Things to Do in Almaty in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Almaty
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak mountain season - The surrounding Tian Shan peaks are fully accessible with trails completely snow-free by mid-May. You'll get crystal-clear views before summer haze sets in, and wildflowers blanket the alpine meadows at elevations around 2,500-3,000 m (8,200-9,800 ft). This is genuinely the best hiking month of the year.
- Apple blossom season - The foothills explode with white and pink blossoms in early May, particularly around the Alma-Arasan Gorge area. Locals head to the mountains for picnics specifically during this two-week window. The combination of blooming orchards and snow-capped peaks makes for spectacular photography.
- Comfortable city temperatures - Daytime highs around 20-23°C (68-73°F) are perfect for walking Almaty's tree-lined streets without the summer heat that hits in July-August. Mornings are crisp at 10-12°C (50-54°F), ideal for outdoor cafes that start opening their terraces. You won't need air conditioning, which many older buildings lack anyway.
- Pre-summer pricing and crowds - May sits just before the domestic summer holiday rush that starts in June. Hotel rates are typically 20-30% lower than peak season, and you'll actually get space at popular spots like Big Almaty Lake without tour buses. Flight prices from European cities haven't hit their summer peak yet either.
Considerations
- Unpredictable rain patterns - Those 10 rainy days are scattered randomly throughout May, and afternoon thunderstorms can roll in fast from the mountains. The rain itself isn't the problem, it's that it can trap you at higher elevations where temperatures drop quickly. You might plan a mountain day and end up stuck indoors, which is frustrating when you've got limited time.
- Significant temperature swings - The 12°C (22°F) difference between day and night means you're constantly adjusting layers. What feels perfect at 2pm in the city becomes genuinely cold by 8pm, especially if you're dining outdoors. In the mountains, that swing is even more dramatic, easily reaching 15-18°C (27-32°F) difference between midday and evening.
- Mud season in lower trails - While higher elevations are clear, trails below 2,000 m (6,560 ft) can be muddy and slippery from snowmelt and rain. Popular spots like Kok-Zhailau meadow are often waterlogged in early May. Locals know to wait until late May or stick to higher, drier trails, but tourists frequently show up in sneakers and regret it.
Best Activities in May
Big Almaty Lake and Tian Shan Mountain Hiking
May is objectively the best month for accessing the mountains surrounding Almaty. Big Almaty Lake sits at 2,511 m (8,238 ft) and is fully accessible by late April, with the turquoise water at its most vibrant against lingering snow patches. The road is clear, temperatures at the lake hover around 10-15°C (50-59°F) during the day, and you'll avoid the summer crowds. For more ambitious hikers, trails to Furmanov Peak and the Trans-Ili Alatau ridge are snow-free and offer wildflower displays that peak in mid-to-late May. The UV index of 8 at these elevations means sunscreen is non-negotiable, even on cloudy days.
Charyn Canyon Day Trips
Located 200 km (124 miles) east of Almaty, Charyn Canyon is spectacular in May because the desert climate means minimal rain risk while city weather is still variable. Temperatures in the canyon run 5-7°C (9-13°F) warmer than Almaty, making it comfortably warm without the brutal 35-40°C (95-104°F) heat of July-August. The Valley of Castles trail is the highlight, a 2 km (1.2 mile) walk through red rock formations that takes about 90 minutes. May also means the Charyn River is running high from mountain snowmelt, adding dramatic scenery. The drive itself takes 3-4 hours each way, so this is a full-day commitment.
Shymbulak Ski Resort Mountain Activities
While ski season officially ends in April, Shymbulak at 2,260 m (7,415 ft) transforms into a mountain activity base in May. The gondola runs year-round, taking you from Medeu to 3,200 m (10,500 ft) with panoramic views of the Tian Shan. May weather is perfect for the alpine cafe terraces, hiking trails branch off from the top stations, and you can watch late-season skiers on the highest slopes while you're in a t-shirt below. The air is noticeably thinner at this elevation, so take it easy if you're arriving from sea level. The 70% humidity in the city drops significantly up here, making it feel fresher.
Green Bazaar and Central Almaty Food Exploration
May brings spring produce to Almaty's markets, particularly the historic Green Bazaar. You'll find the first local strawberries, fresh herbs like dill and cilantro that Kazakhs use liberally, and the beginning of apricot season by late May. The covered market means weather doesn't matter, making it perfect for those rainy days. The surrounding streets have traditional Kazakh, Uyghur, and Russian eateries where you can try beshbarmak, lagman, and plov. May temperatures make walking between the bazaar, Panfilov Park, and Zenkov Cathedral comfortable without the summer heat that makes midday walking exhausting.
Kolsai Lakes Mountain Lake Circuit
The three Kolsai Lakes sit 280 km (174 miles) southeast of Almaty in the northern Tian Shan, and May is when they become properly accessible after winter. The first lake at 1,818 m (5,965 ft) is easily reached, while the hike to the second lake at 2,252 m (7,388 ft) takes 3-4 hours one way through forest and meadow. By mid-May, the trails are clear though potentially muddy after rain. The lakes are incredibly photogenic with the surrounding peaks still snow-covered, and you'll see far fewer tourists than in summer months. This is a full overnight trip from Almaty, not a day trip despite what some operators claim.
Almaty City Parks and Soviet Architecture Walking
May is ideal for exploring Almaty on foot before summer heat arrives. The city's extensive tree canopy is fully leafed out, providing shade along streets like Dostyk Avenue. Panfilov Park, First President's Park, and the less-touristy Gorky Park are at their greenest. The Soviet-era architecture, particularly around Republic Square and Abay Avenue, is best appreciated in comfortable walking weather. Early May coincides with Victory Day preparations on May 9th, when you'll see military displays and decorations throughout the center. The 23°C (73°F) daytime highs mean you can walk for hours without overheating.
May Events & Festivals
Victory Day (May 9th)
This is a major public holiday commemorating WWII victory, and Almaty takes it seriously. Expect military parades near Republic Square, veterans wearing their medals throughout the city, and families laying flowers at war memorials like the Memorial of Glory in Panfilov Park. Many businesses close, but it's a fascinating cultural experience if you're respectful. The atmosphere is patriotic but not exclusive - foreigners are welcome to observe. Streets around the parade route close from early morning.
Apple Blossom Viewing Season
Not an organized event, but a local tradition worth knowing about. Early-to-mid May brings apple blossoms to the foothills, and Almaty residents head to areas like Alma-Arasan and the lower slopes for picnics under blooming trees. The city's name literally means 'father of apples,' and this brief two-week window is when you understand why. Join locals on weekends with a picnic blanket, some snacks from the Green Bazaar, and enjoy the spectacle. The best viewing is typically May 5-20, weather dependent.