What's the weather like in Bermuda in May?
Temperature
May is the real start of summer, and the high tourist season has begun. This is one of the best months of the year to visit Bermuda as the sun is shining, there is less chance of rain, the temperature is warm and the hurricane season has not yet begun. The average temperature is increasing to a lovely 23°C in May which is not as warm as the hotter summer months of July and August but is much more pleasant and less sticky. It is warmer here than most European destinations at the same time of year, but is similar to Rhodes in Greece. Temperatures can reach an average high and low of between 20°C at night and a warm 25°C during the day. The highest recorded temperature in this month was 30°C while the lowest saw temperatures drop to a mild 13°C.
Sea Temperature and Humidity
The sea is starting to get to a pleasant temperature to swim in at around 23°C. Now is the time to try some snorkelling, diving or other water sports and make the most of the gorgeous climate. It is still not too humid in this month, although it is getting higher, with average humidity ranging from 60% to 88% this May.
Wind
Winds are generally from the south and are light to fresh, varying from 5 mph to 17 mph during this month. The days are continuing to increase in length and sunrise is now at around 6.20am and sunset is at 8.10pm leaving lovely long evenings to spend relaxing outside.
Sunshine Hours and Rainfall
There are around 8 hours of sunshine each day and cloud cover is around 75% on an average day leaving the sky clear 25% of the time. This is the driest month of the year in Bermuda with 70mm of rainfall at this time of year that falls over 14 days of the month. This means there is still a good chance of seeing rain during a visit in May with most of the rain falling as moderate or light showers. Be sure to check the weather forecast for the next 14 days before travelling so you can plan activities to best suit the weather conditions.
Hotels in Bermuda in May
Pompano Beach Hotel
The 4* Pompano beach hotel is ideally situated at Pompano beach and around 25 minutes drive from Hamilton capital city. All the rooms at this resort have air conditioning, cable TV, fridge, coffee maker and terrace with sea views. There is a free continental breakfast for guests, while the choice of restaurants allows guests to dine in a casual beach bar, pool bar, café or the gourmet oceanfront restaurant. Water activities are available including sailing, snorkelling, kayaking and fishing and kids can be entertained in the games room while the adults indulge in a massage or get active in the fitness centre.
Dawkins Manor
Dawkins Manor is located 5 minutes walk from Elbow beach and 15 minutes from Hamilton city. This property offers rooms and apartments that sleep up to six guests and is ideal for families or groups of friends travelling to the island. The accommodation had air conditioning, cable TV, a fridge and dining area and some feature a kitchen with oven and hobs. The resort has a barbecue area, games room; bike rental, garden and sun terrace and laundry facilities and a maid service are available. Nearby are many restaurants and activities to choose from such as water sports, golf course and shopping.
Ledgelets Cottage Colony
The 3* Ledgelets Cottage Colony offers private beach access, an outdoor swimming pool and award winning dining. This property features spacious suites and deluxe accommodations set in lush gardens and are tastefully decorated, have a flat screen TV and private balcony or patio. There are only 11 units here so the resort is private and peaceful. The property is ideally located for golfers; shopping in nearby Hamilton, ferry services and beaches.
Beaches in Bermuda in May
Tobacco Bay
The most popular beach in St Georges Parish is Tobacco Bay beach. This is a small but beautiful stretch of beach with fantastic snorkelling opportunities and the chance to see parrotfish, angelfish and sergeant majors in the unusual limestone formations just offshore. The water is fairly shallow here so it is a good spot for the kids to enjoy the snorkelling too. There is a bar and restaurant here as well as a snack bar and equipment rental for visitors. It can get crowded here at times in the summer season but should be relatively quiet still in May.
Bars and Restaurants
Fourways Restaurant
If you are staying at the Fourways Inn, make sure you dine in the Fourways restaurant at least once during your stay. Suitable for an intimate dinner for two or a larger gathering of friends and family, this restaurant is a good choice. There is an extensive a la carte menu and French cuisine along with local seafood and fish, meats, vegetarian options and salads. The menu changes to reflect the seasons and visitors can choose to dine indoors or outside in the beautiful palm garden. Dress code is smart elegant and the Peg Leg bar and lounge on-site is perfect for an after-dinner Havana cigar or drink.
Flanagan's Irish Pub
Located in the middle of Hamilton, Flanagan's Irish pub is a great place to meet up with friends and enjoy a drink in the hot May evenings. Split into two bars, the main bar and the sports bar, Flanagan's has something for everyone. There is a large stage for music and entertainment and a balcony where visitors can sit and enjoy a drink or pub meal while admiring the scenery. This bar has great service, large portions with a tasty pub-style menu and a good selection of beers on tap.
Red Steakhouse and Bar
Red Steakhouse and Bar is a great spot for outdoor dining on Front Street's largest patio overlooking the harbour in beautiful Hamilton. This is a good choice for a special meal in a traditional style yet modern venue with a chic lounge area, VIP balcony seating and outdoor patio. Steak is the speciality here and these are perfectly prepared by the chef with a choice of Angus beef cuts and different spices and rubs to complement the meat. Seafood and fish are also on the menu as well as an extensive wine list, beers and cocktails to enjoy with your meal.
Things to do in Bermuda in May
Bermuda Day
May 24th each year is Bermuda Day, also known as Heritage Day, and celebrates the island's independence, national identity and heritage. This day marks the beginning of summer for Bermudians and is a time of celebration and fun. Many events take place including the half marathon that ends in Hamilton and the Heritage Day parade that has many floats, plenty of music and dancing for all the family to enjoy.
Somerset Long Bay East Nature Reserve
For a lovely day out with the family when the sun is shining but not too hot in May, go to the Somerset Long Bay East Nature Reserve. This quiet and secluded reserve has a freshwater pond that supports as freshwater wildlife community. This is a very important nature reserve for Bermuda's natural history and biodiversity and has waterfowl and migratory birds that visit. Admission is free and it is a great place for bird watching, enjoying time with the family or just taking a walk in nature.
