What's the weather like in Playa del Ingles in May
Temperature
Summer arrives early in Playa del Ingles, with daytime temperatures in May rarely falling below the average of 20°C. You can expect highs of 22°C and a drop in temperature after the sun sets to just 17°C, so it's never chilly here, not even overnight.
The second half of May is typically a degree warmer and record highs at this time of year have reached 34°C. Cloud cover is usually minimal, with skies becoming clearer as the month progresses. The lowest May temperature recorded here is 13°C, in the first few days of the month.
Rain and Wind
Rainfall takes yet another significant dive in this part of the Spanish island of Gran Canaria. Just 2mm of precipitation is expected here over just four days, and even then it's usually only slight drizzle at the beginning of the month. May is generally the last wet month before the desert-like dry summer. The wind speeds start to pick up as the month progresses, but they are usually no more than a breeze.
Average Sunshine Hours and Sea Temperature
The number of sunshine hours stays constant at an enjoyable eleven hours a day. Meanwhile, the sea temperature warms up a degree to an average of 20°C, and is set to keep rising through the summer months.
While the weather is fine during May, it is one of the busiest times outside of summer, thanks to the week-long Maspalomas Gay Pride Festival. This brings an additional 60,000 visitors to the area, so those wanting a quieter holiday may wish to travel here at a different time.
Playa del Ingles Hotels in May
The four-star IFA Catarina Hotel is an ideal choice for central accommodation. Just a 15 minute walk from the beach and close to one of the main shopping centres, it caters to families with its kids clubs, mini discos, playground and children's library. Adult guests are also catered for with a rooftop nudist solarium! There's a tennis court and swimming pools onsite, and there are all inclusive options that are worth looking into.
For couples wanting adults-only accommodation, Judoca Colors is also well located, close to a quiet part of the beach and a few minutes' walk from the shopping centres. With award-winning architecture, free Wi-Fi and an outdoor swimming pool, each contemporary-styled apartment has a terrace with sun loungers, and is painted in a particular colour. Choose from yellow, orange, red, green, sky blue or violet.
Playa del Ingles Beach for May
One of the big draws of the area is the famous Sahara-like sand dunes of the neighbouring Maspalomas beach. A walk south from the beach at Playa del Ingles will take you past protected natural spaces including the Maspalomas Natural Dune Reserve and the Maspalomas Palm Tree plantation.
Beyond here you will find the coastline expands to huge waves of sand dunes, which are continually changing their shape by the wind whipping off the ocean. Visitors with children should be aware that some of the areas here are nudist beaches. The beach has various places along its length where you can hire sun loungers and umbrellas or, for the ultimate desert safari experience, hire a quad bike or a camel ride over the dunes.
A walk north from Playa del Ingles beach will bring you to Playa de las Burras. This small beach is just 300m, but is perfect for families wishing to avoid the 18-30 crowds in the summer. However, it can get quite windy here and visitors should be wary of the sea's strong currents.
Bars and Restaurants
For dinner, book a table at Taberna La Cana to enjoy a traditional Spanish meal. Choose from the a la carte menu, or pick a selection of specially prepared tapas dishes for a little bit of everything. The restaurant is located in the town centre and is also open for breakfast and lunch. There's a huge wine list here to perfectly compliment the food for a lovely relaxed meal.
In a quiet corner of the Yumbo Shopping Centrum sits the colourful and warm atmosphere of Parrots Restaurant. It offers international food at affordable prices, with specialities including meat fondue, cheese fondue and raclette. Come here for a quiet meal on their large outdoor terrace, or enjoy free live entertainment with its all-singing drag shows at weekends.
Things to do in Playa del Ingles in May
If you're ready for an adventure somewhere different, take a drive 25 miles inland to explore the awe-inspiring lunar landscape in the heart of Gran Canaria. Roque Nublo, meaning 'Rock in the Clouds', is the highlight: an 80m tall volcanic rock, with its peak sitting at 1,813m above sea level. This is one of the island's most famous landmarks, formed by a volcanic eruption around 4.5 million years ago.
Surrounded by spectacular scenery of ravines, valleys, volcanic calderas and mountains, it is a fantastic area for hikers to explore. Protected as a natural monument since 1987, Roque Nublo is considered one of the island's most symbolic places and an ancient and sacred place of worship. Being so high above sea level it can get cold and windy, so don't forget to bring a coat.
Aqualand, just over three miles north-west of Playa del Ingles is an exhilarating water park for all the family, with a wide variety of water slides, dedicated children's areas and a swimming with sea lions experience. The park boasts one of Europe's biggest twin slides that will have you racing at high speed against your opponent, tackling turns and slopes along the way, before a heart-stopping finish that will make you want to ride it again and again.
