Playa del Inglés Weather in May
May is Playa del Inglés at its most underrated. Temperatures reach 22°C, the sun delivers 9 hours of shine per day, and rainfall is essentially nil — just a trace across one day on average. The Easter crowds have gone, summer hasn't arrived, and the resort operates with full facilities at pre-peak prices. For those who have experienced August in Playa del Inglés, May offers the same quality sunshine in a completely different register — the beach has space, the restaurants take walk-ins, and the esplanade in the evening feels like a genuine discovery rather than a managed tourist experience.
Avg High
22°C
Avg Low
17°C
Rain Days
1 days
UV Index
8
Humidity
65%
Sea Temp
20°C
Sun Hours
9 hrs/day
Rain (mm)
2 mm
Climate Detail
The UV index climbs to 8 in May — serious sun protection is required for extended outdoor time. Nine hours of daily sunshine with near-zero cloud cover means the south coast in May is genuinely potent. The trade winds moderate slightly from their March–April peak, making beach conditions calmer and more comfortable for sunbathing. Sea temperature rises from 19°C in April to 20°C in May — a meaningful step toward summer swimming conditions. The pool temperatures at the resort hotels are fully summer-warm. The beach itself, with its fine dark sand, holds heat well and is comfortable from mid-morning.
What to Do in May
Beach life at its pre-summer best
The 3km beach at Playa del Inglés in May is spacious, sunny, and warm — one of the best urban beach experiences in Europe without summer crowds.
Evening dining on the esplanade
May evenings are warm enough for extended outdoor dining. The restaurants and beach bars along the paseo are in full operation without the August queues.
Cycle tours of the south
The flat coastal paths and inland routes around Playa del Inglés are excellent in May — warm enough to enjoy, calm enough to sustain for hours.
Day trip to Puerto de Mogán
The famous 'Little Venice' of Gran Canaria — a flower-draped fishing village 30 minutes west — is at its best in spring.
Diving and snorkelling
Water clarity and temperature improve significantly in May. Several dive centres operate from the south coast, targeting the reefs and wrecks off the east coast.
What to Pack
- ✓Full summer clothing — shorts, t-shirts, dresses
- ✓Sunscreen SPF 50+ — UV index is high
- ✓Swimwear for beach and pool
- ✓A light windproof layer for afternoons and evenings
- ✓Sun hat and quality sunglasses
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weather like in Playa del Inglés in May?+
May in Playa del Inglés is warm and essentially dry — 23°C highs, 16°C nights, 9 hours of sunshine, 3mm of rain, and sea warming to 20°C. UV index 10 (very high). Excellent pre-summer conditions.
How hot does Playa del Inglés get in May?+
Playa del Inglés reaches 23°C average highs in May — warm for beach days and significantly warmer than any northern European destination at this time of year. The trade wind provides coastal cooling in the afternoons. UV index 10 is Very High, making comprehensive sun protection essential for the long beach days the 9 hours of sunshine encourages.
Is May the best month to visit Playa del Inglés?+
May is one of the top two or three months to visit. Full summer sunshine, near-zero rain, warming sea, uncrowded beach, and lower prices than July–August make it excellent. September offers a similar case from the other end of summer.
Does it rain in Playa del Inglés in May?+
On average, essentially no. May records just a trace of rainfall — you can plan an entire week outdoors with no rain contingency required.
How is the beach in Playa del Inglés in May?+
Outstanding — spacious, sunny, and warm. The 3km stretch of beach is at its best in May: clean sand, warm sun, swimmable sea (20°C), and space to actually enjoy it. It's one of the finest urban beach experiences in Europe at this time of year.
Other Months

Sponsored · Pic y Poc Motorcycle Rentals
Explore Gran Canaria your way. Tours available whatever the weather.