Weather in Side in May

How May compares

May is the 6th warmest month of the year in Side. Within Turkey it is 18th of 18 (Turkey in May). Against London's average high of 16.6°C in May, Side is 2.5°C warmer by day and 3.9°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in May

The typical May day in Side peaks at 19.1°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 23.8°C or more. Roughly 1 in 20 days top 25°C and 1 in 200 pass 30°C. Nights average 12.2°C; one night in ten drops to 8.5°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 36.7°C (2020-05-21) and the coldest night 4.8°C (1994-05-06).

Rain in May

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 15 days with 1 mm or more, 104 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest May was 1991 with 230 mm, the driest 2002 with 38 mm. Humidity averages 85%.

Sea temperature in May

The sea averages 14.9°C - too cold for most (under 18°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 13.9°C to 15.9°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (25.5°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 6.3 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 14.3 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 05:12 and sets about 19:41 local time in mid-May. Average cloud cover is 56%.

Is May a good time to visit Side?

May is not the strongest month here: mild days and frequent rain. The best months for Side on our scoring are July, August, June; months averaging 25°C or more: Jul, Aug.

Comfortable days, but pack for cool evenings

The average daytime high makes May more suited to walking and spending time outside than relying on hot afternoons by the water. Warmer spells do happen: the warmest 10% of days reach 23.8°C or more, but only 5% reach 25°C. Treat that extra warmth as a bonus rather than the basis of your plans. Nights average 12.2°C, with the coldest 10% falling to 8.5°C or below, so a jumper and a jacket deserve space in your bag. Light layers give you room to adjust through the day, while long trousers will be useful if you want to sit outside after dark.

Rain is a real part of the decision

May is wet enough that you should plan around rain rather than assume it will miss your stay. About 15 days receive at least 1 mm, so bring a waterproof jacket and shoes you are comfortable wearing in wet conditions. That does not mean every rainy day is a washout, but it does make a rigid outdoor schedule a poor fit. There are about 6.3 hours of sunshine within 14.3 hours of daylight, leaving plenty of daylight without promising continuous sun. Keep your plans flexible, take advantage of dry spells, and make sure you would still enjoy the trip if some outdoor time gets interrupted.

The sea is the main catch for a beach holiday

At an average of 14.9°C, the sea is cold rather than merely refreshing. Its year-to-year range of 14°C to 16°C is still well below the 22°C threshold for comfortable swimming, so do not count on a warmer year solving that problem. A brief dip may suit you if you already enjoy cold water, but relaxed, lingering swims are not a sensible expectation. Time beside the sea is a better fit than a holiday built around being in it. Pack something warm to put on afterwards if you do swim, and judge May by its mild outdoor weather rather than by summer beach expectations.