Turkey (Istanbul) · May
Low seasonTurkey · Europe
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 10° (50°)1– (34–)17 (63) | 11° (52°)2– (36–)18 (64) | 13° (55°)6– (43–)21 (70) | 17° (63°)10– (50–)25 (77) | 22° (72°)15– (59–)29 (84) | 27° (81°)21– (70–)32 (90) | 30° (86°)24– (75–)33 (91) | 30° (86°)25– (77–)33 (91) | 26° (79°)19– (66–)31 (88) | 21° (70°)13– (55–)25 (77) | 16° (61°)9– (48–)22 (72) | 12° (54°)4– (39–)19 (66) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 5° (41°)-3– (27–)11 (52) | 5° (41°)-2– (28–)11 (52) | 7° (45°)0– (32–)12 (54) | 10° (50°)5– (41–)15 (59) | 15° (59°)9– (48–)20 (68) | 20° (68°)15– (59–)23 (73) | 22° (72°)18– (64–)25 (77) | 23° (73°)19– (66–)25 (77) | 19° (66°)13– (55–)23 (73) | 15° (59°)8– (46–)19 (66) | 11° (52°)4– (39–)16 (61) | 7° (45°)-1– (30–)13 (55) |
☀️Sunshine | 4h | 5h | 6h | 7h | 7h | 8h | 9h | 9h | 7h | 5h | 4h | 3h |
🌊Water Temp | 9° (48°) | 8° (46°) | 9° (48°) | 12° (54°) | 17° (63°) | 22° (72°) | 26° (79°) | 27° (81°) | 24° (75°) | 20° (68°) | 16° (61°) | 12° (54°) |
🌧Rain Days | 9d77mm (3.0") | 7d62mm (2.4") | 7d51mm (2.0") | 4d37mm (1.5") | 4d31mm (1.2") | 4d30mm (1.2") | 2d19mm (0.8") | 2d18mm (0.7") | 4d45mm (1.8") | 6d56mm (2.2") | 6d64mm (2.5") | 8d75mm (2.9") |
Best travel time current monthØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Still off-season — flights and hotels significantly cheaper than in June.
May in Turkey (Istanbul) at 22°C (72°F) is too cool for a beach holiday, but suitable for sightseeing and hiking. The best travel months are June, July, August, and September.
Daytime highs average 22°C (72°F), cooling to 15°C (59°F) at night (daily average: 18°C (64°F)). Peaks reach around 29°C (84°F), the coldest nights around 9°C (48°F). The sun shines an average of 7 hours per day; there are 4 rain days with 31 mm (1.2 in) total. At 17°C (63°F), the water is still quite cool in May — a wetsuit may be useful.
A jacket for cool evenings should not be left behind. Sightseeing and excursions can be enjoyed comfortably at this time of year.
Tulip spring: millions of tulips bloom in Emirgan Park and along every promenade — an Ottoman tradition that turns the city into a carpet of flowers every year. The best temperatures for exploring Beyoğlu, Karaköy and the historic peninsula.
Packing list for Turkey (Istanbul) in May
- Long-sleeved shirts and light trousers
- Light jacket
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Small umbrella (occasional showers possible)
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is May a good time to visit Turkey (Istanbul)?
- May is not an optimal month for Turkey (Istanbul) (Score: 72/100), but it is manageable. For better conditions, consider June, July, August, and September.
- How warm is it in Turkey (Istanbul) in May?
- In May, Turkey (Istanbul) sees daily highs of 22°C (72°F). Nights cool to 15°C (59°F), with a daily average of 18°C (64°F). Peaks reach around 29°C (84°F), the coldest nights around 9°C (48°F).
- How much rain falls in Turkey (Istanbul) in May?
- In May, Turkey (Istanbul) receives an average of 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain over 4 rain days. That is comparatively dry.
- How many sunshine hours does Turkey (Istanbul) get in May?
- Turkey (Istanbul) averages 7 sunshine hours per day in May — above the annual average.
- How warm is the water in Turkey (Istanbul) in May?
- Water temperature in Turkey (Istanbul) in May averages 17°C (63°F) — still quite cool — a wetsuit may be useful.
