Things to Do in Almaty in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
Shoulder Season · Good Value
May Weather in Almaty
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
73°F (22°C)
High Temp
52°F (11°C)
Low Temp
3.9 inches (99 mm)
Rainfall
70%
Humidity
Is May Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + Apple orchards in the foothills are in full bloom. The drive to Talgar village smells like honey and blossoms for two weeks. Roll the windows down. Breathe.
- + Hotel prices drop 25-30% after May Day weekend crowds leave. The weather stays good for hiking. Book the better room. Hike longer.
- + The Kok-Tobe cable car runs extended hours through May. You can catch sunset over the Tian Shan at 8 PM without rushing dinner. Take your time. Savor the light.
- + Local strawberries hit the markets. The ones from Kordai region taste like they've been soaked in wine. They're cheaper than imported bananas. Stock up.
Considerations
- − Afternoon thunderstorms roll in fast. One minute you're photographing the mosque. The next you're sprinting for cover in hail. Pack the jacket.
- − The apple blossom season is brief and unpredictable. Locals say you've got maybe a 10-day window. Nobody knows exactly when. Watch the trees.
- − UV index hits 8 by mid-month. Sunburns happen in under 30 minutes at altitude. Even when it feels cool. Lather up.
Year-Round Climate
How May compares to the rest of the year
| Month | High | Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 0°C | -8°C | 1.4 inches (36 mm) |
| Feb | 2°C | -6°C | 1.7 inches (43 mm) |
| Mar | 9°C | 0°C | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
| Apr | 17°C | 6°C | 4.4 inches (112 mm) |
| May | 22°C | 11°C | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C | 16°C | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Jul | 30°C | 18°C | 1.7 inches (43 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C | 17°C | 1.3 inches (33 mm) |
| Sep | 24°C | 12°C | 1.1 inches (28 mm) |
| Oct | 16°C | 5°C | 2.0 inches (51 mm) |
| Nov | 8°C | -1°C | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
| Dec | 2°C | -6°C | 1.7 inches (43 mm) |
Best Activities in May
Top things to do during your visit
Almaty in May smells of apple blossoms and damp earth. Days are warm, evenings are cool. It is good for long exploration. Locals fill the parks under new elm and poplar leaves. The Tien Shan mountains stand white against a blue or grey sky. This is when Almaty reconnects with its roots. Foothill orchards explode in pink and white blooms. They herald the city's Apple Festival in mid-May. The festival takes over a central square. Farmers from surrounding villages display dozens of apple varieties. You will see bins of small, blushing fruits. You will hear the murmur of bargaining. The air carries the thick, sweet perfume of mountain honey. Visiting Almaty in May means walking streets washed clean by showers. Pavement gleams. The city shakes off winter. Outdoor cafes fill. The sound of fountains returns to the parks.
Private Full Day Almaty City Tour
day_tripA Private Full Day Almaty City Tour moves from the quiet of Zenkov Cathedral to the chaos of the Green Bazaar. You will feel the cool marble of the Memorial of Glory. You will see the city develop from the cable car to Koktobe hill. The entire alpine panorama is laid out.
This tour gives the essential story of Almaty. It connects Soviet-era grandeur, spiritual resilience, and modern urban pulse in one easy day.
Insider tip: Start early for the Ascension Cathedral. Morning light filters through stained glass onto the quiet, wooden interior.
Charyn, Kolsay&Kaiyndy Lakes 2days tour with Mount View Stay
guided_experienceThe Charyn, Kolsay and Kaiyndy Lakes 2-day tour with Mount View Stay goes into landscapes of raw power. You will hear wind whistle through the rust-red cliffs of Charyn Canyon. You will feel the icy bite of Kolsay Lake's water. A night in a guesthouse lets you taste smoky grilled trout by a fire. Wake to see the sun ignite snow-capped peaks in Kyrgyzstan.
It packs the drama of the Kazakh wilderness into one profound overnight journey.
Insider tip: Pack layers. The temperature plummets at night by the lake. Mountain air carries a sharp, piney chill even in May.
1 Day Group Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake and Kaindy Lake
adventureA 1 Day Group Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake and Kaindy Lake is a demanding marathon. You will see long shadows across the canyon's 'Valley of Castles'. You will smell the damp aroma of spruce trees spearing the surface of Kaindy. Winding mountain roads offer glimpses of grazing horses. The Tien Shan is a constant sight.
It delivers three well-known natural wonders in one action-packed day from Almaty.
Insider tip: Wear sturdy shoes with good grip. Paths into the canyon and around the lakes can be uneven and slippery.
Ancient petroglyphs of Tanbaly - UNESCO World Heritage
culturalThe Ancient petroglyphs of Tanbaly tour goes to a silent, sun-baked plateau. You will see thousands of figures etched into dark stone over four millennia ago. You will hear nothing but the wind. Feel the rough texture of the rock. It is a direct connection to Bronze Age herders.
It is a trip to a UNESCO-listed site with one of Central Asia's most concentrated collections of rock art.
Insider tip: The site has little shade. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and ample water. Sun reflects intensely off the pale stone.
Private tour from Almaty 6 days in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan
private_tourA Private tour from Almaty for 6 days in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan is a cross-border trip. Taste the tangy kick of *kumys* in a Kyrgyz yurt camp. Feel the arid heat of the Kazakh steppe the next day. You will see the surreal Altyn Emel singing dunes. You will hear the silence of Issyk-Kul lake. A private driver guides you.
This is the definitive Silk Road experience for those with limited time. It has a deep look at two Central Asian nations.
Insider tip: Ensure your tour operator handles the border crossing paperwork in advance. This avoids lengthy delays.
Almaty city tour. Shymbulak, Koktobe, Green market, Park 28 Panfilov's guardsmen
guided_experienceThe Almaty city tour covering Shymbulak, Koktobe, Green market, and Park 28 Panfilov's guardsmen is a whirlwind. Smell dried spices and ripe fruit in the market. Feel the cool, thin air at Shymbulak ski resort. Summer wildflowers dot the meadows there. You will feel solemn history among eternal flames in the park. Feel a cheerful breeze on the tram ride up Koktobe hill.
It packages Almaty's key experiences into an accessible and complete outing.
Insider tip: Visit the Green Market in the late morning. It is most animated then, before midday crowds arrive.
Where to Stay in Almaty in May
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for May travellers.
May Events & Festivals
What's happening during your visit
Mid May
Almaty Apple Festival
The city that named apples throws a three-day celebration in mid-May when the foothill orchards bloom. Local farmers bring 40+ varieties you've never heard of. Some taste like honey, others like roses. The honey sellers from nearby villages set up near the apple displays. The combination smells like an orchard in great destination.
Packing Checklist
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Climate-specific gear, brand recommendations, and what to leave at home.
View Almaty Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
The #12 bus to Medeu costs pennies and runs every 20 minutes. Same route as tour buses charging 10x more. Ride local.
Locals buy shashlik meat at the Green Bazaar morning market and grill at Kok-Tobe park. You'll save 60% versus restaurant prices. Follow their lead.
The Apple Festival happens when the blossoms peak. Nobody announces dates until 5 days before. Ask at any hotel concierge. Keep asking.
ATMs dispense only 5,000 and 10,000 tenge notes. Marshrutkas require exact change. Break big bills at grocery stores. Plan ahead.
Avoid These Mistakes
Booking mountain tours for afternoon departures. Weather deteriorates after 2 PM and you'll miss the best views. Morning only.
Wearing shorts to the Central Mosque. They turn away tourists even if you're just walking through the courtyard. Cover up.
Assuming May means summer. Nights drop to 50°F (10°C) and restaurants don't heat outdoor seating. Pack layers.
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