What's the weather like in Jerusalem in May
Temperature
May is a beautiful month for the Mediterranean city of Jerusalem. This spring month has an average daily temperature of 19°C (66°F). Daily highs are typically 25°C (77°F) while lows can dip down to 13°C (55°F) in the evenings. As summer approaches, temperatures can begin to range upward, with a historical high of 39°C (101°F). Cool spring nights can still be chilly though, with a record low of 5°C (40°F) in May.
Rainfall
May is the beginning of a very dry summer for Jerusalem. The capital city may have only two days of rain during this month, and typically receives a cumulative total of just 10 mm (less than half an inch) of rain. Cloud coverage also begins to clear this month as the city heads into a very sunny summer.
Sunshine Hours
With 12 hours of sunshine each day, visitors will have plenty of time to explore Jerusalem during the long May days. Though not quite the 13 hours that June and July receive, the days will lengthen throughout the month.
Wind
Wind speeds in May are about 13 km/hour (8 miles per hour). The daily breeze helps keep the 50 percent humidity comfortable for guests visiting Jerusalem.
Sea Temperature
The Mediterranean Sea warms up to 21°C (70°F) during May, though not its warmest point, it now becomes comfortable to swim in the sea at Tel Aviv. The Dead Sea becomes quite warm in May, with a daily mean water temperature of 29°C (85°F).
Hotels in Jerusalem in May
The Waldorf Astoria
The Waldorf Astoria has been listed as one of the best hotels in Jerusalem by Conde Nast for several years, and traveler reviews agree. The 225 spacious rooms are each elegantly designed, with custom furnishings and crystal chandeliers. A range of room options are available, including suites and balconies. Two kosher restaurants are located in the hotel, and a garden terrace is open seasonally. Located just outside of Jaffa Gate and the Old City, the Waldorf Astoria is a luxurious option for many travelers.
The David Citadel Hotel
The David Citadel Hotel is known for its beautiful architecture, designed by Israel's famous Moshe Safdie. This luxurious hotel highlights grand public spaces as well as small, but significant details in the rooms. Located near Mamilla Mall, the hotel is between the Old City and the New City downtown, allowing travelers to easily explore all of central Jerusalem. A pool, gym and spa are just some of the amenities at the hotel. Several restaurants and bars are located in the hotel as well. Guests will also enjoy the terrace on the warm May days.
Eyal Hotel
Another hotel on Ben Yehuda Street, the Eyal Hotel is a boutique option from the Smart Hotels group. Amenities include onsite parking, dining and event halls, a comfortable sitting area, free WiFi, and a large deck with plenty of seating to enjoy the panoramic city views. A focus on eco-friendly designs help the hotel limit waste and energy use. The 68 rooms all come with modern amenities and a delicious breakfast in the dining hall.
21st Floor Hotel
A unique suite-based hotel, 21st Floor Hotel is located on Ben Yehuda Street in Jerusalem and offers beautiful views from each of the 14 suites in this high-rise building. The location offers guests quick and easy access to some of the most famous sites around Jerusalem. The suites are each luxuriously and uniquely decorated and are accommodating for everyone from the business traveler (with free WiFi and phone calls) to the family travelers (each suite is equipped with board games and video games). Breakfast is available.
Bars and Restaurants
Mona
The highly rated Mona is an upscale Israeli and European restaurant serving modern dishes like red tuna sashimi, beef cheek stew, and European seabass fillet. Near Ben Yehuda Street, Mona is an easy dinner stop after visiting the downtown area. A delicious dessert menu includes options like mascarpone mousse or apple gratin. Online reservations are available.
Manou Ba Shouk
Serving Lebanese food at affordable prices, Manou Ba Shouk is located between the Gush Katif Museum and Davidka Square, just outside of central downtown. Serving several kubba dishes, hummus dishes, and other popular Lebanese cuisine, Manou Ba Shouk is popular with visitors and locals alike. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, it's a quick and easy stop for busy travelers. There are also many vegetarian options available on the menu.
1868
Tucked into a small alleyway, 1868 is a hidden restaurant with a beautiful setting and creative local dishes. A cellar setting is part of the charm at this kosher restaurant. The menu is curated seasonally, featuring fresh ingredients served with an artistic flair. The summer menu includes dishes like lamb served with an eggplant-based sauce, or the roasted chicken with Jerusalem artichokes and hollandaise sauce.
Nagila Vegan
Another great spot for vegetarians and vegans is Nagila Vegan. Housed in a beautiful 120-year-old building, Nagila is near Jaffa Street and Agripas Street in the heart of Jerusalem. The kosher restaurant serves homemade pastries, a variety of salads, freshly squeezed juices and more. Take away is available as well for guests on the go. The latkas, vegan burgers, and the quinoa salad are popular items at Nagila.
Things to do in Jerusalem in May
The Church of the Pater Noster
Though Jerusalem is largely known for its Jewish, Christian and Muslim significance, there are also important destinations for visitors of other faiths. The Church of the Pater Noster is a beautiful and important Roman Catholic church located on the Mount of Olives. This historic site is also home to a monastery and a 4th-century Byzantine church. Multiple churches have been in this area, though the modern site was erected by a French princess in the late 19th century.
The Tower of David
Another historic site is the Tower of David, some call it the Jerusalem Citadel. It stands near the Jaffa Gate entrance to the Old City. The citadel standing today dates back to the Mamluk and Ottoman periods. It was built on a former ancient fortification. Archaeological finds in the citadel date more than 2,000 years old. It is a popular venue for events and concerts. It is also the site of a museum. One of the original three towers erected in Jerusalem, it was named the Tower of David in the 5th century by Byzantine Christians who believed the site to be the palace of King David.
Hiking
Active travelers looking to explore the beautiful Israeli landscape will enjoy heading to the nearby mountains for various hiking trails. One of the closest options for Jerusalem visitors is Har Eitan (Mount Eitan). A popular 7 km loop circles the mount and the dirt road is a great destination for hikes, bicyclers and joggers during the beautiful days in May. There isn't much shade, but there is a beautiful panoramic view of the hills as well as Tel Aviv to the west.
Montefiore Windmill and Museum
Surrounded by beautiful parks and the Old City just to the east, the Montefiore Windmill and Museum was built in 1857 as a flour mill. The British Jewish philanthropist Moses Montefiore built it as part of an effort to increase industry in the Holy Land and help the local community become more self-sufficient. In was phased out of use in 1891 though as steam-powered mills became more popular. However, it was a cultural symbol by this time. During the 1948 war, it was used as an observation towers. Today it houses a small museum about the works of Montefiore and helps travelers learn about Jerusalem's transition from the Old City to the new in the late 19th century.
