Lebanon in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Lebanon

27°C (81°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect mountain weather - Cedars and high-altitude sites at 1,500-2,000m (4,921-6,562ft) are comfortable 15-20°C (59-68°F) during peak tourist heat elsewhere
Wildflower season transforms hiking trails - Lebanese mountains bloom with poppies, cyclamens, and wild orchids from April through May
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs 30-40% less than peak summer months while weather remains excellent
Extended daylight hours - sunset around 7:30pm gives you maximum time for outdoor exploration and evening mezze sessions

Considerations

Occasional spring rain showers - 6 rainy days on average can disrupt outdoor mountain activities, though storms typically last only 1-2 hours
Beach season hasn't fully started - Mediterranean water temperature still cool at 20°C (68°F), limiting swimming comfort
Some mountain roads to remote villages may still have patches of snow or mud from winter, requiring 4WD access

Best Activities in May

Baalbek Temple Complex Tours

May's mild 23-25°C (73-77°F) temperatures make exploring these massive Roman ruins comfortable during midday heat that would be unbearable in summer. Spring light creates perfect photography conditions for the Temple of Jupiter's colossal columns. Crowds are manageable compared to peak season.

Booking Tip: Book guided tours 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators for ₽₽150,000-200,000 ($100-135 USD) including transport from Beirut. Morning tours at 8am avoid afternoon heat and provide best lighting. Reference booking widget for current cultural tour options.

Lebanon Mountain Trail Hiking

May is peak hiking season before summer heat. Trail sections through Chouf Cedar Reserve and Qadisha Valley feature comfortable 15-18°C (59-64°F) temperatures and wildflower blooms. Snow has melted from most accessible trails while summer heat hasn't arrived.

Booking Tip: Book guided day hikes 10-14 days ahead for ₽₽100,000-150,000 ($65-100 USD) per person. Multi-day treks require booking 3-4 weeks ahead. Look for operators providing proper mountain gear and emergency communication. Check current hiking options in booking section below.

Jeita Grotto Underground Exploration

Cool 16°C (61°F) cave temperatures provide perfect relief from May's warming surface temperatures. Spring water levels in the underground river are optimal for the full boat tour experience. May's moderate crowds mean shorter wait times than summer peak.

Booking Tip: Advance booking recommended 3-5 days ahead for ₽₽75,000-100,000 ($50-65 USD) including transport. Afternoon slots 2-4pm often have better availability. Combine with nearby Harissa cable car for full-day excursions.

Bekaa Valley Wine Tours

May coincides with grape vine flowering season - wineries showcase spring vineyard beauty alongside tastings. Comfortable 25°C (77°F) temperatures perfect for outdoor terrace tastings in Zahle region. Harvest season atmosphere without summer crowds.

Booking Tip: Book wine tours 7-10 days ahead for ₽₽120,000-180,000 ($80-120 USD) including transport and 3-4 winery visits. Friday-Sunday slots fill quickly. Look for tours including traditional Lebanese lunch pairings.

Tyre Archaeological Site and Beach

May offers perfect compromise - warm enough 26°C (79°F) for comfortable ancient site exploration, yet not summer scorching heat. Archaeological ruins of this UNESCO site are best explored before peak heat arrives. Nearby beaches beginning to warm up for shoulder season swimming.

Booking Tip: Combine with Sidon for full-day southern Lebanon tours, typically ₽₽90,000-130,000 ($60-85 USD). Book 5-7 days ahead. Early morning departures 7am recommended to maximize site time before afternoon warming.

Byblos Harbor and Old Souks

May's pleasant evening temperatures 20-22°C (68-72°F) make sunset harbor dining perfect. Ancient Phoenician ruins comfortable for midday exploration before summer heat. Spring weather ideal for combining historical sites with seaside relaxation.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours from Beirut cost ₽₽80,000-120,000 ($55-80 USD). Book 3-5 days ahead. Sunset timing tours 4-8pm most popular in May. Combine with Harissa or Jeita for full-day northern excursions.

May Events & Festivals

Late May

Baalbeck International Festival Season Opening

While main performances occur July-August, May features venue preparations, rehearsals, and sometimes special preview concerts in the magnificent Roman temple setting. Behind-the-scenes tours of stage construction offer unique perspectives.

Mid to Late May

Spring Mountain Village Festivals

Various mountain villages celebrate spring harvest and religious festivals throughout May. Ehden, Bcharre, and Douma often host traditional music, local food festivals, and craft exhibitions showcasing mountain culture.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - morning temperatures 18°C (64°F) require light jacket, afternoons reach 27°C (81°F) needing t-shirts

Waterproof jacket or umbrella - spring showers occur 6 days per month, typically lasting 1-2 hours

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index 8 requires serious protection, especially at mountain elevations above 1,000m (3,281ft)

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - spring conditions can leave stone surfaces in historical sites slippery

Light sweater for evening dining - coastal areas cool to 20°C (68°F) after sunset, mountain areas drop to 15°C (59°F)

Breathable long pants - many religious sites require covered legs, cotton or linen best for 65% humidity

Portable phone charger - longer daylight hours and photo opportunities drain batteries faster

Insect repellent - spring flowering season increases mosquito activity in valley areas and near water sources

Modest dress options - visiting mosques and churches requires covered shoulders, lightweight scarves essential

Cash in small denominations - many mountain village vendors and traditional restaurants prefer cash payments

Insider Knowledge

Mountain restaurants start serving grilled meat on outdoor terraces in May - locals flock to Hammana and Broummana on weekends for spring barbecue season

Book accommodations in Faraya, Bcharre, or mountain towns 2-3 weeks ahead - Lebanese families begin weekend mountain retreats in May before summer heat

Friday afternoon traffic out of Beirut toward mountains becomes heavy as locals escape for weekend - plan mountain trips for early morning departures

Spring water from mountain sources reaches peak clarity in May after snow melt settles - locals recommend trying fresh spring water in Afka and other mountain villages

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only summer clothes - May evenings and mountain areas require warm layers, tourists often caught unprepared for 10°C (18°F) temperature drops at altitude

Assuming beach season has started - Mediterranean water still cold at 20°C (68°F), pack alternative activities for coastal visits

Underestimating spring shower intensity - brief storms can be heavy enough to soak through light clothing, waterproof jacket essential