Weather in Varadero in May

How May compares

May is the 5th warmest month of the year in Varadero and ranks 26th 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, Varadero is 12.3°C warmer by day and 15.8°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in May

The typical May day in Varadero peaks at 28.9°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 30.4°C or more. About 100% of days top 25°C and 1 in 5 pass 30°C. Nights average 24.1°C; one night in ten drops to 22.8°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest May day here reached 34.7°C (2017-05-25) and the coldest night 18.9°C (1992-05-04).

Rain in May

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 14 days with 1 mm or more, 113 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest May was 2020 with 479 mm, the driest 2004 with 13 mm. Humidity averages 76%, which makes the heat feel heavier than the thermometer suggests.

Sea temperature in May

The sea averages 27.2°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 26.4°C to 27.7°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (29.6°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 7.3 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 13.1 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:44 and sets about 19:59 local time in mid-May. Average cloud cover is 44%.

Is May a good time to visit Varadero?

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

Warm sea, hot days and little evening cooling

May is comfortably warm enough for swimming, with sea temperatures averaging 27.2°C. That makes it a good fit if time in the water is central to your holiday. On land, humidity of 76% can make the warmth feel more tiring, so light, loose clothing and a relaxed pace are sensible. Keep strenuous plans away from midday and leave room for shade breaks. Around 19% of days reach 30°C, so hotter spells are a realistic possibility rather than the everyday expectation. Evenings offer limited cooling, with average lows of 24.1°C; pack mainly for warmth rather than expecting crisp nights. If you struggle to sleep in warm conditions, air conditioning is worth prioritising when choosing accommodation.

Expect sunshine, but keep plans flexible

Rain is the main compromise in May: about 14 days receive measurable rainfall, so it would be optimistic to plan around an entirely dry stay. That does not mean every wet day is a washout, and average sunshine of 7.3 hours a day leaves scope for time outdoors. With 13.1 hours of daylight, there is also a generous window for shifting plans when conditions change. Pack a lightweight waterproof and keep anything vulnerable to rain protected when you head out. The monthly figures do not tell you when rain will arrive, so avoid assuming it will always leave mornings or afternoons clear. May works best for travellers who can adjust their day rather than needing fixed outdoor plans.