Things to Do in Almaty in May

May Weather in Almaty

23°C (73°F) High Temp

11°C (52°F) Low Temp

99 mm (3.9 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather in the Tian Shan Mountains - snow has melted from lower trails but temperatures stay comfortable at 15-20°C (59-68°F) at 1,500m (4,921 ft) elevation
Apple blossoms peak in the Almaty region orchards during the second week of May, creating stunning white and pink landscapes perfect for photography
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs 30-40% less than summer peak season, with mid-range hotels averaging ₸15,000-25,000 ($33-55) per night
Optimal weather for exploring Almaty's outdoor markets and street life - warm enough for comfortable walking but cool enough to avoid summer's intense heat

Considerations

Unpredictable weather patterns with sudden temperature drops of 10-15°C (18-27°F) - you might experience 20°C (68°F) at noon and 5°C (41°F) by evening
Higher elevation attractions like Shymbulak ski resort are transitioning between seasons - cable cars may have limited schedules and some mountain restaurants remain closed
Frequent rain showers (10 days average) can disrupt outdoor plans, particularly affecting hiking trails which become muddy and slippery for 24-48 hours after rainfall

Best Activities in May

Big Almaty Lake Alpine Hiking

May offers the best conditions for reaching Big Almaty Lake at 2,511m (8,238 ft) - the access road is clear of snow but summer crowds haven't arrived. The lake's turquoise waters are most vibrant in spring melt conditions, and wildflowers bloom along the trail. Morning temperatures at the lake hover around 8-12°C (46-54°F), perfect for hiking without overheating.

Booking Tip: Book guided day trips 5-7 days ahead through licensed mountain tour operators, typically costing ₸8,000-15,000 ($18-33) per person including transport. Look for operators with proper mountain insurance and experienced guides familiar with spring trail conditions.

Kok-Tobe Hill Cable Car and Park Exploration

May weather is ideal for Kok-Tobe's outdoor attractions - the cable car operates smoothly without winter wind disruptions, and the hilltop park's gardens are in full spring bloom. Evening temperatures of 15-18°C (59-64°F) make sunset viewing comfortable, while the city lights become visible earlier due to spring cloud cover.

Booking Tip: Purchase cable car tickets on-site for ₸2,000-3,000 ($4.50-6.50) per person. Visit between 4-6 PM for optimal lighting and fewer crowds. No advance booking needed, but check operating hours as they extend in May to 10 PM on weekends.

Charyn Canyon Day Expeditions

May offers perfect conditions for Charyn Canyon - daytime temperatures reach 20-25°C (68-77°F) in the canyon, ideal for hiking without summer's scorching heat. Spring rains occasionally fill seasonal pools, creating unique photo opportunities. The 2-hour drive from Almaty showcases steppe wildflowers in bloom.

Booking Tip: Book full-day tours 3-5 days ahead, typically ₸12,000-20,000 ($26-44) per person including lunch and transport. Choose operators with 4WD vehicles for spring road conditions. Tours run 8 AM to 6 PM to maximize daylight hours.

Green Bazaar Food Market Tours

May brings spring produce to Green Bazaar - fresh herbs, early vegetables, and seasonal dairy products from nearby farms. The covered market provides shelter during May's frequent light rain, while moderate temperatures make browsing comfortable. Local vendors are more talkative during the slower shoulder season.

Booking Tip: Self-guided visits work best - arrive between 9-11 AM for freshest selection and most active atmosphere. Budget ₸3,000-5,000 ($6.50-11) for tastings and small purchases. Guided food tours available through cultural tour operators for ₸6,000-10,000 ($13-22) per person.

Medeu Ice Rink and Shymbulak Resort Access

May is transition season at Medeu - the outdoor ice rink operates until mid-May before seasonal closure, offering unique spring skating under mountain views. The scenic drive up Medeu Gorge showcases waterfalls at peak flow from snowmelt. Cable car to Shymbulak offers mountain views without ski season crowds.

Booking Tip: Check ice rink schedules before visiting - typically operates until May 15th with reduced hours. Cable car tickets cost ₸3,000-4,500 ($6.50-10) per person. Book mountain restaurant reservations if planning lunch, as many reopen in mid-May with limited seating.

Panfilov Park and Zenkov Cathedral Walking Tours

May weather makes Panfilov Park ideal for extended walking - the century-old elm trees are in full leaf, providing natural shade during afternoon warmth. The wooden Zenkov Cathedral's exterior maintenance is typically completed by May, offering unobstructed photography. Park benches and outdoor cafes reopen for the season.

Booking Tip: Self-guided visits are free and most rewarding during morning hours (8-11 AM) when light is optimal for cathedral photography. Historical walking tours available through cultural tour companies for ₸4,000-8,000 ($9-17) per person, typically lasting 2-3 hours.

May Events & Festivals

May 9

Victory Day Celebrations

May 9th Victory Day features military parades through central Almaty, wreath-laying ceremonies at war memorials, and veterans' gatherings in Panfilov Park. The city center closes to traffic, creating pedestrian-friendly conditions for observing commemorative events and traditional Kazakh cultural performances.

Early to Mid May

Apple Blossom Festival Season

Throughout May, the Almaty region's apple orchards celebrate blossom season with farm visits, photography workshops, and traditional Kazakh spring foods. Private orchards in the Ile-Alatau foothills open for guided tours featuring fresh kumys (fermented mare's milk) and traditional breads.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - temperatures can swing 15°C (27°F) between morning and afternoon, pack thermal base layer plus light cotton shirts

Waterproof hiking boots - essential for mountain trails that remain muddy for 1-2 days after May's frequent rain showers

Lightweight rain shell - afternoon storms develop quickly and last 20-45 minutes, often with little warning in mountain areas

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8, intensified by reflection off remaining snow patches at elevation above 2,000m (6,562 ft)

Portable umbrella - more practical than rain gear for city exploration during May's brief but frequent showers

Warm hat and gloves - evening temperatures drop to 5-8°C (41-46°F), especially noticeable during mountain excursions

Cash in small denominations - many mountain tour operators and market vendors prefer cash, ATMs become sparse above 1,500m (4,921 ft)

Sturdy backpack with waterproof cover - protects electronics and documents during sudden weather changes common in May

Insect repellent - spring snowmelt creates temporary breeding areas for mosquitoes in lower mountain valleys

Lip balm with SPF - dry spring air combined with higher elevation quickly causes chapping

Insider Knowledge

Almaty locals start their hiking season in earnest during May - follow groups of Kazakhstani hikers on weekends to discover unmarked trails and scenic viewpoints not mentioned in guidebooks

The city's heating system shuts down May 1st regardless of weather - book accommodations with individual room heating controls, as temperatures can drop unexpectedly

May is apple grafting season in surrounding orchards - many farmers welcome visitors and offer impromptu tours explaining traditional Kazakhstani apple cultivation techniques

Public marshrutka (shared taxi) routes to mountain destinations resume full schedules in May after winter reductions - routes #28 and #99 to Medeu cost ₸150 ($0.33) versus ₸3,000+ ($6.50+) for private taxis

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming May weather is consistently warm - pack for winter and summer conditions as temperature swings of 20°C (36°F) within 24 hours are normal

Planning only outdoor activities - May has 10 rainy days on average, so indoor alternatives like museums and covered markets are essential backup plans

Underestimating mountain weather changes - conditions at Big Almaty Lake can be 15°C (27°F) colder than city center, with possible snow at elevations above 2,500m (8,202 ft)