Month guide · Jerusalem · Israel
Jerusalem in May
What May is really like in Jerusalem: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Berthold Werner, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
May is one of the best months to visit Jerusalem. Expect average highs of 25°C (77°F), lows of 14°C (57°F), about 1 rainy days and roughly 13.8 hours of daylight. Warm, dry and clear; one of the most comfortable months for walking.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 25°C (77°F) / 14°C (57°F)
- Rainy days
- About 1
- Daylight
- About 13.8 hours
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in May
May is the 5th-warmest month in Jerusalem: days average 25°C (77°F) against a yearly average high of 22°C (72°F), and nights fall to about 14°C (57°F). Rain falls on roughly 1 of its 31 days. Compared with April (21°C (70°F)), May is warmer; by June highs climb to around 28°C (82°F).
- Sunrise (15 May)
- About 05:42
- Sunset (15 May)
- About 19:28
- Daylight
- About 13.8 hours
Spring (March–May). Wildflowers, comfortable temperatures and the peak pilgrim season around Easter and Passover, when rooms are scarce.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, May rates 4 for crowds (the peak is April at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in April). Book accommodation early: May is one of the pricier months.
Events in May
May has no major recurring festival in Jerusalem, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in May
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Historic site · Old City
Old City walls and Ramparts Walk
Start at Jaffa Gate and take the northern section towards Damascus Gate for the best views into the Christian and Muslim quarters.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Views
- History
- Outdoors
- Photo spot
Museum · Jaffa Gate
Tower of David Museum
The citadel beside Jaffa Gate has layers from the Hasmonean, Herodian, Crusader, Mamluk and Ottoman periods and now houses the Jerusalem history museum, which reopened in 2023 with new galleries.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- History
- Views
- Rainy day
- After dark
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Neighbourhood · Jewish Quarter
Jewish Quarter, Cardo and Hurva Synagogue
Climb to the Hurva's balcony for one of the best views across to the Mount of Olives.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Architecture
- Views
Viewpoint · Mount of Olives
Mount of Olives
The ridge east of the Old City gives the classic view across the Kidron Valley to the walls and the Dome of the Rock.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- Photo spot
- History
What to pack
For highs near 25°C, lows near 14°C and 1 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; comfortable walking shoes.
Is May a good time to visit Jerusalem?
One of the best months to visit Jerusalem. The other best months are April, June and September–November. Compare every month.
Jerusalem in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is May a good time to visit Jerusalem?
It is one of the best months to visit Jerusalem. Warm, dry and clear; one of the most comfortable months for walking.
+How warm is Jerusalem in May?
Average highs are around 25°C (77°F) and lows around 14°C (57°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Jerusalem in May?
Expect rain on about 1 days of the month, so it is usually dry.