2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Istanbul — May

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain. Recommended month to visit.

🌟 Climate Overview

May is an excellent time to visit Istanbul. Warm weather with highs of 20°C—great for outdoor activities. As peak season, expect higher prices and more tourists.

7
GoTripzi Score Great

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

20°C

Avg Low

14°C

Rainy days

7days

Daylight

14.5h

Rainfall

32mm

Sunshine

11.7h/day

Humidity

75%

Humid
Sun Strength

8.9

Very High
Wind

20 km/h (gusts 32)

Is May a good time to visit Istanbul?

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain.

Now

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Feels like --
Wind --
Humidity --
UV Index --
Local time —

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Very Busy
  • Travel Costs Peak Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

05:47

Sunset

20:15

14.5h daylight

Visiting Istanbul in May: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Comfortable temperatures for sightseeing
  • Abundant sunshine for beach and outdoor fun
  • Long daylight hours maximize sightseeing time
  • One of the best months to visit

Cons

  • Peak season — expect crowds and higher prices
  • Very high UV — sunscreen and shade essential

Things to Do in May

Recommended for This Weather

🚶 Walking tours & sightseeing
🚲 Cycling & bike tours
🥾 Hiking & nature trails
🍜 Food tours & culinary experiences
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

Istanbul Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 10°C 7°C 12d (93mm) 6h
78% Humid
2.6 Moderate
Good
Feb 10°C 6°C 12d (78mm) 7.6h
77% Humid
3.9 Moderate
Good
Mar 11°C 7°C 12d (69mm) 8.4h
77% Humid
5.5 High
Good
Apr 15°C 10°C 10d (68mm) 9.8h
76% Humid
7.4 Very High
Excellent
May Current 20°C 14°C 7d (32mm) 11.7h
75% Humid
8.9 Very High
Excellent
Jun 25°C 19°C 5d (26mm) 13.4h
73% Humid
10 Very High
Good
Jul 28°C 22°C 3d (19mm) 13.4h
70% Humid
10.2 Extreme
Good
Aug 28°C 23°C 3d (13mm) 12.3h
71% Humid
8.8 Very High
Good
Sep 25°C 20°C 6d (35mm) 10.7h
71% Humid
6.5 High
Excellent
Oct 20°C 16°C 7d (57mm) 8.6h
76% Humid
4.4 Moderate
Excellent
Nov 16°C 12°C 10d (82mm) 6.9h
77% Humid
2.9 Moderate
Good
Dec 13°C 9°C 13d (79mm) 5.6h
80% Very Humid
2.2 Moderate
Wet

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Your Best MonthJulScore: 8.4
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66.Jan
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5.610.Mar
5.111.May
4.712.Apr
3.8

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Istanbul – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

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Istanbul

Where East meets West – Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, bustling bazaars like the Grand Bazaar, Bosphorus cruises, and layers of history.

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What to Pack for May

Dress in layers — a mix of long sleeves, light sweaters, and a versatile jacket works best for changeable conditions. Pack a compact umbrella or light rain jacket for occasional showers. Don't forget a wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen — the sun is strong.

Moderate Very Busy

🎒Personalized Packing List

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Your Packing List

📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to Istanbul?

🔥 Peak season — book early for best rates

Frequently Asked Questions

Is May a good time to visit Istanbul?
May is typically excellent for visiting Istanbul, with average highs of 20°C and around 7 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in Istanbul in May?
Evenings in Istanbul during May are mild at 14°C. A light cardigan or long sleeves for evenings is usually enough. Outdoor dining remains comfortable, making it a great time to enjoy rooftop bars and terrace restaurants.
What should I pack for Istanbul in May?
With highs of 20°C and lows of 14°C in May, we recommend: Compact umbrella, Comfortable walking shoes. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in Istanbul in May?
Istanbul typically sees around 7 rainy days in May. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
How many hours of daylight are there in Istanbul in May?
In May, Istanbul gets approximately 14.5 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is May peak season in Istanbul?
Yes, May is peak season in Istanbul. Expect higher prices for accommodation and more crowds at popular attractions, but also the best weather conditions. Book hotels and major attractions in advance to secure availability and better rates.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: Europe/Istanbul)

Last Updated: February 2026

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