Turkey in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Turkey

28°C (82°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

45 mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Ideal temperatures for all activities - warm enough for swimming (Antalya averages 22°C/72°F sea temperature) but cool enough for comfortable hiking in Cappadocia and Istanbul sightseeing
Spring wildflowers transform landscapes - Turkish tulips bloom across Central Anatolia, poppies cover hillsides, and hotel gardens are at their most beautiful
Ramadan typically falls in March/April, so May avoids restaurant closures and altered schedules that affect travelers in earlier spring months
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs 30-40% less than July-August peak season, with better availability and service quality as staff aren't overwhelmed

Considerations

Unpredictable spring weather - you might experience a surprise late-season cool snap requiring warmer clothes, or unseasonably hot days reaching 32°C (90°F)
Some coastal restaurants and beach clubs in smaller resort towns don't fully open until June, limiting dining options in places like Kas and Kalkan
Occasional strong winds along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts can disrupt boat tours and make beach days less pleasant

Best Activities in May

Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Flights and Valley Hiking

May offers the most reliable weather for ballooning - minimal wind, clear skies, and perfect visibility over fairy chimneys. Ground temperatures are ideal for the 2-3 hour valley hikes afterward. Spring wildflowers carpet Ihlara Valley and Rose Valley, creating impressive photo opportunities unavailable in summer's brown landscape.

Booking Tip: Book balloon flights 3-4 weeks ahead as May is peak season for optimal flying conditions. Standard flights cost ₺4,500-6,500 ($150-220). Valley hiking requires no advance booking - start early (7am) to avoid afternoon heat and crowds.

Istanbul Historical Peninsula Walking Tours

Perfect temperatures for exploring Sultanahmet's cobblestone streets and climbing Galata Tower's 219 steps. May avoids summer's oppressive heat and winter's rain, making outdoor mosque courtyards and Bosphorus viewpoints comfortable all day. Fewer cruise ship crowds than peak summer.

Booking Tip: Book skip-the-line tickets 1-2 weeks ahead for Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. Walking tours typically cost ₺800-1,200 ($25-40) per person. Start morning tours by 9am to see 6-8 major sites before afternoon fatigue.

Turkish Riviera Sailing and Swimming

Sea temperatures reach comfortable 22°C (72°F) by late May, warm enough for swimming without summer's jellyfish populations. Coastal winds are gentler than summer's strong meltemi winds, creating ideal sailing conditions along the Turquoise Coast. Beach clubs are open but not overcrowded.

Booking Tip: Private boat charters cost ₺3,500-5,500 ($120-180) for full day. Book 10-14 days ahead during May as Turkish holiday periods can create demand spikes. Shared gulet tours are ₺800-1,200 ($25-40) per person including lunch.

Central Anatolia Cultural Site Exploration

May is perfect for exploring Konya's Sufi heritage sites and the underground cities of Derinkuyu without summer's extreme heat or winter's harsh conditions. The 7 km (4.3 miles) between major Cappadocia sites becomes pleasant walking weather, and ancient cave churches have perfect natural lighting for photography.

Booking Tip: Underground city tours cost ₺600-1,000 ($20-33) including transportation. Book through licensed cultural tour operators 1 week ahead. Allow full day (8-10 hours) for complete site visits including Konya's Mevlana Museum.

Black Sea Highland Trekking

May marks the beginning of highland trekking season as snow melts from lower elevations. Ayder Dakar and Kackar Mountains offer spectacular rhododendron blooms and rushing waterfalls from snowmelt. Temperatures at 1,500 m (4,920 ft) elevation are comfortable 15-20°C (59-68°F) for day hiking.

Booking Tip: Multi-day treks cost ₺2,500-4,000 ($85-135) including guide and meals. Book 2-3 weeks ahead as local guesthouses have limited capacity. Day hikes require sturdy boots for muddy spring trails and layers for elevation changes.

Pamukkale Thermal Pool Visits

Spring weather makes the 2 km (1.2 miles) barefoot walk across Pamukkale's terraces comfortable - not too hot for feet on white calcium deposits, not too cool for thermal pool enjoyment. May avoids summer's scorching midday sun reflecting off white travertine, which can be unbearable by July.

Booking Tip: Entry costs ₺200 ($7) plus parking. Arrive at opening (8am) or after 4pm to avoid tour group crowds and harsh lighting for photos. Hierapolis ancient city exploration requires 3-4 hours in addition to terrace time.

May Events & Festivals

Mid to Late May

Istanbul Music Festival

International classical music and opera performances in historic venues like Hagia Irene and Rumeli Fortress. Features world-renowned orchestras and soloists in acoustically perfect Byzantine and Ottoman settings unavailable elsewhere.

Late May

Selcuk Ephesus Festival

Cultural performances and exhibitions celebrating the ancient city's heritage. Local artisan demonstrations, traditional music performances, and special nighttime illumination of the ruins create unique photo opportunities.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight layers - mornings can be 15°C (59°F) while afternoons reach 28°C (82°F), especially in Central Anatolia

Waterproof day pack cover - May's 8 rainy days bring sudden 30-minute downpours that can soak electronics

Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support - spring snowmelt makes ancient site paths slippery, especially at Ephesus and Pergamon

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 7 reflects strongly off white limestone ruins and travertine terraces

Light scarf or shawl - required for mosque visits and useful for air-conditioned buses between sites

Portable phone charger - longer daylight hours (14+ hours) mean extended sightseeing but more battery drain

Quick-dry pants - essential for Cappadocia valley hikes and boat excursions where shorts aren't culturally appropriate

Warm sleepwear - hotel heating systems often shut off by May, and nights in Cappadocia drop to 12°C (54°F)

Waterproof watch - thermal pools and boat activities are central to May itineraries

Small denomination Turkish Lira - many historical sites and local transport still require cash payments

Insider Knowledge

Turkish university students finish exams in mid-May, leading to increased domestic travel during the last week - book accommodations in Cappadocia and coastal areas before May 20th to avoid competition

Many Turks take extended weekend trips around May 19th (Youth and Sports Day holiday), creating brief price spikes and crowding at major attractions - plan major sightseeing for May 15-18 or after May 22

Spring cleaning season means many small family restaurants deep-clean and update menus in early May - the best local spots often reopen with seasonal ingredients around May 10-15

May is when Turkish Airlines and bus companies release summer schedule changes - check transportation between cities 2-3 weeks before travel as routes and timing often shift from winter schedules

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming all coastal businesses are fully operational - many beachfront restaurants in smaller towns like Cirali and Olympos don't open until June, limiting dinner options

Packing only summer clothes - May evenings in Istanbul and Central Turkey require light jackets, and mountain areas need warm layers even during the day

Not checking for Turkish public holidays - May 19th (Youth and Sports Day) affects museum hours and creates domestic travel rushes that impact tourist experiences