Iran
Iran plays host to some very hot summers and very cold winters, so spring is a pleasant time to visit when it's somewhere in the middle of these extremes. May is an ideal month to visit Iran as it offers comfortable temperatures for sightseeing in the cities and exploring the northern mountains. As this is a popular time to visit, for good reason, but prices tend to be higher at this time which is worth keeping in mind. The Kashan Rose Festival also takes place, when the flowers are harvested and turned into aromatic water.
Pakistan
In May, the snow in northern Pakistan has melted after winter and the country is generally warm and dry. This is also when the peak trekking season starts. Head to the Kalash Valley in Chitral and you'll catch the colourful spring festival known as Chilam Jusht, which is celebrating as a way of thanking their gods for their blessings. Plenty of spring festivals are celebrated all over the country at this time, so be sure to catch one.
Georgia
By May, the rains have passed and sunshine and warm temperatures arrive in Georgia. As it's spring, often considered the best time to visit, beautiful wildflowers can be enjoyed in the countryside and exploring the cities is a must while temperatures are comfortable. The end of spring also marks the time when the qveri (traditional wine-making vessles) are opened for the New Wine Festival. A perfect way to celebrate the country's love for wine.
Uzbekistan
May is a popular time to visit Uzbekistan as the weather is enjoyably warm, rainfall is minimal. In Boysun, the Boysun Bahori Festival celebrates the unique culture of this small southern city that has preserved their culture for thousands of years. Dates vary but it sometimes falls in May. There is still plenty to do at this time though, with traditional craft markets open along the Silk Road or exploring the country's natural wonders.
Lebanon
Moderate Mediterranean temperatures make springtime an ideal time to visit Lebanon for sightseeing and hiking. Wildflowers carpet the countryside whilst there is still snow in the mountains, offering a picturesque backdrop. Nights are long and this is when Lebanon beach culture gets going.
Azerbaijan
Temperatures average in the teens to early twenties in May, plus it's sunny and dry, perfect for exploring Azerbaijan's plains. A Flower Festival occurs on May 10th and Republic Day falls on May 28th and it's a good time to be in the capital of Baku for these. The latter marks the day the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan was formed. Expect celebrations but also shops might close and there may be some disruptions to travel.
Armenia
Armenia expereinces some heavy showers at the beginning of May, but towards the end of May, the weather heats up in anticipation of summer. It's a comfortable temperature for exploring. From May 11th to the 15th, Yerevan hosts wine days, a great excuse to sample local wines. Foodies will also enjoy the Dolma Festival in Aragatsotn Province on May 20, a perfect opportunity to get acquianted with Armenia's delicious cuisine.
Turkmenistan
Until the end of May, temperatures are warm, from the mid twenties to mid thirties, and a better time to visit Turkmenistan to avoid the sweltering summer and freezing winter. It's a perfect time to camp in the desert or take in the weird and wonderful burning Darvaza gas crater, just some of the amazing natural wonders to soak up. On the 9th May, Turkmenistan commemorates the Great Patriotic War against Germany with parades and speeches.
Jordan
Jordan gets pretty hot in May, especially in the lower regions, so it's a good time to visit. Blooming oleander leaves the wadis carpeted in perfect pink and it's a great time to do some hiking and camel trekking in the sizzling desert. In May, you can celebrate Independence Day and Ramadan is also observed, so there may be some restrictions but visitors will also experience dishes served specifically at this time.
Israel
The sun shines and the temperatures are rising by May in Israel, meaning long, warm days. There are tonnes of festivals and events to be enjoyed in this lovely weather, including religious observances such as Ramadan and Shavuot, but also public holidays like Israel Independence Day and events like Midburn (Israel's answer to the US Burning Man Festival) and the three week Israel Festival that occurs towards the end of the month.
Indonesia
One of the best times to visit Indonesia in in May, at the end of the dry season, when the summer tourists have started to depart. The sun shines bright and rain is minimal, with temperatures in the thirties. It's a good time to spot orangutans in the forest. At Borobudur, you can join in the Buddhist Vesak Festival that celebrates the birth, enlightenment and the death of Lord Buddha. Monks will light candles, chant and release lanterns.
Japan
April is known as one of the best months to visit Japan thanks to cherry blossom season, but this is only if you limit yourself to Tokyo. Visit in May and you'll still find cherry blossom in the north, but you also catch pink moss blooms, wisteria and the tea plantations in full near Mt Fuji before they're picked. You'll feel the summer heat approaching, with temperatures ranging from about 17 - 26 degrees depending on where in the country you are.
Iran
Iran plays host to some very hot summers and very cold winters, so spring is a pleasant time to visit when it's somewhere in the middle of these extremes. May is an ideal month to visit Iran as it offers comfortable temperatures for sightseeing in the cities and exploring the northern mountains. As this is a popular time to visit, for good reason, but prices tend to be higher at this time which is worth keeping in mind. The Kashan Rose Festival also takes place, when the flowers are harvested and turned into aromatic water.
Pakistan
In May, the snow in northern Pakistan has melted after winter and the country is generally warm and dry. This is also when the peak trekking season starts. Head to the Kalash Valley in Chitral and you'll catch the colourful spring festival known as Chilam Jusht, which is celebrating as a way of thanking their gods for their blessings. Plenty of spring festivals are celebrated all over the country at this time, so be sure to catch one.
Georgia
By May, the rains have passed and sunshine and warm temperatures arrive in Georgia. As it's spring, often considered the best time to visit, beautiful wildflowers can be enjoyed in the countryside and exploring the cities is a must while temperatures are comfortable. The end of spring also marks the time when the qveri (traditional wine-making vessles) are opened for the New Wine Festival. A perfect way to celebrate the country's love for wine.
Uzbekistan
May is a popular time to visit Uzbekistan as the weather is enjoyably warm, rainfall is minimal. In Boysun, the Boysun Bahori Festival celebrates the unique culture of this small southern city that has preserved their culture for thousands of years. Dates vary but it sometimes falls in May. There is still plenty to do at this time though, with traditional craft markets open along the Silk Road or exploring the country's natural wonders.
Lebanon
Moderate Mediterranean temperatures make springtime an ideal time to visit Lebanon for sightseeing and hiking. Wildflowers carpet the countryside whilst there is still snow in the mountains, offering a picturesque backdrop. Nights are long and this is when Lebanon beach culture gets going.
Azerbaijan
Temperatures average in the teens to early twenties in May, plus it's sunny and dry, perfect for exploring Azerbaijan's plains. A Flower Festival occurs on May 10th and Republic Day falls on May 28th and it's a good time to be in the capital of Baku for these. The latter marks the day the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan was formed. Expect celebrations but also shops might close and there may be some disruptions to travel.
Armenia
Armenia expereinces some heavy showers at the beginning of May, but towards the end of May, the weather heats up in anticipation of summer. It's a comfortable temperature for exploring. From May 11th to the 15th, Yerevan hosts wine days, a great excuse to sample local wines. Foodies will also enjoy the Dolma Festival in Aragatsotn Province on May 20, a perfect opportunity to get acquianted with Armenia's delicious cuisine.
Turkmenistan
Until the end of May, temperatures are warm, from the mid twenties to mid thirties, and a better time to visit Turkmenistan to avoid the sweltering summer and freezing winter. It's a perfect time to camp in the desert or take in the weird and wonderful burning Darvaza gas crater, just some of the amazing natural wonders to soak up. On the 9th May, Turkmenistan commemorates the Great Patriotic War against Germany with parades and speeches.
Jordan
Jordan gets pretty hot in May, especially in the lower regions, so it's a good time to visit. Blooming oleander leaves the wadis carpeted in perfect pink and it's a great time to do some hiking and camel trekking in the sizzling desert. In May, you can celebrate Independence Day and Ramadan is also observed, so there may be some restrictions but visitors will also experience dishes served specifically at this time.
Israel
The sun shines and the temperatures are rising by May in Israel, meaning long, warm days. There are tonnes of festivals and events to be enjoyed in this lovely weather, including religious observances such as Ramadan and Shavuot, but also public holidays like Israel Independence Day and events like Midburn (Israel's answer to the US Burning Man Festival) and the three week Israel Festival that occurs towards the end of the month.
Indonesia
One of the best times to visit Indonesia in in May, at the end of the dry season, when the summer tourists have started to depart. The sun shines bright and rain is minimal, with temperatures in the thirties. It's a good time to spot orangutans in the forest. At Borobudur, you can join in the Buddhist Vesak Festival that celebrates the birth, enlightenment and the death of Lord Buddha. Monks will light candles, chant and release lanterns.
Japan
April is known as one of the best months to visit Japan thanks to cherry blossom season, but this is only if you limit yourself to Tokyo. Visit in May and you'll still find cherry blossom in the north, but you also catch pink moss blooms, wisteria and the tea plantations in full near Mt Fuji before they're picked. You'll feel the summer heat approaching, with temperatures ranging from about 17 - 26 degrees depending on where in the country you are.
