Antigua Weather in May, Antigua

What's the weather like in Antigua in May

Temperature

The weather carries on getting warmer and wetter in Antigua in May, compared to March and April. During this month, the average temperature for the island starts off at 26.5°C (made up of highs of 29°C and lows of24°C) and rises up to 28°C (highs of 30°C and lows of 26°C) by the end of the month. With this in mind, if you want to travel to Antigua when temperatures will be at their highest, you're best off visiting in the final week of the month.

Even though it only happens on an average of once every ten days, temperatures can sometimes rise above 31°C and drop below 23°C in Antigua in May. The highest temperature ever registered on the island at this time of year is 34°C, whilst the lowest temperature ever recorded here during this month is 17°C.

Since the temperatures are starting to increase by May, this month is best reserved for travellers who enjoy the heat, but not excessively. If you hate high temperatures and want to visit Antigua when the island is at its coolest, consider going in January when temperatures are at their lowest. On the other hand, if you love high temperatures, think about going in August when the island is usually at its hottest. If you do choose to visit Antigua in May, make sure you pack light and airy clothing and some suntan cream to protect you from the sunshine.

Rain

Across the month, Antigua receives an average of 58mm/2 inches of rainfall divided between 13 rainy days that's slightly more than last month. With precipitation occurring on almost half of the month, you're practically guaranteed to experience a shower at some part during your holiday, so be prepared and take some waterproofs or an umbrella with you. The probability of rainfall making an appearance during May starts off at 48% on May 1^st and rises up to 49% by May 11^th, 50% by May 21^st and 51% by May 31^st. The most common types of precipitation you can expect to see during your holiday in Antigua are moderate rain (58%), light rain (32%) and thunderstorms (7%).

Average Sunshine Hours and Cloud Cover

Throughout May, Antigua enjoys an average of nine hours of sunshine every day that's the same as last month along with median cloud coverage ranging between 57% (partly cloudy) at the beginning of the month and 61% (partly cloudy) by the end of the month. On an average day, the sky is clear/mostly clear 20% of the time, partly cloudy 33% and mostly cloudy/overcast 25%.

Average Sea Temperature

The average sea temperature for Antigua remains warm throughout the year. In May, it's 27°C that's the same as last month which is certainly warm enough to go swimming, despite the intense cloud coverage.

Humidity

Thanks to the island's tropical climate, Antigua also stays humid throughout the year. In May, the relative humidity for the island fluctuates between 65% (mildly humid) and 89% (very humid), rarely falling below 58% (mildly humid) or reaching as high as 97% (very humid). On average, the air is at its driest around May 1^st, when the relative humidity falls below 69% (mildly humid) three days out of four, whilst its usually at its most humid around May 9^th, when it rises above 84% (humid) three days out of four.

Wind

Antigua remains breezy throughout the year and May is no exception. During this month, typical wind speeds range between 4 m/s (gentle breeze) and 8 m/s (fresh breeze), sometimes exceeding 10 m/s (fresh breeze). The highest average wind speed of 6 m/s (moderate breeze) happens around May 31^st, when the average daily maximum is 8 m/s, whilst the lowest average wind speed of 6 m/s (moderate breeze) happens around May 17^th, when the average daily maximum is 8 m/s.

Antigua Hotels in May

Couples planning a romantic holiday in Antigua should consider staying at Cocobay Resort. This exclusive all-inclusive resort is situated in between two white sandy beaches and boasts fantastic sea views. Here guests can choose between standard, deluxe and deluxe pool cottages, plus plantation houses and premium waterfront suites, each of which comes equipped with ceiling fan, mini fridge and tea/coffee making facilities. Onsite you'll find two restaurants serving local and international cuisine, swimming pool, wellness cottage with massage and beauty treatments, plus water sports, nature walks, tennis, golf, shops, bars, restaurants and museum just a short walk away.

For a more affordable seafront location, try Nonsuch Bay Resort. Set within an intimate bay and surrounded by 40 acres of landscaped gardens and tropical vegetation, this resort boasts its own secluded beach where guests can enjoy water sports including snorkelling and sailing. Accommodation is provided in the form of one-, two- and three-bedroom residences, apartments, beach cottages and hilltop villas, providing something for all styles, group sizes and budgets. Onsite services and facilities include bar-restaurant which overlooks the sea and serves an international menu with Caribbean specialities, in-room spa services, childcare, free WiFi access and swimming pool.

If you're on a tight budget, consider Valley Creek Hotel. Situated just a ten-minute drive away from Coco Beach and St Johns, this small complex is made up of one- and three-bedroom apartments, each of which comes equipped with free WiFi access and full kitchen so you can prepare your own meals. Due to the small price tag, there are no services or facilities onsite, but you'll find loads of shops, supermarkets, cafes, bars and restaurants just a short distance away in St Johns, as well as a golf course only 5.5km away.

Antigua Beaches in May

When it comes to a lively beach with lots of facilities in Antigua, it's got to be Pigeon Point Beach. Located just a five-minute drive away from English Harbour, this beach features soft white sands which are dotted with sun loungers and parasols that you can rent.

There is also a beach bar, showers, toilets, baby-changing facilities and a playground onsite. The waters are remarkably shallow, warm and clear here making them perfect for swimming whilst the dense coral provides snorkelers with hours of fun.

Mosquito Cove Beach is one of the most serene and remote beaches in Antigua, making it perfect for those who want an authentic castaway experience. Only accessible via a challenging drive, this beach is made up of a large curl of soft white sand which is flanked on either side by warm aquamarine waters.

There are no services or facilities of any kind here adding to the castaway atmosphere so you'll have to take everything you'll need with you. As the name suggests, mosquitoes descend on the cove as night falls, so either take some mozzy spray with you or leave before sunset.

Bars and Restaurants

Satisfy your sweet tooth by dining at Fred's Belgium Waffles and Ice Cream. This ice cream parlour situated in Redcliffe Quay imports all its milk from Belgium and makes the ice creams, sorbets and gelatos onsite. Here you'll find every flavour imaginable mango, chocolate, papaya and pistachio to name a few plus some low-fat and diabetic options. The waffles are also made onsite and can be enjoyed on their own, with ice cream or with a coffee.

For a taste of Italy during your holiday in Antigua, pop into Ristorante Paparazzi. Situated across from Nelson's Dockyard, this restaurant boasts lunch and dinner menus loaded with classic Italian dishes, such as steaks, pastas, fresh seafood and pizzas. Homemade classic desserts such as tiramisu are also available and there is an extensive wine list with bottles from across the world provided.

Rum Baba is another option if you're in the mood for Italian. This casual, intimate restaurant only has a small kitchen with limited storage space and therefore has to consistently buy in fresh produce and change their menu according to what's in season, so you're always sure of something fresh. Typical dishes from the a la carte menu include sirloin steak, mahi mahi, garlic linguine and risotto, but if you're really hungry, you're better off choosing the value-for-money buffet option.

Things to do in Antigua in May

If you're looking for somewhere to spend an evening, try Shirley Heights Lookout. The highlight of this site is the lookout point which provides visitors with amazing panoramic views down to the bay below and across the sea, so make sure you take your camera with you. Here you'll also find a rustic restaurant which serves Caribbean dishes alongside freshly-caught fish and seafood and a craft market with stalls selling all sorts of handmade items and souvenirs. Each Sunday the restaurant hosts a party with live music and every Thursday a typical Antiguan party is held with a barbecue, themed entertainment and the opportunity to buy local products.

Animal lovers won't want to miss out on a trip to Wadadli Animal Nature Park. Found just 15 minutes away from St Johns, this park is home to a wide variety of plants and animals indigenous to Antigua, including monkeys, geese and exotic birds all of which wander freely around the park. A knowledgeable guide will show you around the park and tell you about the various flora and fauna on show before leaving you at the onsite restaurant to enjoy a bite to eat before you leave.

For even more animals, take the five-minute ferry ride to Hawksbill Turtle Reserve. Turtle nesting season takes place each year in Antigua between February and July when endangered leatherback turtles arrive on the beaches of the island to lay their eggs. As part of the tour, you'll hide in a secluded part of the nesting beach at night and watch the turtles lay their eggs. If there are any baby turtles struggling to get to the water, you'll even be able to help them along their way and reach the sea a truly life-changing experience.