Weather in Antigua in May

How May compares

May is the 6th warmest month of the year in Antigua and ranks 35th of 134 destinations we compare for May - see where else is hot in May. Against London's average high of 16.6°C in May, Antigua is 11.4°C warmer by day and 17.0°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in May

The typical May day in Antigua peaks at 28.0°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 29.0°C or more. About 100% of days top 25°C and 1 in 56 pass 30°C. Nights average 25.3°C; one night in ten drops to 24.3°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest May day here reached 31.2°C (2020-05-27) and the coldest night 22.5°C (2008-05-04).

Rain in May

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 14 days with 1 mm or more, 66 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest May was 2004 with 237 mm, the driest 2001 with 8 mm. Humidity averages 77%, which makes the heat feel heavier than the thermometer suggests.

Sea temperature in May

The sea averages 27.4°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 26.9°C to 28.1°C. For the warmest sea here, come in September (28.9°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 5.7 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 12.8 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 05:36 and sets about 18:32 local time in mid-May. Average cloud cover is 55%.

Is May a good time to visit Antigua?

It is a reasonable choice: hot days but expect showers. The best months for Antigua on our scoring are March, February, April; months averaging 25°C or more: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec.

Hot days, with little cooling after dark

The daytime temperature is not the whole story in May. Humidity averages 77%, so allow for a sticky feel rather than judging comfort by the thermometer alone. Days reaching 30°C are uncommon, but that does not make midday a good time for sustained exertion. Put more active plans earlier in the day and leave room for shade breaks. Pack loose, breathable clothing and choose somewhere with cooling you can rely on at night: an average low of 25.3°C means evenings offer limited relief. This suits travellers who enjoy warmth throughout the day, less so anyone who needs cool nights to sleep comfortably.

Plan for rain as well as swimming

Rain is a meaningful part of the May trade-off, rather than something to dismiss when planning. About 14 rainy days means you should keep outdoor plans movable and have something to do under cover. That figure does not mean those days are entirely wet, but it is not a basis for assuming uninterrupted sunshine either. Average sunshine is about 5.7 hours within 12.8 hours of daylight, so daylight and sunshine are not interchangeable. The sea is a stronger reason to go: at 27.4°C, it is comfortably warm for swimming. Pack swimwear alongside a light waterproof, and judge each day's plans by the conditions.