Weather in Vilamoura in May

How May compares

May is the 6th warmest month of the year in Vilamoura. Within Portugal it is 6th of 13 (Portugal in May). Against London's average high of 16.6°C in May, Vilamoura is 5.5°C warmer by day and 6.4°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in May

The typical May day in Vilamoura peaks at 22.1°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 26.4°C or more. Roughly 1 in 5 days top 25°C and 1 in 125 pass 30°C. Nights average 14.7°C; one night in ten drops to 12.0°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings - it is genuinely cool after dark. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest May day here reached 32.6°C (2012-05-14) and the coldest night 8.7°C (2018-05-02).

Rain in May

Some rain (4-8 rainy days): about 6 days with 1 mm or more, 39 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest May was 2016 with 113 mm, the driest 2006 with 0 mm. Humidity averages 68%.

Sea temperature in May

The sea averages 17.3°C - too cold for most (under 18°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 16.4°C to 18.4°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (20.9°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 8.3 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 14.0 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:24 and sets about 20:33 local time in mid-May. Average cloud cover is 41%.

Is May a good time to visit Vilamoura?

It is a reasonable choice: warm days. The best months for Vilamoura on our scoring are July, August, June; months averaging 25°C or more: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.

Warm days, with a cooler edge after dark

The main advantage of May is warmth that generally feels manageable for being outdoors. Light clothes should suit a typical afternoon, but a jumper or light jacket earns its place once the sun goes down. The warmest days reach around 26°C or more, so keep sun protection handy and take a break from direct sunshine at midday if needed. At the other end, the coldest nights fall to 12°C or below. Pack for that contrast rather than treating May as settled summer: it suits travellers who prefer moderate daytime warmth and do not mind layering up for dinner outside.

Sunny enough for time by the sea, but swimming is cold

The catch is the water temperature. At an average of 17.3°C, the sea is cold rather than comfortably swimmable, even when the air feels warm. The year-to-year range of 16°C to 18°C gives little reason to plan around a warm-water exception. If you enjoy a brief, cold dip, May may still work, but it is a poor fit if long, relaxed swims are central to your holiday. Spending time beside the sea is a different proposition, with about 8.3 hours of sunshine a day. Bring something to put on after a swim rather than relying on sunshine alone to warm you.

Allow for showers without planning around them

Rain is a consideration, not a reason on its own to rule May out. There are about 6 rainy days during the month, so an entirely dry stay is not something to count on. Equally, that does not mean every wet day is a washout. Keep outdoor plans flexible and pack a light waterproof rather than filling your bag with heavy wet-weather clothing. Around 14 hours of daylight gives you a generous window for being outside, though daylight is not the same as sunshine. May suits a flexible holiday better than a schedule that depends on clear skies throughout.