Bethlehem
Weather by month
Current

Bethlehem Weather in May

During May, Bethlehem experiences very high daytime temperatures of 30°C (86°F) and cooler nights around 17°C (63°F). Rainfall is low, averaging just 9.4 mm (0.4 in) for the month.

Rainfall in Bethlehem in May

Typically, you can expect about a single day of rain this month, with 9.4 mm (0.4 in) on average. On the rare occasion it does rain, the shower can be quite heavy given the low total spread across a single day.

Temperature in Bethlehem in May

Bethlehem has excellent weather in May, with days reaching 30°C (86°F) and nights cooling to 17°C (63°F). For most visitors, the main thing to prepare for is the heat during the day. With overnight lows of 17°C (63°F), evenings can feel noticeably cooler than the daytime. An extra layer is a good idea, though the cool air makes for a good night's sleep.

Sunshine in Bethlehem in May

The city usually sees around 332 hours of sunlight, indicating many sunny days , a great month for sightseeing.

Wind Speed in Bethlehem in May

Wind speeds average 7 m/s (14 knots) during May. At this speed, you experience strong wind that can make entire trees sway and create resistance when walking. Since this is an average, expect variation from moderate windy periods to particularly gusty days when umbrellas become difficult to control.

If your ideal day consists of dry skies and pleasant temperatures, March, April and November typically offer the best circumstances for Bethlehem.

Bethlehem Temperature in May

Min Temperature
17°C (63°F)
Max Temperature
30°C (86°F)
Chance of Rain
3%
Precipitation
9.4 mm (0.4 in)
Rainy days
a single day
Humidity
35% *
Windspeed
7 m/s (14 knots) *
Sunshine
332 hours *
Percentage Sunshine
*
* Data from: Jerusalem, Israel (6 KM, 4 Miles).

Bethlehem Weather by Month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Bethlehem - and find the best time to visit.

Daily Historical Temperatures

50-year average (1976-2025)

Based on our historical records, temperatures in Bethlehem typically rise from around 26°C (79°F) at the start of May to approximately 29°C (84°F) by the end. Nights are pleasant, with lows typically ranging from 13°C (55°F) to 16°C (61°F).

Average temperatures in May

Daily Historical Precipitation

50-year average (1976-2025)

Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.

Average precipitation in May

Historical weather records for Bethlehem in May

Browse day-by-day weather records for Bethlehem spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.

Bethlehem historical weather extremes in May

Based on 50 years of weather observations (1976-2026), these are the most extreme conditions recorded in Bethlehem.

  • On May 23, 2019, temperatures climbed to 43°C (109°F), marking the warmest May day on record.
  • The coldest May day was on May 3, 1986, with a maximum of 16°C (61°F).
  • Bethlehem registered its coldest May night on May 6, 1990, with temperatures dropping to 3°C (37°F).

Best Places in Palestinian Territory in May

Find out more about the weather in Palestinian Territory and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Palestinian Territory in May →

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

What to Wear in Bethlehem in May

Warm but pleasant conditions in Bethlehem in May. Focus on lightweight, maybe with natural fabrics, cotton blend shirts, comfortable shorts, and breathable footwear. A light cover-up for sun protection is smart too. Dry conditions mean you won't need to worry about rain protection. You'll definitely want to pack sunglasses and sunscreen. There will be plenty of bright sunshine this month.

What To Do in Bethlehem in May

We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.

  • Swimming
    10/10
  • Cycling
    8/10
  • Walking
    8/10
  • Barbeque
    10/10
  • Camping
    10/10
  • Outdoor sports
    8/10

Bethlehem 3-Day Forecast

Popular in May

Where to go in May - average daytime high across popular destinations.

Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.