Conditions in May
May in Turkey marks a glorious transition into prime diving season, offering some of the most comfortable and rewarding conditions you'll find offshore. The weather on land is typically warm and sunny, without the sweltering heat of high summer, making surface intervals and land excursions a real pleasure. You can expect daytime temperatures to comfortably hover between 20-28°C (68-82°F), with gentle breezes keeping things pleasant. The sea has finally shaken off its winter chill, with water temperatures ranging from a refreshing 19°C (66°F) early in the month, steadily climbing to a comfortable 22-23°C (72-73°F) by its end. For most divers, a 5mm or even a 3mm wetsuit, especially later in May, will provide ample thermal protection.
Visibility throughout May is generally excellent across Turkey's popular diving regions. The cooler waters earlier in the month often mean less planktonic activity, leading to crystal-clear conditions. You can realistically anticipate visibility between 20-30 meters, and often even better in sheltered bays or away from shore. The Aegean and Mediterranean coasts of Turkey are renowned for their calm seas during this period. While localized currents can always be present, May typically experiences gentle to moderate currents, making for relaxed drift dives and allowing for comfortable exploration of reefs and wrecks. This combination of good visibility, comfortable water temperatures, and calm seas makes May an ideal time for divers of all experience levels to explore Turkey's underwater world.
What you will see
May is a fantastic month for marine life sightings in Turkey, as the warmer waters and increasing daylight stimulate a hive of activity. You'll primarily be exploring the rich biodiversity of the Mediterranean, which, while not a pelagic hotspot in the same vein as some global destinations, offers a delightful array of schooling fish, fascinating macro life, and impressive historical wrecks. Look out for large schools of barracuda circling pinnacles, often numbering in the hundreds, creating mesmerizing displays. Tuna, amberjacks, and sometimes even dentex can be spotted cruising the deeper sections of reefs and around underwater peaks. For those with a keen eye, the rocky reefs are teeming with groupers, moray eels (including the less common Mediterranean moral eel and conger eel), intricate nudibranchs, and colourful wrasses.
While mantas and sharks are not typical residents of the Turkish Mediterranean, you might occasionally encounter elusive loggerhead sea turtles, particularly around nesting areas or seagrass beds. Octopus and cuttlefish are also commonly sighted, often camouflaged brilliantly against the rocks or darting across the sand. Wreck diving in Turkey is truly exceptional, and May’s excellent visibility enhances these experiences, allowing you to appreciate the scale and detail of historical sites. You'll find these wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting a greater diversity of marine life, from various schooling fish to resident groupers and crustaceans. The clear waters also make exploring caverns and swim-throughs an absolute joy, revealing hidden corners of the reef.
Top dive sites this month
For an unforgettable diving experience in May, consider heading to the Kaş region. Its dramatic underwater topography, including walls, canyons, and caves, truly comes alive with excellent visibility. Dive sites like the "Canyon" and "Blue Cave" offer breathtaking scenery and are home to barracuda, groupers, and vibrant sponges. Nearby, the "Flying Fish" wreck (a fascinating C-47 Dakota plane wreck) is a must-see, often surrounded by schools of fish. Another excellent choice is the Bodrum Peninsula, particularly for its outstanding wreck dives. The "Pinar 1" wreck, a former Turkish Navy patrol boat, lies in accessible depths and is thriving with marine life, making it a favourite. Also in Bodrum, sites around the "Black Island" (Karaada) boast beautiful reef formations and swim-throughs, perfect for exploring in the clear May waters.
Further east, the waters around Kalkan and Fethiye also offer fantastic opportunities. The "Amphora" site near Kaş is intriguing not just for its marine life, but for the scattered ancient amphorae – a testament to the region's rich history. For those who enjoy deeper, more advanced dives, some of the offshore pinnacles in these areas can attract larger pelagics, though these sightings are less predictable. The calm weather and excellent visibility in May make exploring all these sites a pleasure, from the shallow, sun-drenched reefs to deeper wreck penetrations, suiting a variety of dive preferences.
Practical tips for your trip
Given the pleasant water temperatures in May, a 5mm full wetsuit will be ideal for most divers, providing warmth for multiple dives, especially early in the month. If you tend to run warm or are diving later in May, a 3mm might suffice, but having a shorty or a vest to layer can be a good idea for added comfort. This month is incredibly versatile, suiting both beginners and advanced divers alike. The calm seas and good visibility are perfect for those just starting out or working on their certifications, while the numerous wreck dives and deeper reef explorations offer plenty of challenge and interest for more experienced divers. Turkey's dive centres are well-equipped and professional, offering a wide range of courses and guided dives.
Liveaboard availability in Turkey in May is generally good, as it's just before the peak summer rush. This means you might find favourable prices and better choices for routes and cabin types. However, given the increasing popularity of Turkey as a dive destination, booking your liveaboard well in advance is still highly recommended to secure your preferred dates and vessel. Beyond your usual dive gear, pack light, breathable clothing for surface intervals and evenings ashore. Don't forget reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and insect repellent. Be aware that while card payments are widely accepted, having some local currency (Turkish Lira) for smaller purchases or tips is always a good idea. Embrace the opportunity to explore beyond the dive sites too; Turkey's rich history and delicious cuisine are not to be missed!