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Istanbul Weather in May, Turkey

Slide and Tap Other Months

  • What is Average Temperature?
    The average high temperature and the average low temperature for that month, on a daily basis, divided by 2 equals the average temperature for that month

    Temperature

    16°C
    61°F
  • What is Average High Low Temperature?
    The sum of high temperatures/low temperatures divided by the number of days in that month, recorded daily

    High Temperature

    20°C
    68°F
  • What is Average High Low Temperature?
    The sum of high temperatures/low temperatures divided by the number of days in that month, recorded daily

    Low Temperature

    12°C
    54°F
  • What is Average Day Temperature?
    The average temperature recorded between sunrise and sunset

    Day Temperature

    18°C
    66°F
  • What is Average Night Temperature?
    The average temperature recorded between sunset and sunrise

    Night Temperature

    18°C
    65°F
  • What is Average Sea Temperature?
    Average daily sea temperatures and divided by the number of days in the month. Sea Temperatures are taken from buoys, ships and even satellites can calculate sea temperature based on energy that is radiated from the sea's surface

    Sea Temperature

    16°C
    61°F
  • What are Average Daily Sunshine Hours?
    Total sunshine hours for the month, divided by the number of days in the month. Sunshine hours are taken with a sunshine recorder, either a Campbell-Stokes recorder or an Eppley Pyreheliometer

    Sunshine Hours

    9 hours
  • What is Average Rainfall?
    The amount of mm in rain for that month divided by the number of days, and the number of days that it rains during that month on average, over a given period of years

    Rainfall Days

    9 days
  • What is Average Rainfall?
    The amount of mm in rain for that month divided by the number of days, and the number of days that it rains during that month on average, over a given period of years

    Rainfall

    40 mm

May, 2024

Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
1 Avg 15º 59º
Thu
2 Avg 16º 61º
Fri
3 Avg 16º 61º
Sat
4 Avg 16º 61º
5 Avg 16º 61º
6 Avg 16º 61º
7 Avg 16º 61º
8 Avg 17º 63º
9 Avg 17º 63º
10 Avg 17º 63º
11 Avg 17º 63º
12 Avg 18º 64º
13 Avg 18º 64º
14 Avg 19º 66º
15 Avg 19º 66º
16 Avg 19º 66º
17 Avg 20º 68º
18 Avg 19º 66º
19 Avg 19º 66º
20 Avg 19º 66º
21 Avg 19º 66º
22 Avg 19º 66º
23 Avg 20º 68º
24 Avg 20º 68º
25 Avg 19º 66º
26 Avg 20º 68º
27 Avg 19º 66º
28 Avg 18º 64º
29 Avg 20º 68º
30 Avg 20º 68º
31 Avg 21º 70º
Forecast
Avg Historical Daily Average

What's the Weather like in Istanbul in May 

Temperature 

The end of spring in Istanbul, May sees pleasantly warm temperatures, lower rainfall averages and a gradually increasing number of sunshine hours. By the end of the month, it should feel much more summery and a little sunbathing may even be possible.

The average temperature in Istanbul in May is a very temperate 16C, with highs of 20C. Overnight, temperatures fall to 12C, which, while cool, is a vast improvement on the very cold nights of the preceding month of April.

The highest temperature ever recorded at this time is 34C, and by the end of the month that will no longer seem so far off. It's a similar story across Turkey, with temperatures in the south of the country generally marginally higher. In Dalaman the average temperature is 19C. Similarly, visitors to Alanya can expect highs of around 20C, with highs of 24C.

Sunshine Hours 

As the temperature rises, so do the number of sunshine hours. May sees around 9 hours of sunshine a day on average.

Mornings, particularly in the northernmost parts of the province, are still likely to be a little foggy but it should be clear skies by midday.

Rain

May also sees rainfall averages begin to fall. Only 40mm of rainfall over 9 days is expected throughout the month.

While there are still likely to be occasional showers, they should be light and quite short-lived. It will be wetter in the northernmost part of the province, where rainfall averages are higher all year round. In the south of the country, while the winter was much wetter, rainfall averages have fallen much more dramatically by this time.

Dalaman, for example, expects only 26mm of rainfall over 5 days in May.

Average Sea Temperature 

As the temperature rises and precipitation levels decrease, sea temperatures begin to warm up and on average reach a relatively warm 16C. Humidity levels in Istanbul are quite high all year round, but at this time are quite temperate 75%, and falling.

Istanbul Hotels in May 

The Levni Hotel & Spa

The Levni Hotel & Spa boasts an impressive array of facilities, including a delightful spa with a variety of treatments on offer, if you fancy some pampering, two restaurants and a café serving a range of Turkish and international cuisine.

Premist Hotel

The beautiful and luxurious Premist Hotel is located in the centre of the historic peninsula, right next to the walls of the Topkapi Palace, and only 150 meters from the Hagia Sophia. Designed completely in the Ottoman style, all the rooms have baths made from special Turkish mazarines. Some rooms also boast a view of the Marmara Sea.

Istanbul Beach for May 

Kilyos

Kilyos, 35 km north of the Galata Bridge, faces the deep, chilly waters of the Black Sea and is a favourite getaway for Istanbullus on hot summer afternoons.

It's a little further than some of the other beaches, but very accessible with city buses, minibuses and ferries regularly making the trip.

There is an entry fee, as with many of Istanbul's other beaches. This is also not the best area for swimming, with strong tides and currents, so (outside of peak time sunbathers) it's likely to be relatively quiet. There are a few watersports, and cafes serving drinks and snacks, but very few other amenities.

Sile

Sile is a small city on the edge of Istanbul province, about an hour's drive from the city.

It's a real favourite with locals, many of whom keep summer houses out here. ile is famous for its beaches, however, at the northernmost point of Istanbul, it shares the same sea conditions as other Black Sea towns and the strong undercurrents can be dangerous for inexperienced swimmers.

The sandy beaches are idyllic and pretty, surrounded by a lovely harbour and rolling green hills.

Bars and Restaurants 

Galata Bridge

Galata Bridge has a range of restaurants and bars along it, and is a great place to grab the traditional Turkish fisherman's lunch of fresh, fried fish in a roll (washed down with a cold local beer).

Suleymaniye Area

The Suleymaniye Camiiis not only historic, but a great place to sample one of Istanbul's traditional and refreshing sherbet drinks. Sellers spread themselves, and their carts, all over the area; so they shouldn't be hard to find. Just a few cents a glass, these sherbet drinks are a delicious treat on a hot day.

Nicole

Nicole is another rooftop restaurant serving gourmet Turkish food with an international twist. Expect higher prices, but if you're looking for a fantastic setting for a really special evening meal, it's still worth checking out.

Things to do in Istanbul in May 

Cemberlitas Baths

Many people feel their trip wouldn't be complete without a visit to one of the city's Turkish baths. The oldest surviving Turkish bath, Cemberlitas Baths, dates back to the 1500s and is a great place to get a feel for the history and culture surrounding the experience.

Suleymaniye Camii

Istanbul's grandest mosque complex is the Suleymaniye Camii. Visit to learn more about the famous Sultan who is buried here, as well as the master architect who designed these beautiful buildings almost 500 years ago. There are many traditionally dressed sellers in this area peddling glasses of sherbet for just a few cents. Well worth a try on a hot day.

 Gallipoli Peninsula

The Gallipoli Peninsula was declared a national park in 1973. The dramatic coastline, verdant woodlands and stunning views serve to offset its tumultuous history. It was here that the notable failed offensive by the Allies (the Gallipoli Campaign) in World War I took place in 1915. In Turkey, it is regarded as a defining moment in the nation's history and the struggle formed the basis for the Turkish War of Independence. Not to mention the founding of the Republic of Turkey eight years later.