Turkey Weather in May

Season: Spring

In short: Pleasant, moderate rainfall

Hagia Sophia in Istanbul

Turkey weather in May is pleasant, with the average monthly temperature climbing to 11-22°C (51.8-71.6°F). Cozy climate appears in almost all regions of Turkey. Even in Erzurum, one of the northernmost and highest cities, the temperature is at 5-17°C (41-62.6°F) on average. The average monthly precipitation is 45mm, and such moderate rainfall will not disrupt your travel plans. 

In terms of climate conditions, May is a prime time for Turkey travel. Ahead of the busy season, you can enjoy lower costs and better travel experiences in this month. 

The warmest cities in Turkey in May

Adana: 16-28°C (53.6-82.4°F); Antalya: 15-25°C (59-77°F); Izmir: 15-26°C (59-78.8°F)

The coldest cities in Turkey in May

Erzurum: 5-17°C (41-62.6°F); Van: 7-18°C (44.6-64.4°F); Konya: 8-22°C (46.4-71.6°F)

What to Pack for Your Turkey Trip in May

As spring transits to summer, you don’t need to pack heavy clothes for your Turkey trip in May. 

Central and eastern Turkey has pleasant climate in this month, so light long-sleeved shirts and trousers are recommended. In the morning and night or when temperature drops, a trench coat or outdoor jacket is helpful. 

The temperature in northern Turkey is similar to that of the central and eastern part, but rainfall is more frequent because it is adjacent to the Black Sea. Apart from above clothes, you can bring a pair of non-slip shoes and an umbrella to better adapt to the climate of the area. 

Early summer seems to already appear in the southern and southwestern Turkey. Therefore, lightweight summer clothing such as short sleeves, shorts and dresses will become your first choices during the day. And a light coat is necessary to cope with the cool sea breeze at night. Don’t forget to pack sunglasses and sunscreen for strong sun and UV rays.

Top Destinations to Visit in Turkey in May

Tourism Rate: 
In pleasant May, it’s good to visit both historical sites and unique landscapes, while it’s still cold to enjoy water sports along the Mediterranean coast.  

1. Konya

If you want to trace ancient Turkey in sunny weather, Konya in May is not to be missed. Konya is rich in the ruins of the Seljuk Empire (1037-1194), and the most famous of them is the Mevlana Museum. It was formerly the mausoleum of Mevlana, the founder of the Sufism, and later transformed into a museum. The museum displays many artifacts belonging to Mevlana and Sufism, such as handwritten books, candlesticks and instruments. Another impressive destination in Konya is Aziziye Mosque. It looks magnificent with its minarets and huge domes in the baroque architectural style. Sultanhan Caravanserai is the largest courier station on the ancient Silk Road, and you can feel its prosperity through clever layout and magnificent architecture here. At the same time, Konya is a holy place for spiritual baptism. Watching Sufi Whirling Dervishes at Iran Medeniyeti can help you find serenity. When you’re done, you can experience local life in nearby craft shop full of Turkish style.

2. Ankara

How could you travel to Turkey without visiting its capital? Ankara is neither too hot nor too cold in May, which creates a wonderful opportunity to visit this historic city. One of the notable landmarks in Ankara is the magnificent Mausoleum of the Father of Turkey. It is built to honor Kemal Ataturk, the founding father of Turkey. The changing of the guard ceremony here is very distinctive and worth seeing. Ankara Castle is another local landmark that witnesses the history of Turkey. As you ascend old city walls of the castle, a broad panorama of Ankara will appear before you. Within the castle, you can also watch a performance of traditional Turkish songs. Furthermore, the Kocatepe Mosque offers a quiet atmosphere to experience Islamic culture. The tall dome, gorgeous chandelier and Turkish carpet all present the essence of traditional Turkish art. Ankara’s cuisine is certainly worth trying, and Pilav (stewed mutton) and Borek (dumplings) are recommended for you. 

3. Kas

Kas is unquestionably the best place to go if you want to take in the natural splendor of the Mediterranean in May. You can see the vibrant folk houses with classic Mediterranean style on both sides as you stroll down meandering slate streets in the town. At Kaputas Beach, the sea water is exceptionally clear, and it’s interesting to observe the various tones of blue when the waves come in. Like other Turkish cities, there are also monuments waiting for you to explore. The Antiphellos Theater is an important cultural site in the area, where you can not only experience the historical atmosphere, but also enjoy the blue sea view. You can come here at twilight to witness a breathtaking sunset. You’ll find a more romantic vibe here if you happen upon street singers. Next, pick a restaurant in the town. Enjoying the local cuisine while listening to the gentle sound of the sea is also a great way to spend your holiday.

May Weather of Major Turkey Destinations

City	Temp.	Rainfall (mm)	Humi- dity(%)	Sunrise/ Sunset
Istanbul	14-22°C (48.2 - 62.6°F)	33	69	05:34-06:02 / 20:00-20:28
Ephesus	16-25°C (60.8 - 77°F)	18	61	05:50-06:15 / 20:00-20:26
Antalya	16-26°C (60.8 - 78.8°F)	35	66	05:40-06:03 / 19:45-20:09
Cappadocia	7-23°C (44.6 - 73.4°F)	50	58	05:45-06:26 / 19:03-19:31
Pamukkale	15-28°C (59 - 82.4°F)	49	45	05:43-06:08 / 19:53-20:19
Canakkale	13-24°C (55.4 - 75.2°F)	35	68	05:47-06:14 / 20:08-20:36
Fethiye	14-26°C (57.2 - 78.8°F)	31	68	05:46-06:10 / 19:51-20:15
Konya	9-23°C (48.2 - 73.4°F)	35	52	05:30-05:54 / 19:40-20:05
Pergamon	14-27°C (57.2 - 80.6°F)	23	56	05:47-06:13 / 20:03-20:30
Ankara	9-23°C (48.2 - 73.4°F)	58	57	05:22-05:49 / 19:42-20:10
Trabzon	14-19°C (57.2 - 66.2°F)	48	80	04:52-05:19 / 19:17-19:45