Weather
May in Mexico marks the beginning of the rainy season in most places, but it is also getting warmer. In Mexico City, it can rain quite a lot on certain occasions, but otherwise, you can expect temperatures around 75-80 °F during the day. It still tends to get chilly during the night, so bring some warmer clothes. The rain increase throughout the month and it rains more at the end of May.
The Pacific Coast is great to visit with pleasant temperatures around 80 °F and higher temperatures mid-day. In the Yucatán Peninsula, it is the last month of the dry season, so that you won't see a lot of rain here. The humidity starts increasing in May, and you can expect temperatures around 85-90 °F. Sea temperatures are around 82 °F. In Baja California, you won't see much rain either, and it gets pretty hot with approximately 90-95 °F. In the night, however, the temperatures drop in Baja to about 60-65 °F.
Crowds & Costs
May is one of the quietest months in Mexico, and this is a great time to find good deals on flights and accommodation. The prices usually drop down to 50 percent, and it is the ideal time to visit if you want a more relaxed and quiet vacation. Cabo San Lucas and the entire Baja California are great to visit for lower prices, and you will find some of the best hotel rates here in May.
Overall, it is a more peaceful time without a lot of activities and tourism. You can enjoy having a lot of space on the beach to yourself and enjoy sightseeing spots, such as the Chichen Itza ruins, without big crowds. It makes May one of the best months to go sightseeing and travel with family. It is also the perfect time to enjoy cenote diving. If you want to travel to Cancún on a budget, this is the month to do it.
Where to go
May is a great time to visit Baja California Sur, notably Cabo San Lucas. There are lesser crowds, and the weather is pleasant for swimming and enjoying water sports. Head to the El Médano beach—Cabo's mecca for water sports. Here, you can enjoy fun activities such as flyboarding. It is also the perfect time to go on a boat tour and relax on the beach. Visit the mountains of Copper Canyon in northern Mexico, where the weather is warmer in May and ideal for hiking and adventures.
Head to beautiful Cancún as well and enjoy quieter time in May while enjoying the white sand beaches, stretching 14 miles (22 km). While you are in Cancún, visit the Playa Delfines and Playa Tortuga - the latter being great if you are traveling with family and little ones. There is a jazz festival taking place in Cancún, so make sure to visit areas such as Parque de las Palapa.
Take a day trip to Isla Mujeres just off the coast of Cancún, and see the extraordinary sea turtles residing here. The island is also known for its great watersport activities and its underwater museum—MUSA (Museo Subacuático de Arte). The museum is located between Cancún and Isla Mujeres and is accessible by boat. You can take the boat from the island and go on a tour if you want.
Take a trip to Chichen Itza, where it is much easier to enjoy the sights and getting around due to fewer visitors. Take the opportunity to visit Puerto Morelos and Casa Om. Further, the Pacific Coast is excellent overall in May with milder temperatures and fewer tourists. In Mexico City, there is a vast parade taking place during the Cinco de Mayo celebration. In the charming Puebla nearby, you will find another big show with a lot of authentic Mexican street food and dancing.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to do
May is perfect for relaxation, sightseeing, but also exploration tours. Since it is one of the quietest months, you can enjoy a lot of leisure time without massive crowds. It is also still the dry season in most Mexican places, and the weather is on your side to enjoy a diverse vacation.
Depending on your preferences, try snorkeling, scuba diving, go on boat tours, go hiking, and visit the turtle farm on Isla Mujeres. In May, the Mexican sea turtles start laying their eggs on Isla Mujeres, and you can visit La Tortugranja. It is a turtle farm where you can spot rare turtle species, such as the albino sea turtle. The admission fees go to help care for and protect the turtles here, some of which are endangered today.
You will also find secluded beaches on Isla Mujeres such as Playa Paraiso, as well as pristine natural landscapes. Explore the island and enjoy activities, including snorkeling and scuba diving. In May, you can also swim with whale sharks in the waters between Isla Mujeres and nearby Isla Holbox. It is one of the few months you can enjoy this activity. Enjoy relaxing on the beach Playa Norte and try a yoga session here in the morning or as the sun goes down.
Events in May
Cinco de Mayo across Mexico, May 5. The national holiday is celebrated throughout the whole country with parades, dancing, and performances. Mexico City and Puebla have some of the biggest parties during this day. The event celebrates the defeat of the French at the Battle of Puebla.
Labor Day, countrywide on May 1. Enjoy parades and big parties as everyone takes the day off to celebrate.
Cancún Jazz Festival, Memorial weekend. The festival brings jazz musicians from all around the world, and there are live performances throughout Cancíun. At the Parque de las Palapas, and around the Convention Center, you will find some of the best performances.
Feast of San Isidro nationwide, May 15. During this event, the Mexicans honor the patron saint of farmers. All the seeds and work animals are being blessed. If you want to experience an authentic Mexican celebration, this event is perfect for that.
Traveling to Mexico in May? Check out these great itineraries.
Southern Mexico Foodie Tour: Mexico City, Puebla & Oaxaca - 10 Days. This culinary itinerary is ideal for the traveler passionate about learning the history and culture of Mexcian gastronomy. You will enjoy traditional dishes from different regions of Mexico and attend cooking workshops. There will also be time to explore the cultural highlights of Mexico City, Puebla, and Oaxaca.
10 Days in Mexico - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas. During ten days, you will have time to enjoy cultural sightseeing with outdoor activities, culinary tours, and relax on the beach. You will spend time in Mexico City, the idyllic Riviera Maya, and explore the lakes and waterfalls of Chiapas. A foodie tour is also on the menu in Oaxaca, and you will enjoy beach time on the Pacific Coast. Take the opportunity to go cenote diving in the Yucatán Peninsula and go snorkeling in the clear blue sea.