What's the weather like in Maspalomas in May
Maspalomas enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate. As May is in spring time, the climate is warm and pleasant throughout the month.
There's very little expectation of any wet weather and the area sees a lot of sun.
With the summer fast approaching, the weather is likely to be getting warmer, but there can be the occasional cold day so it is advisable to pack a light jacket.
This is especially true of the evenings, when temperatures tend to drop, so you may well need to wrap up a bit warmer if you're planning an evening out.
Maspalomas is likely to be quieter at this time of the year, as most of the summer crowds arrive in June, so it is the perfect time to visit the area if you want to enjoy the pleasant weather without seeing so many tourists.
Temperature
The average daily temperature at this time of year in Maspalomas is 20°C (68°F), which can reach highs of 22°C (72°F) or drop to lows of 17°C (63°F). The month of May is characterised by gradually rising daily high temperatures with high temperatures throughout the month. May is probably one of the best months of the year to visit if you want to escape the summer holiday crowds.
Average Sea Temperature
The average temperature of the sea during this month is a positively warm 20°C, which is warm enough to go swimming or take part in water sports such as surfing or sailing.
Rain
Maspalomas sees an average of 2 mm over 1 day of rain during this month. That's quite a significant decrease compared to January, the wettest month of the year which usually experiences up to 34 mm of rainfall, spread across 6 days. But as a whole Maspalomas and Gran Canaria is a relatively dry region. Throughout May, the most common forms of precipitation are drizzle, moderate rain, and light rain. The probability that rainfall will be experienced varies from 19% around the beginning of the month to 12% around May 31st.
Humidity
At this time of year there is an average humidity of 64%. On average, the humidity typically fluctuates between a mildly humid 52% and 84%, rarely dropping below a comfortable 40% or reaching as high as 100%. The air is likely to be driest around May 1st, at which time the relative humidity drops below a mildly humid 58% three days out of four, whilst on the other hand the air is most humid around May 27th, where humidity levels can rise above 74% three days out of four.
Average Sunshine and Daylight Hours
There is an average of 11 hours of sunshine per day in Maspalomas at this time of the year. During this month, the length of day is gradually increasing. On average, the shortest day of the month is May 1st with 13:15 hours of daylight, whilst the longest day is May 31st with 13:47 hours of daylight. The Canary Islands actually are some of the sunniest islands in the world and boast over 3000 hours of sunshine per year no wander they are such a popular destination!
Cloud Cover
Furthermore, at this time of year the median cloud cover tends to range from a mostly clear 39% and a partly cloudy 47%. Therefore you are pretty much guaranteed beautiful clear skies for the duration of your stay in May.
Wind
During May, wind speeds vary from 9 mph to 28 mph, which is considered as a gentle to strong breeze, rarely reaching as high as 33 mph. The highest average wind speed of 18 mph usually occurs around May 31st, when the average daily maximum wind speed is 28 mph. At this time of year the wind is most often coming from the north, followed by the northeast.
Heat Waves and Calimas
In May 2012 Gran Canaria experienced a mini-heat wave where temperatures soared to a blistering 37°C. The heat wave was thought to be caused by a calima, which is when an intense dry, warm and sand -laden layer of wind blows over from Northern Africa and the Sahara.
A very bad calima can cause temperatures to rise dramatically and can cause visibility to drop to less than 200 metres. However, you don't have to worry as much about a heat wave in Maspalomas, due to the resort being by the sea, which can create a certain degree of respite due to the sea breeze.
Maspalomas has the stunning landscape of an impressive number of sand dunes on the beaches. One way to appreciate the unique scenery is by doing a ride on a camel around the beach at sunset. This is sure to be a wonderful and unique experience.
Maspalomas Hotels in May
The Koala Garden Suites are a three-star complex located in Maspalomas. The complex offers a number of attractive apartments, set around an outdoor swimming pool. Each apartment comes with a bright living-dining area and a fully equipped kitchenette. There is also a small gym on site, as well as indoor and outdoor play areas for children.
If you're here on a golf holiday why not stay at the two-star Bungalows Campo Golf, located right next to the Maspalomas Golf Course. The complex features two outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts and gardens. Each bungalow features twin beds, a living area, a bathroom and a kitchenette.
Maspalomas is a very gay friendly resort and if you are visiting here for the Maspalomas Gay Pride in May why not stay at the popular Beach Boys Boutique Resort. Set in tranquil tropical gardens and next to the golf course, this resort offers an outdoor swimming pool, nudist area, outdoor hot tub and even a massage room!
Another option to try is the Vista Bonita Gay Resort. This complex offers a number of spacious and contemporary apartments which overlook the outdoor swimming pool and hot tub. Vista Bonita also features a bar, attractive gardens and an outdoor terrace to enjoy.
Maspalomas Beach for May
Maspalomas boasts one of the best beaches in Gran Canaria, which can be found right next to Playa del Ingles. This large golden sand beach stretches far as the eye can see and there's plenty of space for everyone. Maspalomas Beach features a nudist area, as well as a range of water sports such as surfing and body barding. Throughout the year the sea is warm enough for swimming, especially at this time of year when the sea temperature can reach the early 20s! There are also a number of bars, restaurants and cafes within close proximity and other attractions such as boat excursions and even camel rides on the sand dunes.
Bars and Restaurants
Restaurante La Toja is a Mediterranean restaurant situated in Play del Ingles. This eatery serves an array of fresh seafood as well as succulent steaks. One of the most popular dishes on the menu is the veal in Marsala wine. The prices are very reasonable here, making it the perfect place to bring the whole family.
On the other hand, Samsara is one of the most popular restaurants in Maspalomas. This elegant and atmospheric restaurant mainly specializes in International and Asian fusion dishes using only the freshest and best ingredients.
However, when you are staying in Gran Canaria it is more than likely you will want to try some authentic Canarian and Spanish cuisine. Los Jose's La Tapita offers a large selection of tapas classics as well as modern adaptations including of course calamari, Spanish tortilla and a variety of cured meats.
If you're looking for a lively night out in Maspalomas make sure to head to the Eiffel Bar situated inside the Yumbo Commercial centre, which can be found in the heart of Playa del Ingles. The bar serves a delicious array of cocktails and stocks some of the finest French alcoholic drinks.
Things to do in Maspalomas in May
La Charca is a large ecosystem separated into two parts in Maspalomas. The two main areas consist of an enormous sand dune which lasts all the way from Playa de Ingles up to the Maspalomas Pond, which forms the second ecosystem. The pond is a small coastal saltwater lagoon which attracts marine life and a flourishing bird community.
When visiting Gran Canaria you should definitely go dolphin watching. Isango offers a number of two-hour cruises off the coast of the island to watch dolphins in their natural habitat. Seeing dolphins up close is a truly magical experience for all age groups.
The same tour operator also provides mountain biking tours on the island. Mountain biking is a superb way to explore Gran Canaria and is a great way to have fun with the whole family and keep fit! The excursion includes bike rental, an expert guide, helmets, a picnic and water bottle.
A great way to spend the evening is at the Moonlight Cinema in Maspalomas. This place is Europe's only permanent outdoor cinema! The cinema is completely outdoors and provides customers with comfy leather sofas, waiter service and delicious, freshly served pizza.
Dates for the diary
The Maspalomas Gay Pride is one of the biggest events on the Gran Canarian calendar. The program features an exclusive list of events from pool and boat parties to an adult Comedy Drag Show. This highly popular event takes place every year from May 16th until May 26th.
Fiesta del Trabajo (Labour Day) takes place on May 1st in Gran Canaria and Maspalomas. You can expect many shops and businesses to be closed on this day.
Furthermore, Womad takes place around mid-May. This is three days of continuous concerts, attracting many famous singers from around the globe. The event also includes workshops, traditional dancing demonstrations and admission is completely free!
