Kabul in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Kabul

23°C (75°F) High Temp

8°C (47°F) Low Temp

23 mm (0.9 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather with comfortable daytime temperatures of 23°C (75°F) and clear mountain views - visibility extends beyond 50 km (31 miles) on most days
Minimal rainfall at just 23 mm (0.9 inches) means outdoor activities rarely get disrupted - rain typically occurs as brief evening showers lasting 15-20 minutes
Late spring season brings blooming almond and apricot trees throughout the city's gardens and surrounding valleys, creating impressive photography opportunities
Lower tourist numbers compared to summer months result in 40-60% cheaper accommodation rates and easier access to popular sites without crowds

Considerations

Significant temperature swings from 8°C (47°F) at dawn to 23°C (75°F) afternoon require careful layering - many tourists underpack warm clothing for early mornings
High altitude at 1,790 m (5,873 ft) combined with strong UV index of 8 causes rapid sunburn - locals joke that foreigners turn red within 30 minutes without protection
Occasional dust storms during late May can reduce visibility and make outdoor activities uncomfortable for 1-2 days when they occur

Best Activities in May

Bagh-e Babur Garden Exploration

May is ideal for visiting Kabul's historic gardens when spring flowers are in full bloom and temperatures are perfect for walking. The terraced gardens showcase traditional Mughal landscaping at its peak, with comfortable 20°C (68°F) afternoon temperatures for extended exploration. Morning visits at 9-10am offer the best lighting and cooler conditions.

Booking Tip: Entry costs 100-200 AFN. Best accessed independently - taxi from city center costs 300-500 AFN each way. Allow 2-3 hours for full garden exploration. Friday mornings see fewer local families visiting.

Old City Bazaar Walking Tours

May's moderate temperatures make navigating Kabul's historic bazaars comfortable throughout the day. The covered markets provide natural shade while maintaining good ventilation. Spring season brings fresh produce and traditional crafts, with shopkeepers more willing to engage visitors during the pleasant weather.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration works well with local guide rates at 2,000-3,500 AFN for half-day tours. Start early at 8am to avoid afternoon crowds. Bargaining is expected - start at 30% of quoted prices. Money changers offer better rates than hotels.

Paghman Valley Day Trips

Located 45 km (28 miles) west of Kabul, Paghman offers cooler mountain air and spectacular spring scenery in May. Snow-capped peaks provide dramatic backdrops while valley temperatures remain comfortable at 18-20°C (64-68°F). Traditional orchards are in bloom, and local families operate tea houses serving seasonal specialties.

Booking Tip: Private vehicle hire costs 5,000-8,000 AFN for full day including driver. Shared taxis from Darulaman Road cost 200-300 AFN per person each way. Pack lunch or arrange with local tea houses. Allow 6-8 hours total including travel time.

Kabul Museum Cultural Visits

May's pleasant indoor temperatures make extended museum visits comfortable without excessive air conditioning needs. The National Museum's collections are best appreciated during longer visits, and spring season often features special exhibitions. Morning light through the building's windows provides excellent viewing conditions.

Booking Tip: Entry fees range 150-300 AFN for foreigners. Photography permits cost additional 200-500 AFN. English-speaking guides available for 1,500-2,500 AFN. Tuesday-Thursday see smallest crowds. Allow 2-4 hours depending on interest level.

Qargha Lake Recreation

This artificial lake 9 km (5.6 miles) from central Kabul becomes a popular retreat in May when temperatures are perfect for lakeside dining and boat rides. Local families gather for picnics, and the surrounding hills offer moderate hiking trails with rewarding valley views. Water activities are comfortable during afternoon warmth.

Booking Tip: Taxi costs 500-800 AFN each way from city center. Boat rentals available for 800-1,200 AFN per hour. Lakeside restaurants serve traditional Afghan dishes at 400-800 AFN per meal. Best visited Thursday-Friday when local families create lively atmosphere.

Shah-e Doh Shamshira Mosque Architecture Tours

May's clear skies and excellent lighting conditions make this unique two-story mosque perfect for architectural appreciation and photography. The moderate temperatures allow for extended observation of the intricate tile work and unusual design. Morning visits between 9-11am offer the best natural lighting on the facade.

Booking Tip: Free entry with respectful dress required - long sleeves and pants mandatory. Best combined with nearby Pul-e Khishti Mosque for comparative architecture study. Allow 45-60 minutes per site. Friday prayer times (11:30am-12:30pm) restrict tourist access.

May Events & Festivals

Early May

Afghan New Year Celebrations (Extended)

While Nowruz occurs in March, extended celebrations continue through May in Kabul's parks and gardens. Families gather for traditional picnics, kite flying, and poetry recitations. The spring blooms provide perfect backdrops for these cultural celebrations.

Mid May

Spring Garden Festivals

Local communities organize informal gatherings in Kabul's historic gardens during peak bloom season. These include traditional music performances, poetry readings, and handicraft displays. Visitors can observe authentic Afghan cultural practices in beautiful natural settings.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Warm jacket or fleece for 8°C (47°F) early mornings - temperature swings are extreme and many indoor spaces lack heating

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 at 1,790 m (5,873 ft) altitude, causing rapid burning

Lightweight long pants and long-sleeved shirts for cultural site visits - required at mosques and conservative areas regardless of temperature

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - many historic sites have uneven stone surfaces and steep pathways

Light rain jacket or umbrella - brief evening showers occur on 10 days during the month, lasting 15-20 minutes

Layering pieces like cardigans or light sweaters - temperature varies 15°C (27°F) between morning and afternoon

Dust mask or scarf for occasional dust storms - late May can bring 1-2 day periods of reduced air quality

Power bank and universal adapter - electricity can be unreliable, especially during spring maintenance periods

Cash in small denominations - 100 and 500 AFN notes are most useful for daily transactions and bargaining

Modest headscarf for women - essential for mosque visits and shows cultural respect in traditional neighborhoods

Insider Knowledge

Local families begin their traditional Thursday picnics at Qargha Lake and Paghman starting in May - join these gatherings for authentic cultural experiences and shared meals

Currency exchange rates are most favorable at Sarai Shahzada money market near Pul-e Khishti Mosque - avoid hotel exchanges which charge 10-15% premiums

Afternoon dust can reduce photography quality after 3pm on clear days - schedule important sightseeing and photo opportunities for 9am-2pm window

May 2025 sees completion of several road infrastructure projects around Darulaman Palace area, improving access but potentially causing temporary traffic diversions

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating morning cold - tourists often pack only for 23°C (75°F) daytime temperatures and suffer through 8°C (47°F) dawn starts at high altitude

Scheduling outdoor activities for late afternoon when dust and wind typically increase - optimal sightseeing window is 9am-2pm for clearest conditions

Assuming Western-style tourist infrastructure exists - most attractions require cash payments, have limited facilities, and operate on flexible schedules requiring patience