Spain in May: Weather and Travel Tips
From the beautiful Pyrenees Mountains to the atmospheric streets of Madrid, a trip to Spain in May is ideal! During this month, the weather is warm, and precipitation is rare. May is the last month of spring and a great month to visit Spain before the high season kicks in and hordes of travelers descend on the country. Gaze at the mesmerizing architecture of Granada, Barcelona, or wander through one of Spain’s many national parks and try the culinary delights of the Basque Country in San Sebastian!
- Reynold G.
Weather in Spain in May
Most parts of Spain in May are quite warm even though temperatures can drop quickly in the evenings. Precipitation is rare in this month, making May the perfect time to explore the country’s wildlife reserves, such as Sierra Nevada National Park, which is located in Andalucía. Further Inland, temperatures can range from 22℃ during the daytime to 10℃ at night. If you are coming to Spain during this period, make sure to visit Madrid before the crazy hot temperatures of July and August make exploring the city on foot an uncomfortable experience. Overall, both the northern and southern parts of the country are characterized by mild temperatures, averaging at around 19℃, in May.
For in-depth information, check out our travel guide on the best time to visit Spain.
Weather in Spain in May - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 10 | 12 | 16 | 17 | 22 | 29 | 33 | 33 | 29 | 21 | 15 | 11 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 13 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 9 | 4 | 2 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 50 | 54 | 61 | 63 | 72 | 85 | 92 | 92 | 85 | 70 | 59 | 52 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 34 | 36 | 40 | 41 | 47 | 56 | 61 | 61 | 58 | 49 | 40 | 36 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 40 | 40 | 30 | 50 | 40 | 30 | 10 | 10 | 20 | 40 | 50 | 50 |
| Apr | May | Jun | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 17 | 22 | 29 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 5 | 8 | 13 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 63 | 72 | 85 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 41 | 47 | 56 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 50 | 40 | 30 |
Why visit Spain in May
May is one of the best months in the low season to explore the country. With summer in Spain approaching, not only is the weather warm and dry during this time of year but celebrations and festivities are also held all over the country, offering travelers a great chance to mingle with locals.
- Fewer tourists: Experience the authentic local culture sans mass tourism. Unlike July and August, you will not find thousands of tourists overcrowding the main cities in Spain in May. This is therefore a great time to interact with locals.
- Cheaper prices: May is also ideal for those traveling on a budget. Hotels and other services are cheaper during this month and you will also be able to save some money on activities.
- Festivities and celebrations: Spain sees numerous celebrations throughout the month of May. For instance, the Battle of the Flowers, which takes place on the second of May, in Cordoba. During this festival, wagons decorated with colorful flowers drive through the streets of the old city while women dressed in flamenco dresses throw flowers at spectators. Similarly, the Festival of San Isidro, held on May 15 each year, sees Madrid indulge in a raucous celebration of its patron saint.
Another event worth participating in is the Jerez Horse Fair held in Jerez de la Frontera. In addition to horse parades, the fair also sees night celebrations and street parties. - Outdoor activities: Warm weather along with low precipitation comes as a blessing for outdoor enthusiasts. Explore the stunning Cabrera archipelago and hike through the Martian landscape of Timanfaya. Enjoy a variety of outdoor activities in Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, ranging from canoeing to mountain biking and climbing. For birding, head for the wetlands of Doñana National Park.
- City sightseeing at its best: In May, cities such as Barcelona and Madrid are not only enjoyable because of their warm temperatures but are also tourist-free. Make sure to amble around these cities and experience authentic Spanish culture. Both these cities are also home to some of the most important art museums in the whole country. While visiting Barcelona, do not miss out on a trip to the Picasso Museum. For those who plan to stick with Madrid, there is El Prado.
Where to go and what to do
In addition to city sightseeing and taking part in celebrations, there are plenty of things to do in Spain in May. Hike through the breathtaking landscapes of Sierra Nevada National Park or go island hopping in Islas Atlánticas. Chase the endangered Spanish lynx through the wildflower-dotted landscape of Monfragüe and kick back on the golden sands of the famous Costa del Sol. For those that love craggy peaks and villages frozen in time, there is Picos de Europa, while culture vultures will find themselves at home among the stunning architecture of Córdoba. There is no shortage of places to visit in Spain during this time of the year.
Cities and towns throughout Spain come alive in May with celebrations and festivities, which offer a portal into authentic Spanish culture. Plus, fewer crowds mean that you have the highlights of the country all for yourself. Be it an island-hopping trip in the Canary Islands or a lazy afternoon in Ibiza, there are tons of experiences to be had in Spain during this time of year. If you are wondering how much time you will need to pack them all in one trip, check out our guide on how many days to spend in Spain.
If you need help planning your custom trip to Spain, feel free to reach out to our local travel experts. You can also browse through our trips to Spain in May for instant inspiration.
