Weather in Antalya in May

How May compares

May is the 5th warmest month of the year in Antalya and ranks 56th of 134 destinations we compare for May - see where else is hot in May. Within Turkey it is 3rd of 18 (Turkey in May). Against London's average high of 16.6°C in May, Antalya is 8.2°C warmer by day and 6.0°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in May

The typical May day in Antalya peaks at 24.8°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 29.9°C or more. Roughly 1 in 2 days top 25°C and 1 in 10 pass 30°C. Nights average 14.3°C; one night in ten drops to 11.4°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings - it is genuinely cool after dark. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest May day here reached 41.0°C (2020-05-18) and the coldest night 8.3°C (1995-05-08).

Rain in May

Some rain (4-8 rainy days): about 6 days with 1 mm or more, 50 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest May was 1993 with 156 mm, the driest 1999 with 3 mm. Humidity averages 67%.

Sea temperature in May

The sea averages 21.1°C - bracing (18-22°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 20.2°C to 21.8°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (29.0°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 9.4 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 14.0 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 05:49 and sets about 19:58 local time in mid-May. Average cloud cover is 33%.

Is May a good time to visit Antalya?

Yes - it is one of the better months: warm days, manageable rain and long sunny days. The best months for Antalya on our scoring are June, September, May; months averaging 25°C or more: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.

Warm days, with a cooler edge after dark

Expect warmth rather than consistently hot weather. Days reach 25°C about 45% of the time, while 30°C is reached on 10% of days, so pack for an occasional hotter afternoon as well as milder spells. Lightweight clothes make sense during the day; on hotter days, keep more active plans away from midday if heat bothers you. Evenings need a different approach. The average night low is 14.3°C, and the coldest nights can fall to 11.4°C or below. A jumper or light jacket is useful for sitting outside late, rather than something to leave at home because the destination is Turkey.

Plenty of sunshine, but leave room for rain

May brings about 9.4 hours of sunshine within 14 hours of daylight, giving you a generous window for outdoor plans without needing an early start every day. Rain is still part of the picture, with about 6 rainy days during the month. That is enough to make a completely dry holiday something to hope for, not assume. Keep your plans flexible and pack a light waterproof rather than treating every day as guaranteed beach weather. The balance suits travellers who want plenty of time outside and can adjust when rain arrives; it is less convincing if uninterrupted sunshine is your main requirement.

The sea is the main compromise

The sea averages 21.1°C in May, which puts it in the bracing category. If you enjoy cool water, swimming may be part of the appeal, but travellers who prefer a warm sea should keep expectations modest. The year-to-year range is 20°C to 22°C, so the feel of the water can vary, and a warm afternoon does not guarantee a comfortable swim. May therefore suits a holiday where time by the water matters more than spending long stretches in it. Pack swimwear, but make swimming an option rather than the measure of a successful trip. The air offers more dependable warmth than the sea.