & had re-jigged to include outdoor places (Peterhof & open canal boat) on day one, so the rain on day two (Hermitage etc) had little effect - that's one advantage of not taking ship's tours.

Next day in Helsinki was a cold as we've been for years so we abandoned a planned boat trip in favour of a circular tram ride and warm cafes.

Foul weather on sea day to Bruges, sunshine & showers in Bruges, home in soggy England next day. Helsinki was the only place seriously impacted by the weather.

 

Given the choice we'd have perhaps preferred the end of May as being more reliable, but for just snap-shot visits it's not about climate averages - it's more a matter of luck with the weather

 

Super itinerary, very varied ports, and logistically a cruise is the way to do it.

 

JB :)

Edited December 7, 2015 by John Bull