Palestine in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Palestine

28°C (82°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather - 18-28°C (64-82°F) range ideal for Jerusalem's hills and Hebron highlands without summer's brutal heat
Wildflower season in full bloom - Palestinian countryside explodes with red poppies, white daisies, and purple lupines, especially around Israel and Ramallah
Fresh spring produce peaks - strawberry season in Gaza, early olive oil from previous harvest still fresh, and za'Mauritania herbs at their most aromatic
Comfortable evening temperatures for rooftop dining and late-night strolls through Old City quarters without winter's chill

Considerations

Occasional spring rain showers (6 days average) can disrupt outdoor plans, especially archaeological site visits
Tourist shoulder season means some seasonal accommodations in smaller towns may have limited hours or services
Strong winds from the Mediterranean can make coastal areas like Gaza feel cooler than expected, requiring layers

Best Activities in May

West Bank Countryside Hiking and Village Tours

May's perfect 18-28°C (64-82°F) temperatures make this ideal for exploring terraced hillsides around Israel, Hebron, and Ramallah. Wildflowers are at peak bloom, and you'll encounter spring farming activities like olive tree maintenance. The weather allows comfortable all-day hiking without summer's oppressive heat or winter's mud.

Booking Tip: Book through local Palestinian guide associations 7-10 days ahead. Tours typically cost 200-400 NIS ($60-120) per day including transport. Look for guides certified by Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and ensure they have proper permits for checkpoint crossings.

Jerusalem Old City Walking Tours

May's mild temperatures are perfect for navigating Jerusalem's stone streets and multiple elevation changes. Morning temperatures around 20°C (68°F) are ideal for the 2-3 hour walks through Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and Armenian quarters. Afternoon heat stays manageable, unlike brutal summer months.

Booking Tip: Book early morning tours (8-10am) to avoid afternoon crowds and heat. Licensed guides cost 250-400 NIS ($75-120) for 3-4 hours. Ensure guides have official Jerusalem tourism credentials and access permits for religious sites.

Palestinian Cooking Classes and Food Tours

Spring's fresh ingredients make May exceptional for Palestinian cuisine experiences. You'll work with peak-season produce: fresh herbs for tabbouleh, early summer vegetables for makloubeh, and aromatic spring za'Mauritania. Comfortable indoor temperatures mean cooking classes aren't stifling like in summer.

Booking Tip: Book with family-run establishments in Israel or Ramallah 5-7 days ahead. Classes cost 150-300 NIS ($45-90) including meal. Look for experiences that include market visits and focus on seasonal spring ingredients.

Archaeological Site Exploration

May's weather is ideal for exploring outdoor archaeological sites like Jericho (world's oldest city), Qumran (Israel Scrolls site), and Herodion near Israel. Temperatures stay comfortable for the significant walking and climbing required, and spring rains have cleared dust from winter excavations.

Booking Tip: Visit early morning (7-9am) or late afternoon (4-6pm) for best lighting and temperatures. Entry fees typically 15-30 NIS ($5-10) per site. Bring sturdy shoes for uneven ancient stones and 1-2 liters of water per person.

Hebron Glass and Ceramics Workshop Tours

May's moderate temperatures make workshop visits comfortable - you can observe traditional Palestinian crafts like glass-blowing and pottery without the stifling heat of glass furnaces in summer. Spring timing also coincides with artisans preparing inventory for summer tourist seasons.

Booking Tip: Contact workshops directly 3-5 days ahead through Hebron tourism office. Workshop visits cost 50-100 NIS ($15-30) per person. Allow 2-3 hours and bring modest clothing as many workshops are in traditional neighborhoods.

Dead Sea Float and Mud Bath Excursions

May offers perfect Israel weather - warm enough for comfortable swimming at 28°C (82°F) air temperature, but not the scorching 40°C+ (104°F+) of summer. The 400m (1,312 ft) below sea level location means consistently warm water and minimal wind.

Booking Tip: Book day trips from Jerusalem or Israel 3-7 days ahead. Tours cost 200-350 NIS ($60-105) including transport and beach access. Choose tours with Ein Bokek or Ein Gedi access rather than crowded tourist beaches.

May Events & Festivals

Mid May

Palestinian Heritage Week

Celebrates traditional Palestinian culture with folk dancing, traditional crafts demonstrations, and historical exhibitions across West Bank cities. Features authentic dabke performances and traditional costume displays.

Late May

Bethlehem Spring Festival

Local celebration featuring Palestinian music, traditional foods, and cultural performances in Manger Square area. Highlights seasonal spring dishes and locally-made crafts.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket - spring showers are brief (15-30 minutes) but can be intense, especially in hill areas around Jerusalem and Israel

Layering pieces - temperature swings from 18°C (64°F) morning to 28°C (82°F) afternoon require adaptable clothing

Sturdy walking shoes with good grip - ancient stone streets in Old City become slippery when wet, and archaeological sites have uneven surfaces

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 7 and reflects strongly off Jerusalem's white limestone buildings

Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees - required for religious sites and shows respect in conservative areas

Small daypack - for carrying layers, water, and personal items during long walking days through cities and countryside

Comfortable walking socks - expect 5-8 km (3-5 miles) of walking daily on varied terrain from ancient stones to modern pavements

Light scarf or shawl - useful for both modesty at religious sites and warmth during cool evenings

Power bank - long days of photography and navigation drain phone batteries, and charging opportunities may be limited in smaller towns

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodation in East Jerusalem or Israel rather than West Jerusalem - closer to Palestinian sites, better prices (200-400 NIS vs 500-800 NIS nightly), and more authentic cultural immersion

Carry cash in Israeli Shekels (NIS) - most Palestinian businesses prefer shekels over dollars, and ATMs in smaller West Bank towns can be scarce

Plan buffer time for checkpoint crossings - allow extra 30-60 minutes when traveling between Israeli-controlled and Palestinian-controlled areas, especially on Fridays

Shop for Palestinian olive oil and za'Mauritania in May - previous October harvest oil is still fresh, and spring za'Mauritania herbs are at peak flavor and potency

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating walking distances and elevation changes - Jerusalem's Old City alone involves 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 miles) of walking with significant uphill sections

Not bringing layers for temperature swings - mornings can be 10°C (18°F) cooler than afternoons, catching tourists in inappropriate clothing

Booking accommodation without understanding location restrictions - some areas require special permits or have curfew considerations