Syria in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Syria

35°C (95°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

15mm (0.6 inches) Rainfall

45% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather in mountains - cool mornings at 18°C (64°F) ideal for Krak des Chevaliers and Qalaat Salaheddine exploration before noon heat
Almond and apricot harvest season in Damascus countryside - locals celebrate with traditional festivals and fresh fruit markets throughout the month
Optimal conditions for archaeological sites - low rainfall (only 3 days) means minimal mud at Palmyra and Bosra excavations
Ramadan typically ends early May creating celebratory atmosphere with extended restaurant hours and special Eid al-Fitr sweets in souks

Considerations

Intense midday heat reaches 35°C (95°F) making afternoon sightseeing uncomfortable - most locals retreat indoors 12pm-4pm
Khamsin dust storms occur 2-3 times monthly, reducing visibility and affecting those with respiratory issues
Peak European tourist season means higher accommodation prices and crowded transport on Damascus-Aleppo route

Best Activities in May

Ancient City Archaeological Tours

May's dry conditions make this the optimal month for exploring Palmyra's ruins and Bosra's Roman theater. Morning temperatures of 18°C (64°F) are perfect for extensive walking, and minimal rainfall means clear access to all excavation areas. The golden hour light at 6am creates impressive photography conditions at Temple of Bel.

Booking Tip: Book certified archaeological guides 2-3 weeks ahead through Syrian tourism offices. Tours typically cost $40-80 USD per day. Look for guides with Ministry of Tourism licenses who can access restricted areas. See current tour options in booking section below.

Damascus Old City Walking Tours

The souks and Umayyad Mosque are most comfortable to explore during May's mild mornings before heat intensifies. Local craftsmen are most active 7am-11am, offering authentic interactions. Post-Ramadan celebrations often extend into early May with special exhibitions and cultural events.

Booking Tip: Start tours at 7am to avoid midday crowds and heat. Licensed cultural guides charge $30-50 USD for half-day tours. Look for guides registered with Damascus Tourism Authority. See current guided tour options in booking section below.

Coastal Mediterranean Excursions

Lattakia and Tartous coastal areas enjoy perfect 25°C (77°F) temperatures in May with refreshing sea breezes. Beach season begins with locals returning to waterfront cafes and fresh seafood becomes abundant. Ideal for combining beach relaxation with nearby Crusader castle visits.

Booking Tip: Coastal day trips from Damascus typically cost $60-100 USD including transport. Book through licensed travel agencies 10-14 days ahead. Choose tours that include both beach time and historical sites. See current coastal tour options in booking section below.

Mountain Village Cultural Experiences

Maaloula and surrounding Christian villages celebrate spring festivals in May with traditional music and local wine tastings. Cool mountain temperatures make hiking between villages comfortable, and apricot groves are in full bloom creating spectacular landscapes.

Booking Tip: Village tours with cultural experiences range $35-65 USD per day. Book with operators who have established village relationships for authentic homestay options. Transportation to mountains requires 4WD vehicles. See current mountain tour options in booking section below.

Traditional Crafts Workshop Tours

May's comfortable indoor temperatures make extended craft workshops enjoyable. Damascus metalwork, Aleppo soap making, and textile weaving are most active post-Ramadan when artisans resume full production schedules. Many workshops offer hands-on experiences unavailable during summer heat.

Booking Tip: Half-day craft workshops cost $25-45 USD including materials. Book through cultural centers or established workshops with tourism licenses. Morning sessions 8am-12pm are optimal. See current workshop options in booking section below.

May Events & Festivals

Early May

Eid al-Fitr Celebrations

Post-Ramadan festivities typically occur early May with extended market hours, special sweets in Damascus souks, and traditional music performances in public squares. Locals dress in finest clothes and visit family, creating busy street atmosphere.

Mid May

Damascus Rose Festival

Al-Mrah region near Damascus celebrates rose harvest with traditional distillation demonstrations and rose water production. Local families welcome visitors to observe traditional methods used for centuries in perfume and culinary preparation.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long-sleeve cotton shirts - protect from intense UV index 9 while staying cool in 35°C (95°F) heat

Quality dust mask or scarf - khamsin dust storms occur 2-3 times monthly and can be severe

Insulated water bottle - dehydration happens quickly in dry 45% humidity conditions

SPF 50+ sunscreen - desert sun is relentless especially at archaeological sites with no shade

Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes - essential for rocky terrain at Palmyra and crusader castles

Light jacket for evenings - temperatures drop to 18°C (64°F) after sunset

Portable phone charger - longer daylight hours mean extended sightseeing and more battery drain

Cash in small bills - many local vendors and guides prefer cash transactions in Syrian pounds

Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees - required for mosque visits and shows cultural respect

Electrolyte packets - essential replacement for minerals lost through perspiration in dry heat

Insider Knowledge

Locals start major activities at 6am during May to avoid midday heat - join morning prayers at Umayyad Mosque for authentic cultural experience

Damascus taxi drivers offer 30% discounts for pre-noon trips when demand is lower - negotiate morning archaeological site tours

Many government museums close 1pm-4pm in May for heat break - plan cultural sites for early morning or late afternoon slots

Traditional hammams (bathhouses) extend evening hours post-Ramadan in May - visit after 7pm for most authentic local atmosphere with traditional treatments at peak quality

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities between 12pm-4pm when temperatures peak at 35°C (95°F) and locals retreat indoors

Underestimating water needs - desert conditions require 3-4 liters daily even without intense physical activity

Wearing dark colors that absorb heat rather than light-colored loose cotton that reflects sunlight and allows air circulation