May is generally warm and can be wet in parts of South and Southeast Asia as the monsoon starts to approach. It's a good time for travel in higher-altitude areas like the Himalaya or hill stations before monsoon impacts intensify.
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall, from each country's largest city. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Temperature map
-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Average temperature across Asia in May.
Where to Go in Asia in May
Western Asia & the Middle East
Turkey, Levant - Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Arabian Peninsula - Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Yemen
Warmer, sunnier days arrive for coastal Turkey and Lebanon, and the Arabian Peninsula heats up noticeably during daylight - Dubai and Doha become more reliably warm and dry. Inland Iran and Iraq see clearer skies but still cool nights, while mountain snowpack thins; seismic hiking routes start to reopen. Travelers should expect river valleys and archaeological sites to be muddy from winter melt and pack sturdy, waterproof shoes.
Full spring warmth and clear skies bring very agreeable conditions for city visits and trekking approaches: April sees carpets of wildflowers in Kyrgyz valleys and comfortable temperatures in Tashkent, while Turkmen desert landscapes are pleasantly dry. The best window for cross-country drives opens as mountain passes start to clear, but strong daytime winds still make camping on the steppe blustery; sunscreen and a light jacket are essential.
Siberia & the Russian Far East
Yakutia/Sakha, Krasnoyarsk, Irkutsk, Kamchatka, Vladivostok and Magadan
June opens the brief but intense summer: Siberian interiors and around Lake Baikal experience mild, mosquito-heavy weather with long daylight hours, while Kamchatka’s volcanic landscapes bloom and support wildlife viewing. This is the peak season for the Trans-Siberian Railway and for wilderness trekking in the taiga; book accommodation and guides ahead and bring robust insect repellant and lightweight rain gear.
The Himalaya & Tibetan Plateau
Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet/Autonomous Region, Sikkim and northern Indian ranges
By this stage the pre-monsoon trekking window is in full swing: clear mornings, warm afternoons and blossoming rhododendrons make for excellent trekking conditions around Pokhara and lower Everest regions. The Tibetan Plateau has short, dry days that are strong on sun and cold at night - ideal for high-altitude touring if you can tolerate sharp diurnal swings. Crowds peak on standard routes; book teahouses and permits ahead.
South Asia
India excluding high Himalaya, Pakistan lowlands, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives
The southwest monsoon typically breaks over Kerala and the southwest coast, bringing torrential rains and dramatically different travel conditions; heavy, sustained precipitation spreads through most of India and sets the tone for the next few months. Bangladesh and the eastern coasts also see increasing rain and risk of cyclones in active years. Beach and hill destinations on the western side of India can be very wet and slippery - indoor plans and flexible itineraries are crucial.
East Asia
China - coastal and central provinces, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan
Mild, often sunny conditions in much of Japan, Korea and central China make this prime travel season; Beijing and Seoul are comfortable for full-day urban exploration, and late-spring festivals draw visitors. The East Asian rainy season typically starts to build in pockets around late May-June (Meiyu in China and Baiu in Japan), especially affecting the Yangtze corridor and western Japan. Book accommodations early for popular cultural events.
Southeast Asia
Mainland: Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar; Maritime: Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Borneo, Timor
Widespread rain makes lowland trekking difficult and some rural roads impassable across mainland Southeast Asia; Mekong tributaries swell and outdoor temples can be slippery. On the other hand, western Indonesian islands and parts of Borneo can be in a more settled phase, offering better wildlife-spotting opportunities. Mosquito-borne disease risk is higher - pack repellant and take appropriate health precautions.
Events & Festivals in May
Golden Week (Japan, variable)
Series of national holidays in Japan that can affect travel (late April-early May).
Planning a trip to Asia?
See how May compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.
