Weather Lowdown
In May, weather in Alanya, Turkey begins to resemble summer. Temperatures rise, peaking up in the seventies, and the sea is warm enough to enjoy. The average temperature is about 20°C (67°F), reaching a high of around 24°C (75°F) and dipping as low as 15°C (59°F).
There are about 13 hours of average daily sunshine. The length of day increases slightly over the month by about fifty minutes. The shortest day is May 1, with 13:43 hours of daylight; the longest day is May 31 with 14:31 hours.
The average sea temperature around Alanya is about 20°C (68°F), after several cool months, the water is finally swimmable.
You can expect to experience rain on an average of 9 days in May. The average monthly rainfall measures around 36mm. Each day there is about 24% chance of precipitation, with slightly greater chance earlier in the month. Rainfall typically manifests as thunderstorms, with some light or moderate rain showers.
The skies above Alanya in May are typically partly cloudy (46%). Humidity ranges from comfortable (39%) to very humid (85%). Daily wind speeds vary from light air to moderate breeze. Winds typically blow in from the north or northwest, though sometimes from the south.
Over the course of May, average temperatures gradually rise. At the beginning of the month, the average is about 19°C (65°F), with highs of 24°C (75°F) and lows of 14°C (57°F). As the month progresses, temperatures increase, with an average of 22°C (71°F), highs of 28°C (82°F) and lows of 18°C (64°F).
Where to Stay
Those who will be staying in the area should consider the Parador Hotel. Some, but not all, rooms face the beach and can have not one but two balconies from which guests can enjoy the views. If this is your preference, verify upon booking your room. Other rooms have an equally nice view of the hotel's pool or the city of Alanya and Alanya Castle.
The hotel's cleanliness is reported over and over to be at an exceptionally high standard. Also, the various packages are all great values depending on personal preference. Some choose bed and breakfast because they like to take advantage of the many restaurants on the promenade such as Big Ben's and Casper's. Others want to spend as much time on the beach and not travel far from the hotel, so full board is a better choice. With this option, the beach hut's limited but delicious menu is an added bonus.
Depending on the season, the nightly entertainment can vary. Most report that the entertainment at the Parador Hotel is worth checking out. Guests can shop or sightsee during the day, as the hotel is set amid many shops and restaurants.
Since the beach is also very close by, many consider the Parador's location to be ideal. The beach is pebbly, but the sand at the nearby promenade is an easy solution. Other great amenities of this hotel include the pool, which is bigger than some other Turkish hotels, and the pool bar, which is very convenient. These combine to form an extremely relaxing atmosphere. Also, while many hotels charge extra for air conditioning, this service is free at the Parador Hotel.
Hit the Beach
After several cool months, the sea around Alanya is warm enough for swimming and water sports.
Those who don't mind the pebble beaches will have plenty of time and warm weather to enjoy during May.
Hit Cleopatra Beach for the best suntanning and swimming.
So-called because Queen Cleopatra is said to have swam here, this beach is pristine and sandy. There's something for everyone: children's parks, beach cafes, free gym equipment, water sports, camel rides, or simple chairs and umbrellas. The beach is located to the west of the peninsula, in front of Damlatas Cave.
Eating & Drinking Out
Panderosa Restaurant is an excellent bar with lively atmosphere, friendly staff and quality fare. Most guests are European travellers who come in for the party ambiance and the large TVs for the soccer games.
Another solid choice is La Luna, an all-time favourite of locals and visitors alike. The food is delicious--especially the lamb shanks and the seafood. Take note, however, that for Turkey the location is rather expensive.
Things to Do
Natural and man-made sites are everywhere in Turkey. Visiting Duden Waterfalls means that tourists will see two glorious venues in one trip. The Upper Duden Waterfalls actually consists of several small, gentle cascades which trickle down into a lovely and serene park. The Lower Duden Waterfall is one gigantic overflow from the Duden River over the city's cliffs. This is a site that should not be missed if tourists are in the nearby area.
