The rains have officially arrived in Mexico come May. With the exception of a few cities, most popular destinations experience moderate amounts of rainfall during the month. The deeper it gets into May, the higher the likelihood of it raining. The average temperatures in Mexico, too, steadily increase over the course of May. The average minimum temperature – usually recorded at night – hovers around the 12°C (54°F) mark while the average maximum temperature – usually recorded during the daytime – hovers around the 34°C (93°F) mark.
May is not part of the tourist high season in Mexico. It's quiet and relaxing, meaning you can visit most places without having to worry about having big crowds around. Even popular tourist hotspots like Cancun and Cabo San Lucas are less busy during the month, resulting in very good prices for most things including accommodation, airfare, and transportation.
It'll be wet, hot, and humid in Mexico in May. It's best you pack primarily summer clothes for your trip to the country during this time but include an umbrella and raincoat as well. If you plan to spend a few days in Mexico City, don't forget to pack a sweater or two either, since the early mornings can be a little chilly there.
To get a better understanding of what Mexico is like in terms of climate and weather conditions during the month of May, continue reading below.
Mexico Weather in May: Overview
- Average temperature range: 12°C (54°F) – 34°C (93°F)
- Rainfall: 70 mm (3 inches) in Mexico City; 90 mm (4 inches) in Cancun; 65 mm (3 inches) in Oaxaca; 0 mm (0 inches) in Cabo San Lucas.
- Rainy days: 10 in Mexico City; 6 in Cancun; 8 in Oaxaca; 0 in Cabo San Lucas.
The average temperatures for May differ from destination to destination in Mexico. For example, the average temperature touches highs of 26°C (79°F) in the capital, Mexico City, 31°C (88°F) in Cancun, 30°C (86°F) in Oaxaca, and 30°C (86°F) in Cabo San Lucas. The average temperature low, on the other hand, is closer to 12°C (54°F) in the capital, 25°C (77°F) in Cancun, 15°C (59°F) in Oaxaca, and 21°C (70°F) in Cabo San Lucas.
Although May come with rainfall in most Mexican provinces, this is not something you should worry too much about. The rains are limited to short spurts in the afternoons, and the days are still marked with generous amounts of sunshine. Of all the major destinations, Mexico City, Cancun, and Monterrey experience the most chance of precipitation, and even these showers are expected to be only moderate in intensity.
If you're looking to spend some time on the beach, either relaxing and getting your tan on or pursuing water sports, and experiencing lively celebrations and traditional festivals, May makes for a good time to visit Mexico. It's also not as crowded or as expensive in May as it is during other periods in the year, giving you even more reasons to go ahead and book that flight to the Central American paradise that is Mexico!
Weather of Mexico Major Cities in May
| City | Min. Temp | Max. Temp | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico City | 12°C (54°F) | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (3 inches) |
| Cancun | 25°C (77°F) | 31°C (88°F) | 90 mm (4 inches) |
| Guadalajara | 15°C (59°F) | 34°C (93°F) | 15 mm (1 inch) |
| Oaxaca | 15°C (59°F) | 30°C (86°F) | 65 mm (3 inches) |
| Chichen Itza | 27°C (81°F) | 34°C (93°F) | 55 mm (2 inches) |
| Cabo San Lucas | 21°C (70°F) | 30°C (86°F) | 0 mm (0 inches) |
| Monterrey | 20°C (68°F) | 33°C (91°F) | 85 mm (3 inches) |
Best Places to Visit in Mexico in May
1.Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas is exceptionally beautiful in May. It is dry and sunny, and lacking in large crowds, making it the perfect beach getaway if you're in the mood to soak up the sun and recharge your batteries. This destination in the Baja California Big Sur Peninsula is popular for swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and flyboarding.
2.Cancun
Although slightly wet and humid in May, Cancun is blessed with plenty of sea breeze that helps keep the muggy air away. Overall, it's very pleasant here in May, and Cancun's many beaches are free of large crowds and too many tourists during this time. From exploring ancient Mayan ruins and beaches to snorkeling and scuba diving, Cancun makes for a great tropical destination in Mexico.
3.Mexico City
While Mexico City does see some rain during May, it is cooler than most places in Mexico during the month. So much so that the early mornings and late evenings are pleasantly chilly in the capital. There are lush gardens to appreciate at Bosque de Chapultepec and amazing street foods to enjoy in this economic, administrative, cultural, and gastronomic heartbeat of the country. During May, the city also holds lively Cinco de Mayo festivities that add to CDMX's already vibrant nature of city life.
May Crowds and Costs
May is not part of the peak tourist season in Mexico. It is quiet and peaceful, and you can enjoy most places without having to worry about large groups of tourists or partygoing college students. It is especially lovely in popular spots like Cancun and Cabo San Lucas, making for a nice change of pace from the extremely busy (and sometimes frantic) scenes of the preceding few months.
This welcome downturn in tourism across Mexico also results in favorable prices insofar as accommodation, airfare, and transportation are concerned. You can get great deals on hotels, even in popular destinations like Cabo San Lucas. It's still best to book as well out in advance as possible to ensure you've snagged the best rates.
May Events in Mexico
Labor Day: Labor Day, or Dia del Trabajo, takes place on May 1 every year, and is observed as a public holiday throughout Mexico. If you visit the country during this time, you will observe demonstrations and parties taking place on the streets of the major cities.
Cinco de Mayo: Cinco de Mayo is celebrated with much fanfare on May 5 in most parts of Mexico. Originally celebrated to commemorate the victory of the Mexican forces over the French in the Battle of Puebla in 1861. Today, celebrations have taken a slightly different form and include lively parades, dance performances, and parties. Although not a federal holiday, the grandest of celebrations take place in Puebla where the battle took place, and the capital, Mexican City.
Feast of San Isidro: Every year on May 15, Mexico honors the patron saint of agriculture and farmers, Saint Isidro Labrador, by making pilgrimages and organizing feasts that include foods like lemonade, fruits, and a Mexican variety of doughnuts.
What to Wear in Mexico in May
May comes with rains in Mexico, so it's essential you keep in mind that it will be hot and sticky in many parts of the country. Prioritize summer clothing but don't forget a few items that'll help keep you dry and comfortable in wet conditions either. The early mornings can be a tad bit chilly in Mexico City, so if your itinerary involves a trip to the Mexican capital, make sure your luggage includes a sweater or two as well.
All in all, your list of essentials to carry for a May trip to Mexico should include the following items: t-shirts and tops made of soft, breathable, fabrics like cotton and linen, shorts, skirts, sundresses, lightweight pants, capris, raincoats or ponchos, an umbrella, sturdy tennis shoes or sneakers, sandals, swimwear, reef shoes, beach cover ups, sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen. If you plan to spend a few days in Mexico City, do also pack a couple of sweaters or light jackets.
Explore Mexico with Global Highlights
Mexico is an absolute dream to visit, and our team of travel experts here at Global Highlights would be thrilled to help you realize that dream. We know the ins and outs of traveling around Mexico and have years of experience planning the perfect itinerary for this Central American paradise. This expertise will ensure you have a thoroughly memorable time during your holiday, and come back home refreshed, rejuvenated, and with plenty of stories to tell your friends. We'll keep everything from weather conditions to special interests in mind, so all you need to worry about is having as good a time as possible!
