What's the Weather like in Cayo Coco in May
Home to the world's second most prominent coral reef (after Australia) and near endless miles of pristine, white sandy beaches, Cayo Coco is a dream destination for all who love sea, sand and plenty of sun. The temperate, sub-tropical climate means that temperatures here don't vary much during the year, with the only noticeable season difference being wet and dry.
May marks the definite end of the dry season and the quite sudden start of the rain season. On the upside, you'll notice the average temperature rise to a balmy 26°C, with lows of 21°C expected in the first two weeks of the month, and highs of 31°C much more frequent during the last fortnight.
Although Cayo Coco receives, on average, around 127mm of rainfall over 10 days in May, it's worth noting that storms here may be fierce at times, but are usually rather brief. By and large, you'll notice a thick cloud cover approaching in the early afternoon (perfect siesta time!) and a half-hour short yet intense storm following soon thereafter. Although showers are usually welcomed, they also do bring a high amount of humidity, one of the least favourable consequences of life in the tropics.
Nevertheless, most who travel here at this time of year feel that the increase in the probability of rain does not impact on their holiday at all. With an average of 10 hours of daily sunshine, you will still have plenty of time to take advantage of all the activities on offer at your chosen resort.
An average sea temperature of 28°C makes May an absolutely ideal month for water sports of all kinds, although note that an increase in storms usually translates to lesser visibility for scuba divers.
Cayo Coco Hotels in May
For a relaxing 4-star stay in Cayo Coco, look no further than the Memories Caribe Beach Resort, a sprawling estate set over the sparkling beachfront of Cayo Coco's northern shores. The main draw of this resort is the sheer variety of services on offer, from a kid's club with a comprehensive activity roster, to dance and drink mixology classes aimed at socialising single travellers and a myriad of romantic experiences ideal for honeymooning couples.
The Hotel Colonial Cayo Coco is another brilliant choice of accommodation and, much like Memories Caribe, also suitable for families, couples and singles alike. What sets it apart from all the other resorts, however, is the fact that although it was built in the early 90s, the Hotel Colonial was designed with old, colonial Spain in mind. Walking through its front gates is like taking a wonderful step back in time. The Hotel Colonial is rustic and full of character, ideal for those who love a hint of old-world charm in their chosen accommodation. Located about 15km from the international airport, this hotel boasts 458 rooms, 5 restaurants, 6 bars, 2 pools, a fitness centre and phenomenal kids' club, which offers fun and supervised activities for kids from 2 to 12 years of age.
Cayo Coco Beach for May
The northern shore of Cayo Coco is home to 9 incredibly beautiful beaches, all of which are open to the public. All hotel and resorts here boasts their own private nook of beach, where lounge chairs, umbrellas, palapas and towels are provided free of charge to their guests, as well as a myriad of water sport facilities and services. You are more than welcome to tour all the beaches and access another's resort's private beach (at a daily charge) if you so wish. This is not as uncommon as you may think! Although all the beaches are indeed marvellous, some are more suitable for windsurfing, others for snorkelling (if they are particularly close to the coral reef) and even a few which are more appropriate for topless bathers.
The longest beach on Cayo Coco is Playa Flamenco (2.7km) which is home to two resorts and a public beach stretch; whilst arguably the most striking of all is Playa Pilar, which boasts dunes, superbly turquoise waters and sparkling, sandy shores which are ideal for long walks. Here, you'll find a restaurant and bar, as well as lounge chairs and umbrellas for rent. A viewing tower has recently been constructed here, gifting breathtaking views of the entire stretch of coast.
Bars and Restaurants
Although you'll be likely to dine and drink at your resort for the greater part of your stay, you may also want to opt out for an evening to try one of the great local beachside restaurants.
Rancho Las Coloradas is a fantastic seafood eatery, which you'll find at the end of a narrow, sandy trail, about 500m east of the Melia Cayo Coco Resort. Here you'll be able to feast on freshly caught fish and locally grown vegetables. To get here, simply hop on one of the buses, which ply the route between all the resorts and asked to be let off at Melia.
For affordable and mouth-watering lobster, rent a scooter or bicycle from your resort and make your way to Playa Prohibida, where you can feast to your heart's content at Lenny's Bar & Grill, the most renowned and revered of all the local restaurants of Cayo Coco.
Things to do in Cayo Coco in May
No matter where you choose to stay on Cayo Coco, you will no doubt want to explore more of this glorious island.
Ask you resort guest manager to book you a day out with Paulino Lopez Delgado, by far the most famous and well-informed naturalist guide in Cayo Coco. He'll take you out in his old Chevy and show you the most stunning and well hidden gems of the island, teaching you all about the endemic wildlife, with particular emphasis on birds. If you are a bird lover then you must not miss the chance to spend a day with one of the most passionate and enthusiastic guides you're ever likely to meet. Cuba is home to over 300 different species of birds, and Paulino is renowned for offering you the chance to see and photograph as many of them as possible.
If you want to find a good compromise between leaving your resort and not really leaving your resort, then opt for a glass-bottom boat tour through the Cayo Coco Marina. You'll be picked up right from the beach of your hotel and taken on a spectacular 1.5hr tour of the world-famous Cayo Coco coral reef. Bring your snorkel gear and enjoy a fantastic few hours out in the open Caribbean Sea.
