What's the Weather like in Grand Cayman in May
Temperature
In May, it starts to become hot around the midday in Grand Cayman. Still, air temperatures are pleasant most of the day, especially in the first half of the month. In general, the lowest daily temperature in this period remains around 26C (78.8F), rarely dropping below 24C (75.2F) or rising over 28C (82.4F). Daily highs are mostly around 30C (86F), only sometimes falling below 29C (84.2F) or exceeding 32C (89.6F).
At the beginning of the month, hot air starts to substitute warm air for a few hours between 1 pm and 4 pm. Around mid-May, the time frame when it gets hot is from noon to 4 pm. By the end of May, the hot air interval extends from around 11 pm until around 6 pm.
Nevertheless, the Cayman Islands still remain a better destination for activities in the water than Puerto Rico at this time of year.
Clouds
If you consider a vacation on the Cayman Islands in May, plan coming in the first half of the month. At that time, you will have much better chances of having mostly clear or partially cloudy conditions than in the second part of May.
The possibility of cloud cover rapidly increases over the course of the month. Still, chances for a clear sky before May 15 are over 50%. On May 1, you are 63% likely to have clear, mostly clear, or partially cloudy sky. Starting from mid-May toward the month's end, these chances decrease from around 50% (on May 16) to 28% (on May 31).
Sunshine Hours
Even with these statistics in mind, you are very likely to have 10 sunshine hours per day on average. That is because the likelihood of being mostly cloudy or overcast is the biggest early in the morning.
Rainfall
The average precipitation levels are much higher in May than only a month before. If the rain occurs on May 1, the amount of rainfall is likely to be around 17 mm (0.67 in). On May 31, the rainfall is more likely to be around 71 mm (2.79 in), with the possibility to increase up to 158 mm (6.22 in).
The probability of a rainy day increases with the amount of precipitation. The chance of a wet day at the beginning of the month is very low - 6%. On May 14, this possibility is 14%. The chance of a rainy day on the last day of May is 31%. Usually, Grand Cayman Island receives between 100 mm (3.94 in) and 150 mm (5.9 in) of rainfall in May.
The average number of days with rainfall during this period is 11. In general, the rain occurs in the form of heavy showers or thunderstorms for up to a few hours. After that, the rest of the day is clear. Also note that while rain falls in one part of the island (or town), the other may remain dry.
Wind Speed
The speed of the wind starts to increase this time of the year. At the beginning of May, wind speed tends to be 5.3 m/s or 5.4 m/s on average. By the end of the month, the average speed of the wind increases to 5.6 m/s. Mornings (between 7:30 am and 8:30 am) are usually the windiest part of the day throughout the month. Nights (around 10 pm, 11 pm) are the calmest in this regard.
Humidity
Chances of having a muggy, oppressive or miserable day in the Grand Cayman resort in May range between 99% and 100%. The lowest chance of a muggy day is on May 1 (99%). Starting around the 2nd week of the month, this possibility is 100%, or insignificantly lower, until the end of May. According to statistics, the muggiest day of the year is May 23, when muggy conditions are 100% certain throughout the day.
Sunrise and sunset
Duration of the daylight in May in Grand Cayman increases as the time passes. While the sun rises earlier with every next day, the sunset takes place later. On May 1, you can expect the sunrise at 5:56 am and the sunset at 6:47 pm. On the last day of the month, the sun appears at 5:46 am and falls beyond the horizon at 6:59 pm.
Average sea temperature
The average sea temperature around the island is 28C (82.4F). Any deviation in this regard is highly unlikely to occur. This water temperature is pleasant enough for most people to enjoy activities in the water for a prolonged period of time.
Extraordinary weather occurrences
Since the Cayman Islands are near the North American and the Caribbean tectonic plates, earthquakes tend to occur occasionally. The last strong earthquake happened in December 2004, but it didn't cause any major damage.
Tsunamis could be the result of earthquakes, but the actual risk of this happening is very low. Even if a tsunami occurs, the underwater landscape of the island is likely to reduce the danger.
If you notice that the water recedes, move away from the coast immediately and take some higher ground, if possible. The tsunami hits immediately after that. If you happen to be out at sea, remain there. On the open sea, waves are smaller than by the coast.
Hotels for Grand Cayman in May
May is in the middle of the shoulder season on Grand Cayman Island, when hotel rates decrease. Plan to come to the Grand Cayman resort in the first half of the month to benefit of lower accommodation costs and fairly good weather.
7 Mile Beach Resort & Club
7 Mile Beach Resort & Club is a 3-star property accessing Seven Miles Beach in George Town. The accommodation units have air-conditioning and equipped kitchens. An outdoor pool, free wireless internet and free parking are also available. The international airport is a short drive away from the resort.
Coral Stone Club
Coral Stone Club is a 4-star establishment that accesses the 7 Mile Beach. Its units have central air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, fully-equipped kitchenettes, flat-screen TVs and DVDs. BBC grills, a new fitness center, a tennis court and free parking are some complimentary amenities. The hotel is near the airport, some 15 minutes away by car.
Wyndham Reef Resort
Wyndham Reef Resort, located in East End, has tropical-style rooms and apartments with sea views. Every accommodation unit features air-conditioning, a terrace and a kitchenette. The property has spa treatments on offer, as well. This 4-star property stages evening entertaining programs. Besides, guests can enjoy tennis and volleyball, and some workshops on-site. The airport is some 40 minutes away by car.
Beaches for May for Grand Cayman
The tourist resort of Grand Cayman has many spectacular beaches all over the island. These are a few of them:
Barefoot Beach
Barefoot Beach may be a good spot for spending some time away from other tourists. Also, snorkeling opportunities are good in the area. The beach's location is in the northeastern part of East End. The entrance is easy to overlook, so inquire about it in advance. The beach isn't regularly maintained, so seagrass may be dotting Barefoot Beach.
Boatswain's Beach
You will find Boatswain's Beach in the northwestern end of West Bay, near the Turtle Farm. The beach is, in fact, a marine park where you can get personal with dolphins, exotic birds and some other wildlife and marine life species. The place is pretty popular, but finding a secluded spot isn't impossible. The only potential downside here is the lack of restrooms.
Conch Point Beach
Conch Point Beach is located to the east from Boatswain's Beach. It features powder-soft white sand, both in the water and on the ground. The water is crystal-clear. This little piece of paradise is popular among families and romantic couples. Just note that restrooms aren't available on this beach.
Restaurants and Bars for Grand Cayman in May
Ristorante Pappagallo
Ristorante Pappagallo is a fine dining restaurant on the northern side of West Bay. It serves Italian specialties, such as pasta, but also has seafood on offer. Its award-winning wine list comprises around 400 wines. The restaurant is set in an attractive environment by a lake, surrounded by lush greenery. Pappagallo is open daily from 6 pm to 10:30 pm, and advanced reservations are highly recommended.
VIVO Cafe & Restaurant
VIVO Café & Restaurant commits itself to serving only organic food that is locally produced. Hence, this restaurant should be an ideal option for vegetarians, vegans and people on a gluten-free diet. The specialty of the house is lionfish. Organic wines, beers and other beverages, like cold-pressed juices, are on offer, as well. You can find VIVO on the western coast of West Bay, overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The restaurant is open daily from 7 am to 8:30 pm.
Grand Old House
Grand Old House is an exclusive waterfront restaurant, located in George Town. It serves Caribbean and international specialties in a beautiful ambiance. You may choose in which type of room you would like to dine Colonial, English, Bride or in any of a few more rooms. For the premium romantic experience, however, book a table on the waterfront deck around sunset. Grand Old House is open for lunch on workdays from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm. For dinner, its opening hours are from 5:30 pm to 10 pm daily.
XQ's Pizza Bar Grill
XQ's Pizza Bar Grill is a mid-range eatery, located on famous Seven Miles Beach in George Town. The focus of this restaurant is centered on Italian cuisine. XQ's also has a piano bar lounge, where live musical performances take place. Opening hours of the restaurant are from 3 pm until late from Monday to Thursday, and from 11:30 am until late the rest of the week.
Things to Do in Grand Cayman in May
Boating
Boating around Grand Cayman is a great way of exploring the island. Only this way you will be in a favorable position to perceive the entire beauty of the coastline of Grand Cayman and George Town. As you get around, you will have plentiful extraordinary photo opportunities and access to secret spots. Take a map of great dive sites with you, which are predominant around the eastern half of the island.
Sunset
Experiencing a sunset on the island of Grand Cayman is an unforgettable experience. Especially if you happen to be somewhere in George Town or West Bay, north of the city. Sunset-watching activities are best along the western coastline of Grand Cayman. But, if you wish to visit a popular Camana Bay Market on Wednesday, for example, the spectacular sunset shouldn't miss you. The related photo confirms as much.
Mastic Trail
Walking along the Mastic Trail should be among the highlights to passionate hikers. The 2-mile (approx. 3 kilometers) trail takes you through one of the last Caribbean subtropical forests. While advancing, you should notice various plants and wildlife species, such as reptiles and birds.
