Although high season in Bermuda officially begins in April, the true summer starts in May.
Both air temperature and water temperature increase. The average daily high is now 25°C (77°F), and the daily low is just 20°C (68°F). It’s more humid, but rainfall is around average.
Visitors can expect around eight hours of sunshine daily, above the annual average. Sunrise is around 6:20 am, and sunset is approximately 8:10 pm.
May does not fall within Bermuda’s hurricane season.
May Events and Things to Do
The contracted cruise ships are now visiting the island, and the 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 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.
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 temperature in May averages 22°C (72°F), which is warm enough for snorkelling and diving with a shorty.
The seasonal ferry service runs from Dockyard to St George (Orange Route).
Packing Suggestions
When packing for a May trip to Bermuda, think light and breathable. Bring plenty of lightweight, loose-fitting clothing in natural fabrics like cotton or linen.
Remember swimwear, as the weather is perfect for beach activities.
While days are warm, evenings can be cooler, so pack a light sweater or jacket. Include rain gear like a light raincoat or umbrella for occasional showers. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the island.
Average Daily Temperature
The average 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
On a typical day in May, the lowest temperature will be 20°C (68°F), and 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
The water temperature rises in May, and locals take to the water. The average water temperature 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
May is one of the sunniest months in Bermuda, offering visitors ample opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities and time at the beach. Bermuda experiences around 8 hours of sunshine daily in May, above the annual average of 7 hours.
May is among the sunniest months of the year, alongside April, June, and August. Only July sees more sunshine, with an average of 9 hours daily.
The increase in daylight hours is noticeable in May, with sunrise occurring around 6:20 am and sunset at approximately 8:10 pm. This extended daylight provides visitors with long, pleasant days to explore the island and engage in various activities.
The ample sunshine in May contributes to the warming of both air and water temperatures, making it ideal for beach activities, water sports, and outdoor exploration.
| 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 |
UV Index and Sun Protection
As Bermuda moves into the summer months, the UV index in May begins to climb. On a typical May day, it can reach 10, which is very high.
Visitors should take extra precautions to protect their skin from the intense sun. It’s advisable to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the peak sun hours of 10 am to 4 pm. Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially after swimming.
| Month | UV Index (Maximum) | Solar Noon |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4 | 12:30 PM |
| February | 5 | 12:35 PM |
| March | 7 | 1:25 PM |
| April | 9 | 1:20 PM |
| May | 10 | 1:15 PM |
| June | 10 | 1:20 PM |
| July | 10 | 1:25 PM |
| August | 10 | 1:25 PM |
| September | 8 | 1:15 PM |
| October | 6 | 1:05 PM |
| November | 4 | 12:05 PM |
| December | 3 | 12:15 PM |
