Tehran in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Tehran

28°C (82°F) High Temp

17°C (63°F) Low Temp

15 mm (0.6 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather - Tochal cable car and Darband trails at 1,800m (5,905 ft) are comfortable in 22-25°C (72-77°F) mountain temperatures, with clear views before afternoon haze builds
Rose harvest season in Ghamsar and Kashan - witness traditional rosewater distillation 2 hours from Tehran, with optimal picking happening 4-6 AM when petals hold maximum oil
Ideal rooftop dining conditions - evening temperatures drop to 18-20°C (64-68°F) making traditional Persian restaurants on terraces comfortable from 8 PM onwards
Spring produce peak - pomegranate blossoms, fresh herbs like sabzi khordan, and early summer fruits create the year's best traditional Persian cuisine experiences

Considerations

Air pollution worst of the year - thermal inversion traps smog with AQI often reaching 150-200, making outdoor sightseeing uncomfortable midday
Sudden weather changes - morning sunshine can turn to afternoon thunderstorms within 2 hours, requiring flexible indoor backup plans
Tourist season begins - domestic Iranian tourism picks up significantly with school groups and families, creating crowds at major sites like Golestan Palace

Best Activities in May

Alborz Mountain Hiking Tours

May offers the perfect window for Tochal peak and Darband waterfall hikes before summer heat. Mountain temperatures stay 8-10°C (14-18°F) cooler than city center, with snow melting creating rushing waterfalls. Morning departures at 7 AM avoid both city smog and afternoon mountain clouds.

Booking Tip: Book mountain guides 5-7 days ahead through hotel concierges or licensed mountain clubs. Tours typically cost 800,000-1,200,000 IRR including transport and basic equipment. Verify guide certification and emergency communication equipment.

Traditional Bazaar and Architecture Walking Tours

Cool morning temperatures make Grand Bazaar exploration comfortable before 11 AM heat builds. May's variable weather creates dramatic lighting for photography at Golestan Palace and Shah Mosque. Indoor bazaar sections provide natural air conditioning during midday heat.

Booking Tip: Start tours at 8 AM to beat crowds and heat. Cultural tours cost 600,000-900,000 IRR for 4-5 hours. Look for guides certified by Iran Cultural Heritage Organization. Book 3-5 days ahead during May's increasing tourist season.

Isfahan Day Trip Tours

May weather is ideal for the 4-hour drive south to Isfahan - comfortable temperatures and minimal desert heat. Spring conditions perfect for exploring Naqsh-e Jahan Square and mosque interiors without summer's oppressive heat. Return journey offers clear mountain views unavailable in hazy summer months.

Booking Tip: Full-day Isfahan trips cost 1,500,000-2,200,000 IRR including transport and guide. Book through licensed tour operators 7-10 days ahead. Verify air-conditioned vehicles and experienced drivers for mountain highway sections.

Caspian Sea Coastal Excursions

Perfect weather window for day trips to Mazandaran coast - 3-hour drive reaches 24-26°C (75-79°F) seaside temperatures. Rice paddies are bright green, and Hyrcanian forests are at peak spring colors. Seaside restaurants serve fresh Caspian fish without summer's overwhelming crowds.

Booking Tip: Coastal day trips typically cost 1,000,000-1,600,000 IRR. Book 5-7 days ahead and verify departure times - leave Tehran by 7 AM to maximize beach time. Choose operators with reliable vehicles for mountain road conditions.

Traditional Persian Cooking Classes

May brings peak ingredients - fresh herbs, spring vegetables, and early summer fruits create optimal conditions for authentic Persian cooking. Indoor activities provide perfect refuge from variable weather. Evening classes (5-8 PM) take advantage of comfortable post-heat temperatures.

Booking Tip: Cooking classes cost 700,000-1,100,000 IRR including ingredients and meal. Book through cultural centers or high-end hotels 3-5 days ahead. Look for classes focusing on seasonal May ingredients like fresh herbs and spring vegetables.

Kashan and Rose Garden Tours

May is THE month for Ghamsar rose harvest - witness traditional Golab (rosewater) production at dawn. Historic Kashan houses provide cool interior refuges during warm afternoons. Traditional distillation demonstrations only happen during May harvest season.

Booking Tip: Rose harvest tours cost 1,200,000-1,800,000 IRR including early morning harvest participation. Book 10-14 days ahead as harvest season is limited to 3-4 weeks. Verify dawn departure times (4:30-5:00 AM) for optimal rose picking experience.

May Events & Festivals

Early to Mid May

Ghamsar Rose Festival

Traditional rosewater distillation season when Damascus roses are harvested at dawn. Witness 1,000-year-old extraction methods and participate in flower picking. Local families open their distilleries to visitors, offering fresh rose products and traditional breakfast.

Mid May

Shiraz Poetry Festival Echoes

While main events occur in Shiraz, Tehran bookstores and cultural centers host poetry readings celebrating Persian literature. Hafez and Saadi recitations occur in traditional tea houses, particularly in Darband area mountainside venues.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket - afternoon thunderstorms develop quickly and last 45-60 minutes with moderate intensity

Layered clothing system - morning temperatures of 17°C (63°F) can jump to 28°C (82°F) by afternoon requiring easy removal

High SPF sunscreen (50+) - UV index of 8 combined with high altitude hiking increases burn risk significantly

Comfortable walking boots - spring rains make Darband and mountain trails muddy, regular shoes insufficient for traction

Light scarf or head covering - required for mosque visits, breathable fabric essential in 70% humidity conditions

Portable air purifier or N95 masks - May air pollution reaches hazardous levels (AQI 150-200) requiring respiratory protection

Waterproof phone case - sudden weather changes and mountain stream crossings risk electronic damage

Cash in small denominations - mountain tea houses and traditional vendors rarely accept cards, especially during rose season

Electrolyte supplements - combination of altitude changes (1,200m-3,900m/3,937ft-12,795ft) and variable weather causes dehydration

Backup indoor entertainment - weather changes force 20-30% of outdoor plans indoors, download content or bring books

Insider Knowledge

Tehran Municipality runs free mountain shuttle buses from Tajrish Square to Darband trailheads every 30 minutes from 6 AM-10 AM during May to reduce traffic - locals use these religiously

Best exchange rates in May found at jewelry shops on Manouchehri Street near Grand Bazaar - rates 2-3% better than hotels and no tourist markup during shoulder season

Pollution forecast apps (IQAir, AirVisual) are essential - locals check these before planning outdoor activities and reschedule when AQI exceeds 150

Traditional ice cream vendors (Bastani Sonnati) set up in Mellat Park and Darband specifically during May warmth - try saffron and rosewater flavors using fresh Kashan roses

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking mountain tours without checking weather 24 hours ahead - May thunderstorms make Tochal cable car and high-altitude hiking dangerous with 2-hour notice

Wearing dark colors during pollution days - black clothing shows dust and smog particles, locals wear lighter colors during May's worst air quality periods

Planning full outdoor itineraries - 60% of May days require 2-3 hours of indoor backup plans due to weather or pollution, successful visitors plan museum and bazaar alternatives