Beirut in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Beirut

25°C (77°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

10 mm (0.4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect spring weather with temperatures rarely exceeding 25°C (77°F) - ideal for walking the 2.5 km (1.6 miles) Brazzaville waterfront without overheating
Crystal-clear Mediterranean visibility reaches 15-20 km (9-12 miles) on most days, making rooftop bars and mountain excursions spectacular
Pre-summer season means 40-60% lower accommodation rates compared to July-August peak, with boutique hotels averaging $80-120 instead of $150-250
Outdoor café culture peaks in May - locals spend entire afternoons at sidewalk tables when temperatures hit the sweet spot of 22-24°C (72-75°F)

Considerations

Unpredictable spring showers can hit without warning - locals call it 'May madness' when sunny skies turn stormy in 20 minutes
Sea temperature still cool at 20-21°C (68-70°F) - most locals wait until June to swim at Ramlet al-Baida beach
Dust storms from Syrian desert occur 2-3 times monthly in May, reducing visibility and coating everything in fine sand for 24-48 hours

Best Activities in May

Baalbek Roman Ruins Day Trips

May offers perfect conditions for exploring these UNESCO World Heritage temples in the Bekaa Valley. Morning temperatures of 18-20°C (64-68°F) are ideal for the 2-3 hour walking tour, while spring wildflowers bloom around the Temple of Jupiter. Clear skies provide impressive mountain backdrops 80% of May days.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators. Full-day tours typically cost $45-65 including transport and guide. Avoid Friday afternoons when Lebanese families visit. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Beirut Food Walking Tours

May launches the outdoor dining season when restaurants extend terraces and street food vendors return to full operation. Comfortable evening temperatures of 20-22°C (68-72°F) make 3-4 hour food walks through Hamra and Mar Mikhael neighborhoods perfect. Local spring ingredients like fava beans and artichokes feature in seasonal menus.

Booking Tip: Evening tours (5-9pm) book fastest - reserve 10-14 days ahead. Expect $35-50 per person including 6-8 tastings. Licensed guides provide cultural context beyond just food. Check current availability in the booking widget below.

Mount Lebanon Hiking Excursions

Spring snowmelt creates perfect hiking conditions in the Lebanon Mountains, just 45 minutes from downtown. May temperatures at 1,200 m (3,937 ft) elevation range 15-18°C (59-64°F) - ideal for 4-6 hour treks. Wildflower season peaks mid-May with over 40 endemic species blooming.

Booking Tip: Weekend trips fill 2 weeks ahead during wildflower peak. Day hikes cost $40-60 including transport and guide. Bring layers as mountain weather changes quickly. Current mountain tour options available in booking section below.

Jeita Grotto Underground Tours

Lebanon's famous limestone caves stay naturally cool at 16°C (61°F) year-round, making them perfect May refuges during afternoon heat. Spring water levels from mountain runoff create optimal conditions for both walking and boat sections of the cave system. Clear May weather ensures reliable cable car operation.

Booking Tip: Book morning slots (9-11am) to avoid afternoon crowds. Entry typically costs $15-20 for adults. Tours run every 30 minutes and last 90 minutes total. Reserve through official channels 3-5 days ahead for guaranteed spots.

Byblos Archaeological Site Visits

This ancient Phoenician port city, 37 km (23 miles) north of Beirut, shines in May's mild weather. Morning temperatures of 19-21°C (66-70°F) are perfect for exploring 7,000 years of history without summer's oppressive heat. May's clear skies provide ideal photography conditions for the seaside ruins.

Booking Tip: Combine with Lebanon old souk and harbor lunch for full-day experience. Entry costs $6-8, guided tours add $20-30. Half-day excursions typically run $35-55 from Beirut. Book current Lebanon tours through the widget below.

Beirut Architecture Walking Routes

May's comfortable temperatures and extended daylight (sunset at 7:15pm) make walking tours of Ottoman, French Mandate, and modern architecture ideal. Cool mornings (18-20°C/64-68°F) are perfect for exploring Downtown's reconstructed center, while late afternoons work for trendy Gemmayzeh district's colorful buildings.

Booking Tip: Self-guided routes work well, but local architect-led tours ($25-40) provide insider context about civil war reconstruction. Morning tours (9am-12pm) avoid afternoon heat. Book specialized architecture tours 1 week ahead through the booking section below.

May Events & Festivals

Mid May

Beirut Art Fair

The region's premier contemporary art event typically runs mid-May at BIEL exhibition center. Three days showcase regional and international galleries, with special focus on Lebanese diaspora artists. Free shuttle buses run from major hotels, and evening vernissage parties extend into Beirut's gallery district.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or packable umbrella - May showers arrive suddenly and last 20-40 minutes

Layered clothing for 7°C (12°F) temperature swings - mornings start at 18°C (64°F), afternoons hit 25°C (77°F)

SPF 50+ sunscreen and sunglasses - UV index reaches 8 with strong Mediterranean sun reflection

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - limestone sidewalks get slippery when wet

Light scarf for mosque visits and conservative dress requirements in religious areas

Portable phone charger - May weather is perfect for photo walks that drain batteries quickly

Cash in small denominations - many local vendors and taxis don't accept cards, especially outside central Beirut

Dust mask or bandana for occasional desert dust storms that reduce air quality 2-3 days monthly

Light long sleeves for evening dining - coastal breeze can make 18°C (64°F) nights feel cooler

Insider Knowledge

Download offline maps before dust storms hit - GPS accuracy drops significantly when fine sand reduces satellite signals for 24-48 hours

Book restaurants after 8:30pm when locals dine - earlier seatings are mostly tourists paying 20-30% higher prices on English menus

Use service taxis (shared taxis) instead of private ones - they cost 2,000-3,000 LBP versus 15,000-25,000 LBP and locals give directions if you're lost

Exchange money at licensed exchange houses in Hamra or Downtown, not airport - rates are typically 8-12% better and they're everywhere

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming all museums open daily - most close Mondays, and some have reduced hours during Ramadan if it overlaps with May

Planning beach days expecting warm swimming - sea temperature is only 20-21°C (68-70°F) and most beaches don't have heated facilities until June

Overpacking for heat - May rarely exceeds 25°C (77°F) and many tourists bring summer clothes then buy jackets locally