WEATHER, WHAT TO SEE, WHAT TO DO IN MAY IN ISTANBUL?

In May, Istanbul welcomes the arrival of beautiful days. Temperatures range between 15°C and 25°C, days lengthen, and landscapes bloom, offering an ideal setting for walks, cultural discoveries, or simply strolling through historic neighborhoods. It’s the perfect month to enjoy terraces, explore museums, attend open-air concerts, or embark on a Bosphorus cruise.

Here’s everything you can discover in Istanbul in May 2025:

WEATHER

What is the weather like in May in Istanbul? In May, Istanbul offers an ideal spring climate for visitors. Average temperatures vary between 13°C in the morning and 23°C in the afternoon, providing pleasantly mild days. The month averages 24 sunny days, with only 4 to 5 days of rain, usually in the form of light showers. Walks along the Bosphorus are particularly enjoyable, and the days gradually lengthen.

NEWS

May 1st is celebrated as International Workers’ Day in Turkey. Istanbul traditionally hosts several demonstrations and gatherings on this occasion. Historically, Taksim Square has long been the symbolic center of these gatherings, in memory of the tragic events of 1977 where several demonstrators lost their lives.

As a visitor, it’s advisable on this day to particularly avoid the area around Taksim Square and the Şişli district, where the most significant demonstrations usually take place. Some streets may be blocked by security forces, and public transportation could be disrupted, especially metro stations around Taksim, Osmanbey, and Şişli-Mecidiyeköy.

Instead, favor historic districts like Sultanahmet, Eminönü, or the Üsküdar and Kadıköy neighborhoods on the Asian side, which are calmer during this day.

CONCERTS

May 2 – Quasimodo: A musical show at Mecidiyeköy Özel Tiyatrolar inspired by the iconic work “Notre-Dame de Paris.” An emotional staging that revisits Quasimodo’s story with passion and poetry.

May 2 – Soul Flow: A relaxed musical evening at Kastel. An ideal moment to enjoy soul, jazz, and R&B sounds in a cozy setting.

May 3 – Duman: The cult Turkish rock band ignites the Maximum Uniq Açıkhava stage. An energetic and unmissable concert for alternative rock enthusiasts.

May 3 – Kadebostany: The Swiss electro-pop band, renowned for its captivating visual universe, performs at ’AKM Türk Telekom Opera. An immersive musical experience not to be missed.

May 8 – Porridge Radio: The British indie-rock band delivers an intense and passionate performance at Blind Istanbul, blending catchy rhythms and deep lyrics.

May 9 – Büyük Ev Ablukada: Head to JJ Arena to discover the unique style of this emblematic group from the Turkish alternative scene. A vibrant evening, between rock, electro, and urban poetry.

May 9 – Cem Adrian: An intimate performance by the Turkish artist with a unique voice, in the enchanting and historic setting of the Şerefiye Cistern.

May 13 – Teoman: The Turkish rocker performs on the open-air stage of Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu. With a rich repertoire including his great classics such as “N’apim Tabiatım Böyle,” “Kalbin Yok Mu?” and “İstanbul’da Sonbahar,” he will offer a memorable evening full of energy.

May 16 – Aleyna Tilki: The young rising star of Turkish pop performs on the JJ Arenastage for a festive evening, blending energy and catchy pop hits.

May 18 – Hande Yener: An essential icon of Turkish pop, she performs at Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu for a colorful and energetic show.

May 23 – Kalben: An intimate concert at Holly Stone Beyoğlu with Kalben, a Turkish artist renowned for her poetic songs and delicate musical style.

May 23 – Kiasmos: Kiasmos, a collaborative project between Ólafur Arnalds and Janus Rasmussen, performs at Volkswagen Arena.. After five years of absence, the duo fuses electronic music and modern classical textures to offer a hypnotic evening accompanied by impressive visual effects.

May 24 – Massano: A progressive electro evening at Maximum Uniq Açıkhava. Massano offers a vibrant open-air set, ideal for electronic music enthusiasts.

May 24 – Oceanvs Orientalis: A meditative and immersive performance by this Turkish DJ known for his subtle blends of electronic and traditional sounds, at Blind Istanbul.

May 25 – Batuflex: Dorock XL in Kadıköy hosts Batuflex, a popular figure in Turkish rap and trap, for an energetic, modern, and rhythmic concert.

May 30 – Gipsy Kings: A festive atmosphere guaranteed at Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu with the legendary Gipsy Kings. Rediscover their timeless classics with flamenco and rumba sounds.

May 30 – Hayko Cepkin: The famous Turkish artist offers a spectacular concert at Maximum Uniq Açıkhava, combining theatrical rock and captivating staging

FESTIVALS

May 9–10 – Sónar Istanbul: The unmissable electronic scene festival returns to Zorlu PSM with a top-tier lineup, including The Chemical Brothers DJ Set, Jamie xx, and Richie Hawtin. For mor information click here!

May 10 – FoodieFest 3: FoodieFest returns for its third edition at Istanbul Life Park.. This festival combines live music and street gastronomy, with over 50 stands offering Turkish and international specialties, including vegetarian and vegan options. Performances include Ayhan Sicimoğlu & Latin All Stars, Mavi Gri, Selin, Mela Bedel, and Batuhan Kordel. Culinary workshops and activities for all ages are also on the program.

May 17 – Garage Sale Festival: The Garage Sale Festival will be held at the Chalet Garden of Swissôtel The Bosphorus. This festival combines fashion, music, and sustainability, with stands from renowned brands offering exclusive discounts, sustainability workshops, and live musical performances. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover unique pieces and enjoy a festive atmosphere.

May 23–June 1 – Printemps des Artistes: Organized annually for 18 years by Istanbul Accueil in partnership with Sainte Pulchérie High School, the Printemps des Artistes is a must-see charitable art exhibition in Istanbul. Under the high patronage of the French Consul General in Istanbul, Nadia Fanton, this event will take place from May 23 to June 1, 2025, at the Od’A-Ouvroir d’Art Gallery located in Taksim, Beyoğlu.

For this edition, 12 artists—eight painters, one photographer, one sculptor, one embroiderer, and one engraver—will present their works around the theme “Water.” The exhibition will welcome the public every day with varied hours and a special evening on Thursday, May 29.

For more information click here!

SHOWS

May 9 – Kadıköy English Stand-up: Discover an all-English stand-up evening at Dunia Kadıköy, featuring international and local comedians. In a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, come laugh and share a multicultural moment where differences become a source of humor and complicity.

May 13 – Troya: AKM Türk Telekom Opera hosts “Troya,” an epic show inspired by the mythical Trojan War. This grand theatrical production combines dance, theater, and orchestral music to grandly tell Homer’s legends. A spectacular journey through one of antiquity’s most fascinating stories.

EXHIBITIONS

Ömer Uluç, “Beyond the Horizon Line”: March 21 – December 12, 2025, at Istanbul Modern.

This retrospective exhibition traces the artistic journey of Ömer Uluç, a major figure in contemporary Turkish art. Bringing together over 300 works created between the 1960s and 2010, the exhibition presents his drawings, paintings, sculptures, and collages, as well as his experiments with materials such as rubber, aluminum, and polyester. This retrospective invites exploration of the links between humans and the universe through the artist’s creative and bold vision.

Kevin Francis Gray: April 24 – May 31, 2025, at Pilevneli Galery.

Pilevneli hosts the first solo exhibition in Turkey of Irish artist Kevin Francis Gray. Known for reinterpreting traditional marble sculpture in a contemporary style, Gray blends abstraction and figuration in powerful and evocative works. Through his series such as “Family,” “Gestural Works,” and “Fragile Heads,” the artist explores fragility, transformation, and the permanence of human connections, inviting the public to a profound reflection on the human condition.

Koray Ariş, “The Skin We Live In”: December 12, 2024 – August 3, 2025, at Arter.

Arter presents a major exhibition dedicated to the 60-year career of sculptor Koray Ariş. Nearly 300 works reveal his creative approach around the body, object, and natural materials such as wood, metal, and leather. Ariş questions the boundaries between sculpture, nature, and the human body, offering a unique sensory experience where figurative and abstract forms challenge classical sculpture traditions.

Marcel Dzama, “Dance in the Moonlight”: March 20 – August 17, 2025, at Pera Müzesi.

Pera Museum presents the first solo exhibition in Turkey of Canadian artist Marcel Dzama. With a selection of varied works ranging from painting to video to sculpture, Dzama skillfully blends popular culture, art history, and current topics such as ecological and political crises. Inspired by strategy games like chess, the artist constructs a fantastic, poetic, and sometimes dark universe, inviting the viewer to explore his complex narratives.

SPORTS

In May 2025, Istanbul pulses with the excitement of football as the Turkish Süper Lig enters its final stages.
With the season drawing to a close, each match becomes crucial for teams chasing the championship or fighting to avoid relegation. The city’s iconic stadiums—such as Rams Park, Şükrü Saracoğlu, and Vodafone Park—come alive with intense energy, offering both locals and visitors a truly electrifying atmosphere. It’s the perfect time to experience the passion of Turkish football and witness firsthand the fervor of Istanbul’s devoted fans.

Here are the upcoming matches:

• Fenerbahçe vs Beşiktaş – May 4, Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium
• Galatasaray vs Sivasspor – May 4, Rams Park
• Beşiktaş vs Adana Demirspor – May 11, Tüpraş Stadium
• Fenerbahçe vs Eyüpspor – May 18, Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium
• Galatasaray vs Kayserispor – May 18, Rams Park
• Beşiktaş vs Rizespor – May 25, Tüpraş Stadium

In conclusion, May in Istanbul is a time of renewal and vibrant energy.
With pleasant temperatures, eclectic music festivals, diverse concerts, and a buzzing art scene, the city offers the perfect atmosphere for both visitors and locals. Whether you’re drawn to Turkish pop stars, electronic music experiences, or open-air performances, Istanbul in May is full of surprises.

Feel free to contact us with any questions!