What's the weather like in Hua Hin in May
As traditional summertime approaches, the Thai hot season continues to evolve into May, a month boasting a few extra degrees compared to its predecessor April, and also showing signs of an approaching wet season.
Temperature
The average temperature is a constant 30°C (86°F) all throughout the month. The nights are well over warm at this point and bordering on hot, with average lows expected to reach 26°C. The high average estimated for May is 34°C, so do make sure you pack plenty of water as the heat can be deceiving.
Sunshine Hours and Rainfall
The days are slightly shorter, with up to 8 hours of sunshine, and chances of sunny days lowered substantially to 44%. This is because rainfall volume increases to 120mm, which roughly translates into an increased 23% average chance of rainy days about 9 of those in total for May. Although occasionally scorching, this month seems is balanced by the precipitation with welcome summer showers helping cool off the sidewalks and sand. Humidity jumps to 80%, now fully preparing Hua Hin for its rainy season with more uncomfortable dew points in the months to come. Due to the increase in rain it may be worth checking the daily forecast during this month when planning day-trips.
Clouds
Chances of cloudy days slowly increase to 13% on average, so expect one or maybe two days with less sun, but still plenty of heat.
Wind
Chances of windy days continue to be non-existent altogether, with wind speed measuring on average just 1.5m/s.
Sea Temperature
The splendid sea keeps its temperature at a constant 30°C (86°F), with southern currents which keep the tides low and the water tepid enough for swimming both during the day and the night. After all, you've not fully enjoyed Thailand if you haven't tried a midnight swim. Just make sure you pack plenty of SPF protection, in order to make sure that your skin doesn't end up suffering in the process.
Hua Hin Hotels in May
Anantara Hua Hin Resort
As the peak season rolls into Hua Hin, it might be a good time to book yourself a superb premium garden view room at the 5-star Anantara Hua Hin Resort, a luxurious and relaxing beachside escape complete with 2 outdoor pools and a spa. It also features 7 distinct dining options and a fully functional tennis court. You're looking at 14 acres of landscaped tropical gardens, just a 5-minute drive from the city centre and the Night Market.
There's even a limousine transfer option to Bangkok. Mixing traditional Thai décor with modern design, the rooms feature a private balcony or terrace with splendid views of the garden, the sea and the lagoons. You can pamper yourself with a Thai massage at the spa, or have heaps of fun at yoga classes, Thai cooking classes or fruit carving sessions.
Cape Nidhra Hotel
Cape Nidhra Hotel offers stunning sky pool suites for prices starting from £133 per night for couples. This is another luxurious beachfront resort option, different in style and atmosphere but offering the same pampering amenities. It features a spa and a fully equipped fitness centre, and it's only a 15-minute walk from Chatchai and the Hua Hin Night Market.
Each of its ultra-modern rooms come fitted with a private pool for your personal enjoyment, as well as a flat screen TV and a fully stocked minibar. You can indulge into traditional Thai massages and spa treatments at the Cape Spa, and then stop by the hotel restaurant for some authentic local cuisine and fresh seafood, or grab cocktails at the On the Rocks Bar, complete with incredible views of the Gulf.
Wannara Hotel Hua Hin
For a friendlier budget, you can opt for the £41 per night double rooms at Wannara Hotel Hua Hin, just a 2-minute walk from Hua Hin's main beach. The modern Thai style rooms feature a flat screen TV, DVD player, minibar and air conditioning, as well as a coffee machine, a private balcony and en suite bathroom. There's also a lovely and large outdoor swimming pool complete with sun loungers, as well as karaoke rooms, barbecue pits and a business centre, along with bike rental and day trip facilities which can be arranged at the tour desk.
Hua Hin Beaches for May
Khao Kalok
If you go down the coastline to Pranburi, you'll find the serene and superb Khao Kalok beach. This is a quiet and relaxing stretch of white sands and azure waters, a little slice of paradise just yards away from the peaceful view of the fishing harbour up north. The beach here, stretching over kilometres of fine sands and the occasional sea pine tree, is best known for its natural caves, perfect for the natural shade which they provide during the day.
Ao Manao
You can also visit the beautiful Ao Manao beach, in the Prachuab Khiri Khan Province of Hua Hin, a breath-taking bay area framed by white sands and lush tropical flora. It's actually located on a military base, so access is better controlled (not restricted), making it the perfect getaway spot, with turquoise blue waters and a 9-hole golf course. You'll also find a nice selection of beachside restaurants, along with a view of the jungled mountains.
Bars and Restaurants
Oceanside Beach Club and Restaurant
When it comes to good food, Thailand does not disappoint. Most importantly, its key seaside resort of Hua Hin does not disappoint either, providing delicious and authentic dishes from street-corner eateries all the way to its most sumptuous restaurants. On that note, we'd be happy to recommend the Oceanside Beach Club and Restaurant, which specializes in a delightful variety of Thai cuisine, Seafood, Mediterranean and even barbecue specialties the skewers and ribs are just out of this world, seasoned with locally sourced herbs for that unique flavour.
Bello Dolce
For the best local Italian gelato you should pay a visit to Bello Dolce, a lovely little slice of Italy, complete with refreshing drinks and outdoor seating. And for a truly unique dining experience, you must visit the Railway Restaurant. While its price list is very much on the high end, the fine selection of authentic French, Thai and International cuisine makes it all worthwhile, especially when combined with its extremely appealing wine list and exceptional service.
Things to do in Hua Hin in May
Fisherman's Pier
May is a good time to go visit the Fisherman's Pier. Thailand's second largest fishing fleet is actually located in Hua Hin, and so you'll find a bustling fish market in the heart of the city, well worth visiting especially in the morning, when the big catches of fish are landed. The pier itself is a wonder to contemplate around, as the fishing boats come back from the deep waters.
Elephant Massage
Part of the Thailand experience is enjoying an authentic traditional Thai massage, and in that spirit we certainly recommend getting one at Elephant Massage, just across the street from the sumptuous Hilton Resort. The place is absolutely pristine and offers some of the best massage therapy services in all of the Prachuab Khiri Khan Province.
Go-Kart Circuit
You can also go wild on the Go-Kart circuit. It's actually one of the best sets in Thailand, and it's constantly serviced by excellent and friendly professionals. This is insane fun during the summer, however we do recommend packing plenty of water and a sun hat, as continued exposure even while karting might give you some dehydration discomfort. The secret's in the water!
Events
The Thais celebrate the International Labour Day on 1 May, so expect a wave of "escapees" from busy Bangkok rolling into Hua Hin around this date. 5 May is Coronation Day, established in 1949 when the current King was sworn in and crowned as ruler of this fascinating nation. Another big day in the Thai calendar is 24 May, better known as Visakha Buddha Day, the holiest of all Buddha days it celebrates the birth, enlightenment and ascension into Nirvana by the great Lord Buddha.
