Mexico weather in May
| Avg. temperature: 28°C / 82°F | Sun: 8 hrs per day (sunshine) / 13.2 hrs per day (daylight) |
| Rain: 66.5 mm per month | Avg. Humidity: 49% |
Visiting Mexico in May
If you are visiting Mexico in May, expect less tourists and fewer crowds as this month marks the start of the low season. Mexico’s temperatures in May are high and the days are warm, but as the wet season begins many choose to wait for the rain to end before planning their Mexican vacation.
Having said that, if you’re ok with a shower or two, May can be a fantastic time to see some of Mexico’s best sights as you can take advantage of fewer visitors and low season prices. There are some great deals to be had on air fare, accommodation and even entry to attractions during the quiet tourist season, so there are huge benefits to travelling to Mexico in May. Some prices drop as low as 50% below the standard high season rates!
And after all, a little rain never hurt anyone, right?
Things to do in Mexico in May
If you’re visiting Mexico in May, you’ve picked one of the best times for sightseeing as there are far fewer tourists throughout the country than in the drier months. Many sights and attractions that are usually flooded with visitors experience quieter spells, so take advantage of the low season. Here are some of the best things to do in Mexico in May.
Visit one of the most popular archaeological sites in Mexico, Chichen Itza
This ancient pre-Hispanic Mayan city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, occupying 4 square miles on the Yucatan Peninsula is one of the region’s most visited archaeological sites and tourist attractions. During the high season it is so busy it can be difficult to see all the site has to offer, so visiting during the month of May is the ideal time to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Chichen Itza is said to have been built in the 400’s and years later it became the most powerful city in the Yucatan region after it was conquered by the Toltecs. Today, visitors come to the site to marvel at the ancient city and in particular, the iconic 30 meter high pyramid with its serpent-headed staircase.
Take a day trip to Isla Mujeres to sport sea turtles in their natural habitat
If you are staying in Cancun, Isla Mujeres sits 13 km off the coast and is definitely worth a visit during your trip to Mexico in May. The weather is still relatively dry and the temperatures hot, making for the ideal time to bask in the island sun in a true tropical paradise.
It is famed for its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, and for being a more calm version of its neighbour, Cancun. The perfect spot for relaxing, taking a dip in the ocean, snorkeling and participating in water sports, one of the best things to do in Isla Mujeres in May is visit The Turtle Farm (La Tortuga Granja).
Giant sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs from May to September, and the eggs are gathered and placed in pens at the farm to protect them from predators. In May, you can see hundreds of turtles on the beaches and it is a must-see for wildlife and nature lovers. There is also a small aquarium at the farm, home to various sea life such as sea horses, lobsters and tropical fish.
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Mexico City
You’ve probably heard of Cinco de Mayo, Mexico’s annual celebration of when the Mexican army defeated French troops in the Battle of Puebla. If you’re going to celebrate it anywhere, celebrate it in Mexico City, the nation’s capital, where festivities continue throughout the month of May.
The main date for your diary should be 5 May, when a huge parade is held through Mexico City. People partaking are dressed as Mexican and French soldiers and there is loud music, marching bands and plenty of traditional dance performers. In the Penon de los Banos neighborhood after the parade, a reenactment of the battle is held in a spectacular display including realistic costumes, weapons and great acting.
Indulge in a wild day of water sports at El Medano Beach
If you’re staying in Cabo San Lucas during your visit to Mexico in May, you’ll want to go to El Medano Beach if you’re into water sports and adventure activities. There’s a scuba diving centre, jet skiing, kayaks for hire, paddle boarding, parasailing and more. The temperatures are high so you’ll want to cool off in the clear blue waters, and rainy season hasn’t quite hit here so you shouldn’t expect your day to be dampened by many showers!
Best Places to Visit in Mexico in May
For outdoor adventurers and hiking enthusiasts, head to Copper Canyon in northern Mexico
Springtime in Copper Canyon generally runs from February to May, and this is considered the dry season and the best time to visit the region. Located in northern Mexico, Copper Canyon is set in spectacular landscape and is a great place for an outdoor adventure, be that hiking, mountain biking or simply spectating the breathtaking views.
If you’re planning on hiking one of the trails at Copper Canyon, it is generally recommended to do so with an approved guide, and this is with your safety in mind as trails are not too well marked and are very rugged in certain areas.
Whilst the weather is almost ideal in Copper Canyon in May, just be cautious of the winds, as they tend to be high in May making for a more treachorous climb.
The Yucatan Peninsula is a little behind the seasons, so May is the last month to enjoy a dry spell before the rain hits
When someone mentions beaches in Mexico, you most likely imagine the gorgeous stretches of white sand that lead to the warm turquoise waters of the Caribbean sea. Those beaches sit along the Yucatan Peninsula, and include Cancun, by far the most visited destination along the coast with its many resorts, restaurants and waterparks.
Then there’s Tulum, popular these days with celebrities as it’s home to more pristine, untouched beaches than its neighbour and is an idyllic place in a tropical jungle paradise.
Playa del Carmen, along the Riviera Maya, has plenty of nice beaches, though like Cancun is more of a tourist destination so expect them to be busier than in Tulum. Still, since you are visiting Mexico in May there are fewer tourists overall so it is the ideal time to take advantage of a quiet time in a usually busy beachtown . There’s an abundance of water sports to enjoy, lots of snorkeling and plenty of bars and restaurants so satisfy your cravings.
Baja California remains dry in May and is hot, hot, hot with highs of around 33°C / 91°F
Baja California is an 800 mile-long peninsula on Mexico’s wild Pacific Coast, just south of California in the United States and filled with mountain ranges and beaches, deserts and cities. If you’re craving high temperatures during your visit to Mexico in May, then look no further as these are some of the highest in the country, alongside very little rain.
If you’re looking to search (or watch people surf!) during the month of May the waves break on the eastern side of the peninsula. Swim in the Sea of Cortez (“the World’s aquarium” as it has been called by many) for your chance to spot some spectacular sealife, hit wine country in Valle de Guadalupe or go hiking in the stunning Parque Nacional Sierra San Pedro Mártir.
Best time to visit Mexico • Jan • Feb • Mar • Apr • May • Jun • Jul • Aug • Sep • Oct • Nov • Dec