Month guide · Yogyakarta · Indonesia
Yogyakarta in May
What May is really like in Yogyakarta: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
May is one of the best months to visit Yogyakarta. Expect average highs of 31°C (88°F), lows of 22°C (72°F), about 8 rainy days and roughly 11.8 hours of daylight. Dry season begins; clear sunrises at Borobudur become more likely.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 31°C (88°F) / 22°C (72°F)
- Rainy days
- About 8
- Daylight
- About 11.8 hours
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Weather in May
May is the 5th-warmest month in Yogyakarta: days average 31°C (88°F) against a yearly average high of 31°C (88°F), and nights fall to about 22°C (72°F). Rain falls on roughly 8 of its 31 days. Compared with April (31°C (88°F)), May is about as warm; by June highs stay near 31°C (88°F).
- Sunrise (15 May)
- About 05:42
- Sunset (15 May)
- About 17:27
- Daylight
- About 11.8 hours
Peak wet season (January–February). Heavy daily downpours and humidity, but green rice fields, quiet temples and low prices.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, May rates 3 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in July). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in May
- Vesak — Buddhist procession from Mendut to Borobudur (usually May or June)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in May
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
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Palace · Kraton and Taman Sari
Kraton (Sultan's Palace)
Go in the morning to catch a performance and hire one of the official guides at the entrance to explain the symbolism.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- History
- Architecture
- Art
Street · Malioboro
Malioboro Street
Yogyakarta's main street runs from Tugu station towards the Kraton, lined with batik and souvenir shops, Beringharjo Market and Fort Vredeburg.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- Shopping
- After dark
- Food
Experience · Sleman (17 km east)
Ramayana Ballet at Prambanan
Book open-air seats on the side facing the temples, and bring a light layer and insect repellent.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- After dark
- Art
- Couples
- Iconic
Historic site · Kraton and Taman Sari
Taman Sari Water Castle
The 18th-century royal pleasure garden has restored bathing pools surrounded by ornate gateways, plus tunnels leading to Sumur Gumuling, a circular underground mosque with crossing staircases.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Architecture
- Photo spot
- Couples
- Kids
What to pack
For highs near 31°C, lows near 22°C and 8 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is May a good time to visit Yogyakarta?
One of the best months to visit Yogyakarta, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are June–September. Compare every month.
Yogyakarta in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is May a good time to visit Yogyakarta?
It is one of the best months to visit Yogyakarta. Dry season begins; clear sunrises at Borobudur become more likely.
+How warm is Yogyakarta in May?
Average highs are around 31°C (88°F) and lows around 22°C (72°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Yogyakarta in May?
Expect rain on about 8 days of the month.