What's The Weather Like in Tenerife in May?
Following on from a warm April, the weather continues to improve in Tenerife, Canary Islands in May, when the temperature rises and the number of daily sunshine hours increases.
How Hot Is Tenerife In May?
During this month, the average temperature for the island is 19°C, created by average highs of 23°C during the daytime and average lows of 16°C after dark.
The weather and temperature vary greatly between the north and south of the island. In the north of Tenerife, such as Puerto de la Cruz, the weather is usually cooler and cloudier than it is in the south, such as in Los Gigantes and Playa de Las Americas.
Highest and Lowest Tenerife May Temperatures
The hottest temperature ever recorded in Tenerife in May is 37.7°C, which was recorded in May 2012 at Tenerife South Airport. The lowest is -5.1°C, which was recorded in Izaña in May 1934.
Calima and Heatwave in 2012
In 2012 the Canary Islands as a whole were affected by a mini heatwave which saw temperatures reach the mid-high 30s throughout the islands.
A Calima was also present during the heat-wave, which not only caused the temperatures to climb even higher but also resulted in high winds and low visibility due to concentrated dust in the air.
Does It Rain In May in Tenerife?
Tenerife receives 8mm of rain spread out over just two days when the probability of precipitation significantly drops as the month progresses.
Sunshine Hours In May
Across May, Tenerife enjoys an average of eight hours of daily sunshine, alongside median cloud coverage which stays essentially constant throughout the month.
Can You Swim In The Sea In Tenerife In May?
Because of the island's warm climate year-round, the average sea temperature for the waters surrounding Tenerife is a mild 20°C in May which is certainly warm enough for swimming.
Is Tenerife Windy In May?
Over the course of an average May in Tenerife, typical wind speeds range between light and fresh breezes.
Tenerife Hotels in May
Sunset Harbour Club
Sunset Harbour Club in Costa Adeje is perfect for travellers who want to be in the centre of all the action. This hotel is just a five minute walk away from the Playa La Pinta beach which is lined by international restaurants, bars and shops, as well as many more shops in the La Niña shopping centre and a wealth of other eateries and entertainment venues in the centre of Torviscas.
Marylanza Suites & Spa
If you're after a relaxing holiday in Tenerife, consider staying at the Marylanza Suites & Spa in Playa de Las Americas. This luxury four-star hotel features a Spacio10 Spa which boasts a thermal circuit with hydromassage pool, toning pool, Jacuzzi, steam rooms, floating room, sensation showers and footbaths.
There's also a gym with cardio machines with individual TVs, qualified fitness instructors and group classes for zumba, spinning fit-ball, abdominals, total body conditioning and hydro bikes. There are loads of other onsite services and facilities, too, including heated swimming pool, children's pool, playground, games room, free WiFi access and hair salon.
Hotel Paradise Park Resort & Spa
In Los Cristianos, Hotel Paradise Park Resort & Spa is another top pick when it comes to spa hotels in Tenerife. This hotel spa boasts five treatment cabins, hydrotherapy area with Jacuzzi, sauna, Roman baths, cold water plunge pool, thermal shower, Scottish shower and relaxation chill out lounge area.
There is also a huge spa menu with massages, waxing, facials, manicures, pedicures, exfoliations, rituals and even children's treatments. There are many other facilities and services onsite, too, such as five different swimming pools, including one rooftop pool, children's play areas, kids' club, gym, hair salon and shuttle bus to the beach every day Monday-Friday.
For cheap accommodation in the north of the island, check out the adults-only Apartamentos RF Bambi in Puerto de la Cruz. Situated just a 15-minute walk from the Lago Martiánez swimming complex and San Telmo beach, this two-star complex provides guests with studios, one-bedroom apartments, deluxe studios and deluxe apartments. Each unit features the basics, such as kitchenette with hob, fridge and coffee making facilities, TV and private bathroom with shower. Deluxe units offer the same facilities but are more sophisticatedly decorated.
Tenerife Beach for May
Les Teresitas
Las Teresitas in the island's capital Santa Cruz is one of the most beautiful beaches in Tenerife. This beach is made up of white-golden sand which was imported from the Western Sahara and is peppered with sun loungers, parasols, showers and a small beach bar and the southernmost side which serves Canarian snacks and drinks.
Thanks to the two breakwaters which ensure large, rough waves never reach the shore, the sea here is almost always calm enough for swimming. la Izquierda
La Izquierda
If you want to try your hand at surfing during your holiday in Tenerife, head to La Izquierda, the beach near the H10 Conquistador Hotel in Playa de Las Americas.
Surfers favour this spot because the waves break over an underwater lava platform and then spin down the line for up to 100m.
Despite what the name suggests (La Izquierda means The Left in English), this part of the coast also features some short rights. Due to the challenging waves and short, sharp rocks, surfing here is best left to the experts.
The dry part of the beach is made up mostly of large smooth pebbles, with a few patches of thin golden sand.
Although the pebbles aren't suitable for sunbathing on, the flat patches certainly are. If all the sunbathing spots have been taken, it's common for sun worshippers to lie their towels down on the promenade and chill out there.
There are no services or facilities on offer here, but you'll find a huge selection of bars, cafes, restaurants, shops, supermarkets and hotels along the promenade.
Bars and Restaurants
Hannen Bar
In the north of Tenerife, Hannen Bar in Puerto de la Cruz is a popular choice for lovers of German beer. Located on the corner of a busy street ideal for people-watching, this bar features a cool air-conditioned interior and a sun-kissed outdoor terrace with comfy furniture. The drinks menu boasts several dark German beers, including the ever-popular Hannen Bräu, whilst the food menu also offers German specialities, such as sausages and steaks.
Things to do in Tenerife in May
Siam Park
Siam Park in Costa Adeje has been voted the very best water park in the world by TripAdvisor. This popular water park can get incredibly busy and hot in the peak summer season, making May the perfect time to visit, when the park will be quieter and pleasantly warm. This huge water park offers six adrenaline-pumping water slides, two family-friendly slides, two children's zones and one man-made golden beach with a huge swimming pool which turns into a wave pool for 20 minutes on every hour.
Other attractions within the park include the floating market, sea lion habitat, shark habitat and five eateries. What makes Siam Park stand out above other water parks is that it has five world records: the largest dragon statue, the tallest increased elevation within a lazy river, the largest man-made wave, the most increased diversity in slides and the largest Thai building outside Asia.
Cueva del Viento
If the sunshine is too much for you in Tenerife in May, seek shelter inside the Cueva del Viento (Windy Cave in English) in Icod de los Vinos. This cave is one of the largest lava tubes in the world which was formed during eruptions and subsequent lava flows from Pico Viejo many years ago.
The cave stretches on for over 17km and is full of diverse colours on the inside, where there are at least 115 species of animals and insects living amongst ancient fossils which are set into the rock. Multilingual guides take visitors on tours through the network of tunnels and will provide you with the equipment necessary, including hard hat and torch. Each tour lasts for two hours and must be reserved at least one day in advance by phoning or emailing the visitors' centre.