Weather in Istanbul in 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. Istanbul has a Moderate climate with average yearly highs of 21°C, lows of 13°C, and approximately 9 rainy days per month.
21°C
13°C
9days
14.5h
Is May a good time to visit Istanbul?
The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain.
Daylight
5:47 AM
8:15 PM
Weather by Month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9°C | 4°C | 11 | Good |
| February | 11°C | 5°C | 13 | Wet |
| March | 13°C | 7°C | 8 | Good |
| April | 15°C | 7°C | 7 | Excellent (best) |
| May | 21°C | 13°C | 9 | Excellent (best) |
| June | 25°C | 18°C | 13 | Wet |
| July | 28°C | 21°C | 2 | Good |
| August | 29°C | 21°C | 1 | Good |
| September | 27°C | 20°C | 5 | Excellent (best) |
| October | 23°C | 16°C | 9 | Excellent (best) |
| November | 15°C | 10°C | 6 | Good |
| December | 13°C | 8°C | 7 | Good |
Weather data: Open-Meteo Archive (2020-2025) • Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0) • Historical avg. 2020–2025
What to Pack for May
Layers, a light jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and an umbrella.
Planning a trip to Istanbul?
Common Questions
Is May a good time to visit Istanbul? +
May is typically Excellent for visiting Istanbul, with average highs of 21°C and around 9 rainy days.
What should I pack for Istanbul in May? +
With highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C in {month}, we recommend: Layers, a light jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and an umbrella.
Does it rain a lot in Istanbul in May? +
Istanbul typically sees around 9 rainy days in May.
How many hours of daylight are there in Istanbul in May? +
In May, Istanbul gets approximately 14.5 hours of daylight per day.
Is May peak season in Istanbul? +
Yes, May is peak season in Istanbul. Expect higher prices and more crowds, but also the best weather.
What is the best month to visit Istanbul? +
The best months to visit Istanbul are April, May, September, October, when the weather is optimal for sightseeing.
More Istanbul Guides
Best Time to Visit
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Things to Do
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Itineraries
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Overview
Complete travel guide for Istanbul: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.