Istanbul in May 2026 – is it worth going on vacation? Weather and reviews, air and water temperature, how to dress, prices in hotels and excursions. What to see in Istanbul in early May and late spring, what to do, where to go in Turkey – says Eurotraveler.
Istanbul, the largest but not the main city in Turkey, rarely becomes the only object of interest in a traveler’s vacation plans. Usually it comes as a kind of “makeweight” – vacationers at Turkish resorts find it difficult to resist the temptation to see the former Constantinople. The capital of Imperial Byzantium and once the richest city in the world.
However, in May Istanbul can also be considered as an independent tourist destination. After all, when the weather allows swimming without restrictions except in Antalya and Alanya, travelers tend to first of all explore attractions.
So, on the threshold of summer, visiting the Hagia Sophia, walking around the huge Topkapi palace and park residence, and taking a cruise along the Bosphorus is more than reasonable. Moreover, with a high degree of probability you will walk everywhere without being crowded on all sides by other tourists!
How warm is it in Istanbul in May? Will there be an opportunity to swim in the Marmara or Black Sea? Are the prices high?
We tried to answer all these questions in our material!
Weather in Istanbul in May
It will almost certainly please you. Indeed, according to long-term statistics, it is distinguished by a very pleasant, predominantly cloudless character. An average day, and with it tourists, see up to 11-12 hours of sunshine.
The trees are turning green, the flower beds are blooming, people are walking around relaxed, inattentively listening to the words of the guide – you need to understand what to see in Istanbul first of all? The summer terraces of cafes and restaurants are lively – fresh air stimulates the desire to try all the dishes of traditional Turkish cuisine.
In a word, there is an atmosphere of peace, relaxation, contentment with life and… happiness everywhere
At the beginning of May, the air temperature in Istanbul during the day rarely rises above +18-20 °C. Yes, even in the second ten days of the month it is capable of dozing, staying for a long time at a level of +16 °C.
But then, starting around mid-May, it warms up in Istanbul not only to +22, but even +23-26 degrees Celsius. And closer to June, the air sometimes warms up not only to +30 ° C, but also to greater values!
Which, as some reviews indicate, becomes a real revelation (usually still pleasant) for many travelers.
At night until about the middle of the month it can be quite cheerful – from +8 to +12 °C. Therefore, reviews are replete with calls not to fall for advertising and take with you pullovers and hoodies – they will come in handy during cruises along the Bosphorus or evening promenades around the city.
At the end of May in Istanbul and after sunset it becomes warm – up to +21-23 degrees Celsius!
Precipitation and sun
Infrequent rains are not able to spoil the mood – probability have a clear day reaches 80%. As a result, air humidity is kept in a moderate range, ideal for long walking excursions: 65-75%.
The legendary Bosphorus shimmers with a rich turquoise color. And the ferries and boats scurrying around it seem to personify a turbulent time full of latent energy.
Resisting a boat trip at this time is beyond human strength!
The firmament turns serenely blue, forcing ever-preoccupied people to think about their short-sightedness. And the sunsets over the ancient city literally immerse you in silent admiration – they are so good!
It is clear to everyone that nature is preparing for summer. And not in a capricious, changeable mode, constantly changing anger for mercy. And quite generously, giving warm and light.
Water temperature
The Sea of Marmara off the coast of Istanbul in early May warms up to a modest +16-17 degrees Celsius. Therefore, you should not be surprised that although the ships going on cruises to the Princes’ Islands are crowded, you will not notice swimmers’ heads in the water.
Subsequently, the water temperature rises, if not exponentially, then along a curve that is vigorously climbing upward. Therefore, the Sea of Marmara warms up to +20 °C in mid-May, and to +22-23 °C at the end of May.
As a result, thoughts inevitably appear in the minds of travelers about bathing. And if not everyone dares to plunge into the Bosphorus, crowded with tankers, then the idea of going from Istanbul to swim somewhere in May does not look completely crazy.
We are not talking about the Black Sea – it has not yet warmed up sufficiently at this time. But why not inspect the resorts of the Marmara Sea?
After all, Mudanya is only 175 kilometers away from Istanbul along the highway? And it’s 270 minutes to Erdek, beloved by family vacationers?
By the way, some independent travelers (us) succumb to temptation on the threshold of summer. First, let’s go sightseeing in Istanbul, and then go to the beach!
Although once again – in May in Turkey you can swim far from everywhere!
Prices 2026
Flight prices depend greatly on where you travel from and where you return. If Moscow is listed as the starting point, then air tickets to Istanbul and back in early May will cost ~500 € per person.
However, someone who lives in Berlin or nearby will spend only 200 € on air transport; flights from London and back generally cost 120-150 €!
As for Istanbul hotels, they are aware of the demand for May dates among travelers (primarily Russians). And that’s why they keep prices high!
Finding a good option, and one located in the city center (at least the Fatih district), renting rooms for less than 100 € per night is problematic.
For inexpensive hotels, we would recommend choosing the Grand Peninsula Hotel in the Sultanahmet area. In terms of price-quality ratio, this is one of the most optimal options in Istanbul today.
About 100-110 € per room for four (!), breakfast included in the price. The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are a 5-8 minute walk away – try to find a similar offer!
In the Beyoglu area (that is, on the other side of the Golden Horn) there is a wonderful Roys Hotel & Suites. Noticeably more expensive (per night they ask from 150 € for 2 people), but it has earned a lot of good reviews.
Both for the size and equipment of the rooms (each has a kitchen corner), and for the location near Taksim Square and the stop of the “strategic” tram route T1. Which will take you to the very center of Istanbul in a short time.
Excursions
Thanks to the constant rise in price of everything in Turkey, it also cannot be called a completely budget pleasure. However, it is also too expensive – participation in a 3-4 hour sightseeing tour of Istanbul, for example, can be purchased for ~30-40 €.
A guided visit to Topkapi Palace and Gardens costs a minimum of 40-45 € per person (tickets not included). You will have to pay from 40 € for a tour that will introduce you to both the Sultanahment Mosque and the former Hagia Sophia.
Bosphorus cruises, however, are still inexpensive. And you can take part in the simplest of them (audio guide) for a fee of 20 € per person.
- Here are inexpensive excursions in and from Istanbul
Things to do
Obviously, the list of interesting places in Istanbul that are worth visiting at the end of spring is not much different from the same at any other time of the year. Looking for little-known “pearls” that are well hidden from the eyes of tourists is worth searching only for those who have already been to the city before and are hungry for new experiences.
That is, you will definitely want visit Hagia Sophia, now converted into a mosque. And – for sure – Sultanahmet, who was her from birth.
You should definitely spend a day exploring the Topkapi Palaces and Gardens. And the same amount for other Sultan’s residences – the same Dolmabahce.
You may want to take a closer look at the history of the city on an excursion.
The weather in May is frankly favorable for walks in the fresh air and tells you not to linger too long in the palace and museum halls. We recommend making the only exception for the Rahmi M. Koch Museum.
Where so many exhibits have been collected that just a cursory inspection would take several hours. There are many reviews about the collection on the Internet. And the majority are justifiably enthusiastic!
In no case should we lose sight of boat trips! And not only along the Bosphorus, but also longer ones – on Princes’ Islands or Adalary. The most environmentally friendly place in the whole city – the movement of vehicles with internal combustion engines has long been prohibited there.
Where to go
Another frankly interesting, although not so close, destination is the thermal resort of Yalova. The route appears in the programs of excursion agencies, among others. But, of course, you can easily get there on your own.
For those who are not afraid to rent a car, we can recommend visiting the ruins of Troy and feeling like Heinrich Schliemann. The remains of the ancient ancient city, around which such passions once boiled, are located near the town of Canakkale.
Yes, it will take about 400 km to travel from Istanbul along the highway. But along the way you will see the Dardanelles Strait.
A thoroughly historical place, around which serious passions have been boiling at all times!
A little adventurous, but on the whole the idea of getting to the ruins of ancient Ephesus, once the largest ancient Greek colony in Asia Minor, is correct. It is better, of course, to fly there by plane (Izmir airport). Because a trip by car to the town of Selcuk will take at least 6-7 hours.
As an option, you can take a trip to Cappadocia in May. Just keep in mind that you need to allocate at least 2-3 days to explore this region. Technically, there is nothing difficult about moving between Istanbul and Goreme – the trip by car will take about 7-8 hours.
© Eurotraveler
