Weather in Punta Cana in May

How May compares

May is the 6th warmest month of the year in Punta Cana and ranks 38th 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, Punta Cana is 11.2°C warmer by day and 16.5°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in May

The typical May day in Punta Cana peaks at 27.8°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 28.8°C or more. About 100% of days top 25°C and 1 in 71 pass 30°C. Nights average 24.8°C; one night in ten drops to 23.8°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest May day here reached 30.7°C (2020-05-31) and the coldest night 21.1°C (1992-05-02).

Rain in May

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 18 days with 1 mm or more, 104 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest May was 1992 with 305 mm, the driest 2002 with 35 mm. Humidity averages 79%.

Sea temperature in May

The sea averages 27.1°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 26.6°C to 27.5°C. For the warmest sea here, come in September (28.8°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 5.3 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 12.9 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:00 and sets about 19:00 local time in mid-May. Average cloud cover is 59%.

Is May a good time to visit Punta Cana?

It is a reasonable choice: hot days but expect showers. The best months for Punta Cana 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 heat is consistent rather than extreme: days reach 25°C throughout May, while only 1% reach 30°C. The catch is humidity at 79%, alongside nights that average 24.8°C. That combination makes cooling down an important part of your accommodation choice, so look for air conditioning if warm bedrooms bother you. Pack loose, light clothing and breathable evening outfits rather than expecting a cool spell after sunset. Keep demanding outdoor plans away from midday and leave room for shade breaks. May suits travellers who enjoy warmth throughout the day, but less so anyone who relies on fresh evenings for relief.

Expect sunshine, but build in flexibility for rain

Rain is the main compromise in May. About 18 days receive at least 1 mm, so it is sensible to expect wet weather during your stay rather than treat it as an unlikely interruption. That does not mean every rainy day is a washout, but neither should you assume rain will always be brief or conveniently timed. Sunshine averages about 5.3 hours within 12.9 hours of daylight, leaving plenty of daylight that is not sunny. Pack a light waterproof and choose arrangements that let you move outdoor plans around. If uninterrupted sunshine is essential, May is a less comfortable bet.

Warm sea is a strong reason to go

At 27.1°C, the sea is warm enough for swimming without the bracing first dip associated with cooler water. That makes May appealing if time in the water matters more to you than clear skies all day. A swim may still feel welcome in the heat, though the water is warm rather than sharply refreshing. Plan swimming around the weather and local safety advice: temperature alone does not tell you about sea conditions. With a flight from London of about 9 h 24 min, this is a long-haul choice, so weigh that warm-water appeal against your tolerance for rain before booking.