What's the Weather Like in St Lucia in May
Temperature
The weather in St Lucia in May remains hot and wet just like in April. At this time of year, the average temperature for the island starts off at 28°C (made up of highs of 30°C and lows of 26°C) at the beginning of the month and rises up to 28.5°C (highs of 31°C and lows of 26°C) by the end, making the final week in May the best time to visit the island if you want to experience the highest temperatures.
Although it only happens on an average of once every ten days, temperatures have been known to rise above 32°C and fall below 23°C in St Lucia in May. The highest temperature ever registered on the island at this time of year is 37°C, whilst the lowest temperature ever registered here during this month is 20°C.
With temperatures as hot as these, St Lucia in May is best reserved for travellers who love sunshine and heat. If you're determined to visit the island but aren't a fan of high temperatures, forget about visiting in May and plan your holiday for December, January or February instead, when temperatures tend to be at their lowest and rainfall is fairly low. On the other hand, if you do plan to visit St Lucia in May, make sure you bring suntan lotion, light and airy clothing and an umbrella or some waterproofs to protect you from the elements.
Rain
Throughout May, St Lucia is subject to an average of 63mm/2 inches of rainfall divided between 15 rainy days that's almost the same as in April. With precipitation falling on 50% of days during this month, chances are you'll experience a shower or two so be prepared or plan on spending some time inside your resort until the weather improves.
The probability of precipitation making an appearance during May starts off at 47% on May 1st and rises up to 51% by May 11th, 53% by May 21st and peaks at 57% on May 31st, making the start of the month the best time to visit if you want to avoid rainfall spoiling your holiday. The most common types of precipitation you can expect to see in St Lucia in May are light rain (55%) and moderate rain (30%).
Average Sunshine Hours
Across the month, St Lucia boasts an average of nine hours of sunshine each day, alongside median cloud coverage which fluctuates between 74% (partly cloudy) at the beginning of the month and 71% (partly cloudy) by the end of the month. Since the cloud coverage decreases slightly as the month progresses, the best time to visit St Lucia is the final week in May, if you plan on sunbathing a lot.
Average Sea Temperature
The average sea temperature for St Lucia remains consistently warm throughout the year. In May, it's 28°C that's 1°C warmer than in April which is definitely warm enough to go swimming.
Humidity
Due to its tropical climate, St Lucia stays humid all-year-round. In May, the relative humidity for the island ranges from 67% (mildly humid) to 89% (very humid) throughout the month, rarely falling below 60% (mildly humid) or reaching as high as 99% (very humid). The air tends to be at its driest around May 3rd, when the relative humidity falls below 70% (humid) three days out of every four, whilst it's usually at its most humid around May 30th, when it rises above 84% (humid) three days out of four.
Wind
May tends to be a fairly windy month for St Lucia. At this time of year, normal wind speeds range from 5 m/s (gentle breeze) to 9 m/s (fresh breeze), sometimes exceeding 19 m/s (gale). The highest average wind speed of 7 m/s (moderate breeze) happens around May 5th, when the average daily maximum is 9 m/s, whilst the lowest average wind speed of 7 m/s happens around May 14th, when the average daily maximum is 9 m/s.
St Lucia Hotels in May
If you want to come back from holiday feeling healthy and rejuvenated, spend it at the Body Holiday Le Sport. Situated on Cariblue beach, this hotel organises a range of beachside activities, including yoga, scuba diving, snorkelling, water skiing, windsurfing and kayaking. Accommodation is provided in the form of garden, ocean-view and ocean-front rooms, plus penthouse suites and villas, all of which are included in the all-inclusive package. Onsite services and facilities include seven international bars and restaurants, tennis courts, fitness classes, personal training, pilates, tai chi, archery, golf and spa.
For something a bit more relaxing, consider Sandals Grande St Lucian. Located on its own peninsula providing guests with easy access to the beach and water sports, this resort provides guests with luxury, club and butler level rooms each of which comes under the all-inclusive service. Guests can enjoy eight local and international bars and restaurants, golf at the nearby Sandals Regency La Toc, Red Lane Spa with exclusive botanical products, unlimited scuba diving and water sports, nightly entertainment, fitness centre and land sports all of which are included in the all-inclusive package.
For a private rental in St Lucia, consider Cleopatra Villa Rentals. This company offers a vast array of villas available for short-term rental all of which are cheaper and offer more space and privacy than hotel rooms on the island. Most of the villas are in Rodney Bay and whilst some of them form part of complexes, others are standalone villas, so you can have as much privacy as you like.
St Lucia Beach for May
When it comes to water sports on St Lucia, it's tough to beat the offerings of Reduit Beach. Located on the western outskirts of Gros Islet, this beach offers an assortment of water sports, including scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, sailing and various inflatable rides pulled by speedboats. There is also a large marina nearby where you can hire boats or catch a water taxi to one of the nearby islands.
There is one restaurant located directly on the beach, with plenty of other bars, cafes and restaurants found a short walk away in the centre of the resort. Vendors often moor their boats up on shore around lunchtime with a selection of breads, cold cuts, fruits and juices available for sale, too. There are sun loungers and shades provided onsite, but no toilets, so families with small children might want to consider going elsewhere.
Choc Bay is great for families and couples staying in Castries and looking for a nearby beach. This bay provides a little bit of tranquility in the middle of the bustling capital, with soft golden sands ideal for sunbathing and warm, calm waters perfect for swimming. There are several coconut trees dotting the sand, providing some natural shade, as well as some extra parasols and sun loungers for comfort.
Beach vendors often patrol the beach, selling a variety of local food and drinks, but there is also a restaurant onsite which sells affordable small meals and drinks throughout the day. Like Reduit Beach, there are no toilets on this beach, so if you're holidaying with small children, you might be better off spending the day somewhere else.
Bars and Restaurants
For some authentic Caribbean cuisine, pop into the Pink Plantation House. Located in Castries, this restaurant is open seven days a week from 10am until 5pm and offers a varied menu with meat, fish and vegetarian dishes all freshly prepared. Each meal is made using locally-sourced ingredients, so the menu changes from time to time, depending on what's available. There is a small selection of ice creams for dessert, as well as a wine list with local and international bottles.
Whatever you're in the mood for, you're sure to find it at Flavours of the Grill. Located in Gros Islet, this restaurant offers a daily changing menu which often features chicken, fish, beef and goat, plus various vegetarian options. There is an a la carte, buffet, group, kids' and summer menu available, all of which are full of typical Caribbean dishes prepared in an authentic, local way. Flavours of the Grill is open Saturday to Thursday from midday to 10pm, Fridays from midday until 1am and it's closed on Sundays.
If you're looking for somewhere to watch the sun set, consider doing it at Dasheene. Located within La Ladera resort, this bar is open from 9am every day and offers unobstructed sea views flanked by the iconic Pitons mountains. In addition to the ideal position for watching sun sets, this bar also offers live entertainment, with the Future Light Band taking to the stage each Wednesday and Saturday from 6.30pm until 9pm.
Situated within Rodney Bay, Shamrock's Pub is one of the best places in St Lucia to grab a pint of Guinness. Here you can enjoy a variety of pub games, such as pool and darts in true Irish pub surroundings, reminiscent of bars in Dublin. Open every day from 10am onward, this bar serves a selection of pub grub-style food, such as fish and chips and steak and kidney pie, alongside a variety of international drinks. Karaoke nights, live entertainment and pool competitions provide family-friendly fun.
Things to do in St Lucia in May
Pigeon Island National Park is a great place for nature lovers to spend the day. There is a small entry charge you'll have to pay to get in, but it's definitely worth it for the chance to enjoy everything within. Inside you'll find ruins of military buildings used during the battles between the British and the French, a visitors' centre with info about the history of St Lucia, two beaches with sun loungers and parasols, a restaurant which serves local cuisine and a pub-restaurant with a historical theme. The park is open 365 days a year and the beaches here are particularly known for being superb snorkeling sites.
Whilst you're at Pigeon Island National Park, don't miss Pigeon Point. One of the most popular attractions in the national park, this point features a self-guided tour which you can follow to learn more about the history of the island and two hikes which lead to two peaks. The views from the peaks stretch out across the sea and over to St Lucia, making them truly spectacular, so make sure you take your camera. Despite being labelled as "hikes", the trails can be followed in sandals, making them suitable for everyone regardless of age or experience.
Pick up a souvenir of your holiday in St Lucia at the Rum Shop. Located in Castries, this shop sells Bounty Rum and Pitons Beer, as well as various types of branded merchandise. There is a huge number of different local rums available all of which are sold at very reasonable prices, making them great value for money. Clients can use the free WiFi whilst shopping and if you visit the Rum Shop as part of a guided tour, you'll even have the opportunity to sample some of the rums for free before you buy.
One of the premier cultural events in the Caribbean, the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival returns to the island in May and attracts thousands of visitors, taking place between the 6th and 13th of May for a week of festivities and music. Performances are set against the beautiful backdrop of Pigeon Island National Park and Derek Walcott Square in Castries, the festival showcases the talents of some of the greatest jazz musicians and creatives in the Caribbean and indeed the wider world.
