What's the weather like in Cozumel in May
Unlike April, May seems to experience some variations in temperatures, precipitation and even humidity in Cozumel. It's still friendly, but it also signals to approaching summer which will bring high volumes of rain and later on, even monsoons and maybe a hurricane or two. However, all is still calm and beautiful at the end of spring.
Temperature
Average temperatures are steady at 27°C (80°F), with expected highs to exceed 30°C and lows to reach 23°C, making for occasionally uncomfortable and humid nights.
Sunshine Hours
The sun is bright and alternates with plenty of clouds, but there are up to 11 hours of sunshine per day which is the highest amount seen all year. The chances of sunny days decrease to an average of 13%, which is slightly lower than the previous month. What does increase ever so slightly is the average chance of rain, reaching 16%. When it does rain in Cozumel in May, rainfall doesn't spread over more than a total of 4 days, and its volume rarely exceeds 12mm. There is simply a variation of light and moderate rain between occasional showers and makes it the driest month of the year.
Humidity
The humidity bounces between 57% and a whopping 90% towards the third and fourth week of the month, favoring dew points from an uncomfortable 21°C to an oppressive 24°C. Fortunately that is more acute towards the end of May, so the early parts of the month can be perfect for visiting.
Clouds
Chances of cloudy days increase to 21% on average, mainly due to a shift in wind directions and the upcoming monsoon season.
Wind
Wind speeds vary from 3 to 7m/s, a sensible drop from the previous month, and it mostly involves eastern and southeastern winds, with occasional influences from a moderate northeastern breeze. Chances of windy days drop to 21%, especially towards June.
Sea Temperature
The Caribbean Sea is as wonderful as ever, almost hot at 28°C (82°F), influenced by tropical currents from the southeast. While you cannot rely on the sea to cool you down on hot days, its temperature is absolutely perfect for deep diving, where the thermometer is usually a bit more difficult towards divers. The air is still fresh and salty around the shore, so if you're looking to purify your lungs and increase you natural intake of vitamin D and minerals, simply spend plenty of time by the beach it's literally therapeutic.
Cozumel Hotels for May
If you book in advance, you can find some wonderful suites at some of Cozumel's high-spec hotels for your May holiday. One fine example is the Villablanca Garden Beach Hotel, a three-star venue whose double rooms go for just £39 per night, for couples. The hotel has an on-site dive shop and it's only a minute walk from the beach. All of its rooms feature reliable air conditioning units, cable TV and balconies with splendid views of Cozumel and the Caribbean Sea. You'll also find a fitness center, a tennis court, a lovely bar and restaurant, as well as a generous pool and a gift shop. This place has pretty much anything within easy reach, including the breathtaking Villablanca Coral Reef, perfect for diving and snorkeling.
Another wonderful and budget-friendly hotel option is the Coral Reef Inn, which has gotten some raving reviews in the past, and its rooms go for just £36 per night. This a pure corner of Mexican paradise, its design warm and colorful, its decorations with deep Mayan and Mexican accents there's an authenticity about Coral Reef Inn that makes it absolutely charming. All of its comfortable bedrooms have free Wi-Fi and en-suite bathrooms. There is also a fully appointed kitchen and adjoining dining area, as well as dry cleaning and shuttle services. And most importantly, every single corner here is adorned with endemic plants and splendid flowers, to complement the gorgeous views.
Last but certainly not least, the sumptuous Melia Vacation Club is a 4-star jewel offering double and junior suites for £126 per night. This is an all-inclusive resort, a stunning beachfront featuring a splendid pool, two tennis courts, a spa resort and its own dedicated golf course. On top of that, Melia Vacation Club also organizes diving tours and loads of fun activities for all ages. The rooms are at very high standards as well, fitted with air conditioning, satellite TV and marble bathrooms. The views are absolutely breathtaking, and you will also find three restaurants, a pool-side bar and a lobby bar with a live band. Melia is often a preferred wedding destination, as they do provide excellent packages for such occasions.
Alternatively, if your budget is a bit tighter than a hotel, the Villa Escondida, a splendid secluded little bed & breakfast, offers privates from £31.54 per night.
Cozumel Beaches in May
Cozumel is a beautiful island with a variety of both natural and man-made beaches. The need for man-made beaches came with the sudden burst of over 2 million tourists every year, all of them eager to experience the beauty of a sandy beach with the benefits of excellent snorkeling conditions which is a contradiction of natural settings here. Cozumel's natural beaches are either sandy with a shallow entrance and soft seabed (which stirs easily and thus offers poor visibility for snorkeling), or layers of naturally cut rocky limestone with clear waters, various entrance depths and an abundance of coral reefs, perfect for diving and exploring the local marine life. Man-made beaches are strips of rocky limestone where the people have brought in white and golden sands from neighboring beaches, in order to offer the popular sandy beach experience to snorkelers and divers, particularly the many who aren't used to limestone beaches, which are not exactly easy on the feet.
Mr. Sanchos is certainly a favorite western coast beach, just south of San Miguel. While it isn't good for snorkeling due to its sandy complexion, it's excellent for beach diving and even scuba adventures. Swimming is done with lifeguards, and you will also find jet skis, kayaks and parasails if you're looking to cut across the azure waves. This splendid stretch of white sand also features complete amenities, a volleyball court, restaurants and beach bars. It also has an entrance fee, so chances are you won't find it overloaded with people.
The Patas & Alas Butterfly Sanctuary is another western beach with an entrance fee and a butterfly nature reserve, with perfect snorkeling conditions, swimming, beach diving, a separate pool, hammocks and a full set of amenities along with its beach bar and restaurant. And last, but not least, the stunning Playa Chen Rio Beach is one of the eastern coast gems you should visit while its snorkeling conditions are quite average, and swimming is done with lifeguards, it's excellent for boogie board and long sun tanning sessions or volleyball games.
Bars and Restaurants
The Mexican people are gifted gourmands, so you will find a rich selection of cantinas, restaurants and cafes to get a proper taste of Cozumel every single day. The first one to definitely try is Burritos Gorditos, open from 8am till 3pm every, from breakfast through brunch and lunch. This is a build-your-own-burrito establishment, with fresh local ingredients and phenomenal sauces. And mind you, they also do a mean selection of breakfast burritos!
For a fine dining experience, book a table at Buccanos at Night, open from 6pm till 10:30pm, from Friday to Saturday only. It features a multi-ethnic menu with contemporary seafood, as well as Mexican specialties including guacamole and fajitas. Their drinks menu is quite elaborate and the sea view dining terrace is framed by torches and candlelight. You must definitely also try the French Quarter, with its casual atmosphere and special menu seafood, Angus steaks and delicious Cajun dishes, such as the classic gumbo, étouffeé and jambalaya.
For drinks and fun times, try the Coconuts Bar & Grill for their hot and spicy Mexican dishes, cold beers and cocktails, or the popular Kelly's Bar, frequent amongst expats and sports lovers, best known for their beers, their spirits and love of chili dogs, Reuben's and giant burritos.
Things to do in Cozumel in May
There are several important dates in the Mexican calendar for May. The first is Labor Day, on the very first day of the month. The second one is the Festival of El Cedral (Fiesta de Santa Cruz), which takes places over the first week of May and is a celebration started by Casimiro Cardenas over 160 years ago, to honor the religious power of his crucifix when he finally found a place to settle here in Cozumel. It comprises of fairs, traditional feasts, rodeos, bullfights, music and competitions, as well as a lot of cold fresh Mexican beer. Be aware that Cozumel doesn't really celebrate Cinco de Mayo, as it's considered to be a US imported holiday, so it's only enjoyed in the Puebla and not anywhere else. Mother's Day is celebrated on May 10th, another important Mexican public holiday.
Malecon Market takes place this time of the year an exposition of local art and products, set in a bold blue boardwalk. It is an important cultural and artistic events attended by numerous local participants, as well as artists and manufacturers from the mainland.
Since you find yourself in Cozumel in one of its better months, make sure you take one of the Viator Shore Excursion: Atlantis Submarine Adventure Tours, as it's a once in a lifetime opportunity to dive to depths of 30 meters in the company and care of professional and fully licensed staff, beneath the surface of Chankanaab, Cozumel's most famous nature reserve. You will be aboard a submarine, catching a 40 minute glimpse of the incredible coral reefs and their variety of marine animals, including exotic fish such as parrotfish, grunts and groupers. It is truly an amazing chance to experience the underwater paradise of Cozumel, also featuring live narrations from the tour guide and complimentary rum or fruit punch.
On the sunnier days, you should certainly pack up some SPF protection, plenty of fresh drinking water and snacks, and go hiking towards El Castillo Real and Aguada Grande, two marvelous sets of Mayan ruins vestiges of Cozumel's fascinating history and founding civilization.
