Sanaa in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Sanaa

24°C (78°F) High Temp

10°C (50°F) Low Temp

28 mm (1.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather in Haraz Mountains - daytime temperatures reach comfortable 24°C (75°F) while nights cool to 10°C (50°F), ideal for multi-day mountain village treks
Minimal rain with only 28mm (1.1 inches) across 10 days means excellent conditions for exploring Old City's 6,000+ mud-brick buildings without weather delays
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs drop 30-40% compared to peak winter months, with mid-range hotels averaging $40-60 versus $70-90 in January-February
Local harvest season brings fresh qishr (coffee husk tea) and seasonal vegetables to Bab al-Yemen markets, plus fewer international tourists mean authentic interactions with vendors

Considerations

Significant temperature swings from 24°C (75°F) midday to 10°C (50°F) at dawn require packing both summer and winter clothing layers
Occasional dust storms from desert winds can reduce visibility and make outdoor photography challenging, particularly in late May
Limited daylight hours for sightseeing - sunset around 6:30pm means shorter days for exploring compared to summer months

Best Activities in May

Haraz Mountain Village Trekking

May offers perfect mountain weather with comfortable 18-22°C (64-72°F) temperatures at 2,400m (7,874ft) elevation. Clear skies provide impressive views of terraced coffee farms and ancient stone villages. Morning starts are crisp at 8°C (46°F) but warm quickly by 10am.

Booking Tip: Book through local mountain guides 5-7 days ahead, costs typically $45-65 per day including guide and village homestay. Look for guides certified by local tourism authority. See current mountain tour options in booking section below.

Old City Architecture Walking Tours

May's mild weather and minimal rainfall make it perfect for spending 4-6 hours exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites. Morning temperatures of 16°C (61°F) are ideal for climbing the 5-7 story tower houses without overheating.

Booking Tip: Book certified heritage guides 3-5 days ahead, typically $25-40 for half-day tours. Ensure guide has official UNESCO site access. Check current walking tours in booking widget below.

Traditional Coffee Farm Experiences

May coincides with coffee plant flowering season in Yemen's highlands. Temperature range of 15-20°C (59-68°F) at farm elevations is perfect for learning traditional cultivation methods and participating in harvest preparation activities.

Booking Tip: Arrange through local cooperatives 1-2 weeks ahead, day trips cost $35-55 including transport and meals. Best farms are 45-90 minutes drive from city center. See agricultural tour options in booking section.

Wadi Dhahr Palace and Gardens

May's moderate temperatures make the 15km (9.3 miles) journey to this iconic palace comfortable, with gardens in full bloom from spring rains. Perfect weather for the 1-2 hour outdoor exploration without extreme heat.

Booking Tip: Hire private driver for $20-30 round trip or join group tours for $15-25 per person. Palace entry costs additional $5. Morning visits 8-11am offer best lighting and temperatures. Current palace tour options available in booking widget.

Souk al-Milh Spice Market Exploration

May's comfortable 20°C (68°F) morning temperatures make navigating the covered spice markets pleasant, with seasonal herbs and spices at peak freshness from mountain harvests. Less crowded than winter months.

Booking Tip: Join market tours 2-3 days ahead for $15-25 including tastings and cultural explanation. Tours typically run 9am-12pm to avoid afternoon heat. Independent exploration is free. Check market tour availability in booking section.

Al Saleh Mosque and Modern Sanaa

May's clear skies and excellent visibility showcase the contrast between ancient and modern Sanaa. Comfortable temperatures allow extended outdoor photography sessions at this architectural landmark without weather interference.

Booking Tip: Free to visit but arrange cultural tours for $20-35 to understand significance. Modest dress required - long sleeves essential in May's variable temperatures anyway. Current mosque and cultural tours in booking widget below.

May Events & Festivals

Mid May

Sana'a Heritage Festival

Annual celebration of traditional Yemeni architecture, crafts, and music held in Old City courtyards. Features local artisan demonstrations, traditional dance performances, and heritage building restoration showcases.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - lightweight cotton for 24°C (75°F) afternoons and warm fleece for 10°C (50°F) mornings

Closed-toe walking shoes with good grip for navigating uneven Old City stone streets, avoid sandals on 6-story tower house climbs

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 at 2,300m (7,546ft) altitude with intense mountain sun

Light rain jacket or packable umbrella for brief afternoon showers on 10 rainy days, but avoid heavy raincoats

Modest long-sleeve shirts and long pants required for mosque visits and respectful cultural interaction

Small daypack for carrying layers as temperatures change 14°C (25°F) between morning and afternoon

Power bank and universal adapter - frequent power outages mean backup charging essential

Cash in small bills ($1-5 denominations) - most transactions are cash-based including guide tips and market purchases

Basic first aid kit including altitude sickness medication for mountain excursions above 2,500m (8,202ft)

Dust mask or bandana for occasional desert wind storms that reduce visibility in late May

Insider Knowledge

Visit tower houses between 10am-2pm when interior courtyards get natural light through roof openings - early morning visits are too dark for photography

Thursday afternoons locals head to countryside for weekend, making it perfect time for uncrowded Old City exploration with shopkeepers having more time to chat

Carry exact change for qishr (coffee husk tea) at traditional cafes - typically costs 50-100 rials but vendors rarely have change for large bills

May marks transition from winter to summer schedules - confirm opening hours day-of-visit as many attractions switch timing mid-month without posted notices

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only summer clothes - May mornings drop to 10°C (50°F) and many visitors underestimate how cold mountain areas get at dawn

Planning outdoor activities for late afternoon - while comfortable temperature-wise, limited daylight after 6:30pm cuts exploration time short

Booking accommodation near modern city center instead of Old City - extra 20-30 minutes transport each way significantly impacts daily sightseeing time with shorter days