Although high season in Bermuda officially begins in April, the true summer begins in May.
Both air temperature and water temperature increase. The average daily high is now 25°C (77°F) and daily low just 20°C (68°F). It’s more humid but rainfall is around average.
Visitors can expect around eight hours of sunshine every day, above the annual average. Sunrise is around 6.20 am and sunset at approximately 8.10 pm.
May does not fall within Bermuda’s hurricane season.
May Events and Things to Do
All of the contracted cruise ships are now visiting the island and Dockyard is busy. Hotels are charging peak rates and airfares are high. Major tourist events such as Harbour Nights are underway.
Bermuda Day, a public holiday towards the end of the month, is the day when most islanders take their first dip in the ocean. There’s a big parade through the centre of Hamilton, dinghy racing in St George, a half-marathon, and a bike race. It’s the only public holiday in the month.
Sailing events include the Antigua Bermuda Race and Argo Gold Cup.
May is a good time for deep-sea fishing. There’s plenty of wahoo and yellowfin tuna in the water.
Lifeguards are now stationed at several public beaches (Clearwater Beach, Turtle Bay, John Smith’s Bay, and Horseshoe Bay). The water temp in May averages 22°C (72°F). The ocean is warm enough for snorkelling and diving with a shorty.
The seasonal ferry service from Dockyard to St George (Orange Route) is running.
Average Daily Temperature
The average daily temperature increases to 23°C (73°F). There’s usually a significant rise in temperature towards the end of the month.
| Month | Average Temperature (C) | Average Temperature (F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 19 | 66 |
| February | 18 | 64 |
| March | 19 | 66 |
| April | 21 | 70 |
| May | 23 | 73 |
| June | 26 | 79 |
| July | 28 | 82 |
| August | 28 | 82 |
| September | 27 | 81 |
| October | 25 | 77 |
| November | 22 | 72 |
| December | 20 | 68 |
| Average Temperature | 23 | 73 |
| Minimum Average Temperature | 18 | 64 |
| Maximum Average Temperature | 28 | 82 |
Average Daily High and Low Temperature
The lowest temperature on a typical day in May will be 20°C (68°F). The highest will be around 25°C (77°F).
| Month | High (C) | Low (C) | High (F) | Low (F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21 | 17 | 70 | 63 |
| February | 21 | 16 | 70 | 61 |
| March | 21 | 16 | 70 | 61 |
| April | 22 | 18 | 72 | 64 |
| May | 25 | 20 | 77 | 68 |
| June | 28 | 23 | 82 | 73 |
| July | 30 | 25 | 86 | 77 |
| August | 30 | 26 | 86 | 79 |
| September | 29 | 25 | 84 | 77 |
| October | 27 | 23 | 81 | 73 |
| November | 24 | 20 | 75 | 68 |
| December | 22 | 18 | 72 | 64 |
Average Water Temperature
Water temperature rises in May and locals take to the water. The average water temp is 22°C (72°F).
| Month | Average Temperature (C) | Average Temperature (F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 20 | 68 |
| February | 20 | 68 |
| March | 20 | 68 |
| April | 21 | 70 |
| May | 22 | 72 |
| June | 24 | 75 |
| July | 27 | 81 |
| August | 28 | 82 |
| September | 27 | 81 |
| October | 26 | 79 |
| November | 24 | 75 |
| December | 22 | 72 |
| Average Temperature | 23 | 74 |
| Minimum Temperature | 20 | 68 |
| Maximum Temperature | 28 | 82 |
Average Monthly Rain
In recent years rainfall in the month has been four inches; just below the annual average.
| Month | Average Monthly Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|
| January | 4 |
| February | 5 |
| March | 4 |
| April | 3 |
| May | 4 |
| June | 4 |
| July | 5 |
| August | 7 |
| September | 6 |
| October | 6 |
| November | 4 |
| December | 3 |
| Average | 5 |
Average Sunshine Hours
On a typical day in May the island will see eight hours of sun.
| Month | Average Daily Sunshine Hours |
|---|---|
| January | 5 |
| February | 5 |
| March | 7 |
| April | 8 |
| May | 8 |
| June | 8 |
| July | 9 |
| August | 8 |
| September | 7 |
| October | 7 |
| November | 6 |
| December | 5 |
| Annual Average | 7 |
