Weather in Dalaman in May

How May compares

May is the 6th warmest month of the year in Dalaman. Within Turkey it is 7th of 18 (Turkey in May). Against London's average high of 16.6°C in May, Dalaman is 7.9°C warmer by day and 6.9°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in May

The typical May day in Dalaman peaks at 24.5°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 28.9°C or more. Roughly 1 in 2 days top 25°C and 1 in 19 pass 30°C. Nights average 15.2°C; one night in ten drops to 12.3°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest May day here reached 36.6°C (2020-05-16) and the coldest night 8.1°C (1997-05-03).

Rain in May

Some rain (4-8 rainy days): about 7 days with 1 mm or more, 39 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest May was 2018 with 89 mm, the driest 1999 with 3 mm. Humidity averages 69%.

Sea temperature in May

The sea averages 20.1°C - bracing (18-22°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 19.1°C to 20.9°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (27.5°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 9.9 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 14.0 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 05:57 and sets about 20:05 local time in mid-May. Average cloud cover is 29%.

Is May a good time to visit Dalaman?

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

Warm afternoons, but pack for cooler evenings

Light clothes should suit much of the daytime, but this is not a month to pack only beachwear. Days reach 25°C about 42% of the time, while 30°C is much less common, at 5%. That makes May a reasonable choice if you prefer warmth without frequent hot afternoons. Still, the warmer days call for shade around midday and a less ambitious pace. After sunset, trousers and a jumper are sensible: the coldest 10% of nights fall to 12.3°C or below. Choose May for comfortable outdoor time, not for a guarantee of heat from morning to night.

Plenty of sunshine, with room for rain

With about 9.9 hours of sunshine within 14.0 hours of daylight, May leaves plenty of scope for being outdoors. You can keep plans flexible rather than trying to fit everything into the middle of the day. The catch is that rain has not disappeared: there are about 7 rainy days across the month. That does not tell you how long any shower will last, so avoid assuming either constant rain or completely dry weather. Pack a light waterproof and leave space to rearrange outdoor plans. May suits travellers who can tolerate some unsettled weather in return for generally warm conditions.

The sea is the main compromise

The sea averages 20.1°C, with a year-to-year range of 19°C to 21°C, so swimming is more likely to feel refreshing than leisurely. If you are comfortable in cooler water, May may work well; if you like lingering in a warm sea, it is a weaker choice. Warm air on the shore does not mean the water will feel equally welcoming. For a holiday centred on swimming, take that distinction seriously before booking. If your priority is a broader balance of weather, September, June and October rate better overall, though May remains a reasonable option for warmth without frequent intense heat.