In the month of May, the weather in the Bahamas is warm with a combination of sun and rain, historically an interesting time to visit the Bahamas (or for visitors avoiding the peak times). This month serves as a bridge between the cooler dry period and the warmer, wetter summer.
May can influence your experience, especially if you are looking for beach days, watersports, and cultural happenings, so it is best to know what to expect when you visit.
Quick Weather Overview
| Factor | Average |
|---|---|
| High Temperature | 296C (846F) |
| Low Temperature | 226C (726F) |
| Rainfall | 88 mm (3.5 inches) |
| Rainy Days | 7-8 days |
| Sunshine Hours | 8-9 hours/day |
| Sea Temperature | 276C (816F) |
| Humidity | 70% average |
This climate characterizes a mild warmth — enough sun to enjoy the outdoors and consider showers as part of the package. May is slightly wetter than drier winter months, but rain never stops play.
Weather Details
Temperature: Comfortable Warmth
Daytime highs are typically pleasantly warm reaching around 296C (846F) while evenings cool to a comfortable 226C (726F) in May. This range gives us beach weather without the sweltering heat (at least early in the month, before summer takes hold).
The temperature does bump up a little but the Atlantic breezes bring relief later in May. However, the climate of the Bahamas in May is not hot to the point of being dangerous, so a variety of different types of travelers can appreciate it.
Precipitation and Humidity: Little Sprinkle
Around 88 mm of rain falls, in a week or so of light to moderate showers. These are usually transient, quickly clearing to sunny skies. Humidity remains near the 70% mark, which is obviously felt but it is not overwhelming and it carries a little tropical influence without being oppressive.
With this combo you will want to bring along a light rain jacket or umbrella, but the rain typically isn’t heavy enough to totally ruin outdoor activities.
Sunshine and Daylight
If you want to spend as much time visiting the sites, doing some water sports or taking a dip in the sea, May gives you around 8 to 9 hours of sunshine each day. Sunrise is around 6:30 and sunset around 7:30, so we had a good full day to spend.
The cloud cover can vary, but in the majority of days, there is enough sunshine to make sure both spirits and skin stay bronzed.
Sea and Wind Conditions
The sea temperature is around 276C (816F), which is comfortable for swimming, snorkeling etc. A light, gentle trade wind provides coastal breeziness but pleasant, and improves comfort while out and about.
All the essentials to bring with you to the Bahamas in May
- Thin wear: cotton or linen tops, shorts, and dresses
- Bathing suit: for the beach, swimming pool, etc.
- Light rain coat or portable umbrella: for sporadic rain
- Sun protection: shirt, hat, sunglasses, and very high-SPF sunscreen
- Sandals with arch support or good walking shoes for wandering around towns/nature trails
- Layer for evening: a light sweater or shawl for those chilly nights
- Insect repellent may also be useful in the evenings (near vegetation) – some people forget this completely. Bring a reusable water which may also prove useful under the hot sun.
Events and Festivals in May
Visitors start to taper away in May which is just after the Spring Break rush. Bahamas Carnival may not be your typical May cultural event, but local community events, small festivals can also occur, giving you an authentic experience without the large crowds.
Sampling local markets and food festivals can be a great highlight, with some Bahamian culture to be experienced while finding comfort in the warm weather.
Travel Guide May: Is It a Good Time to Visit The Bahamas?
We consider May to be a good compromise between all the benefits for visitors. It offers warm but not blistering weather, rain in the shape of short showers, and a welcoming sea for such things as swimming. The negative is that this is the start of the wet season, so it can rain sometimes, and the humidity is much higher than in the winter months.
Still, that certainly hasn’t dissuaded travelers seeking the benefits of the shoulder season, fewer crowds and more hotel deals. May is ideal for families who want to skip the peak crowds entirely, couples looking for a romantic getaway on a relatively tame beach and active travelers ready to snorkel or dive at attractions where the throngs aren’t an issue.
May Bahamas Quick Travel Tips
- Try to organize your outdoor undertakings for the morning or late evening, avoiding that midday sun
- Plan a few months ahead and book your accommodation to get the best prices
- Bring a light rain garment for patchy downpours
- Swim with reef safe sunscreen on, to help mitigate the impact of sunscreen on marine life
- Here are some tips for getting around the islands: Rent a car for optimal touring flexibility from island to island and between attractions.
- In May, when the sea has calmed and the tourist pressure has subsided, it can sometimes be an enjoyable experience to explore by boat.
- No matter your traveling style, a bit of knowledge ahead of time on what to expect from the Bahamas weather in May makes for an informed plan and smart packing.