Weather in Benalmadena in May

How May compares

May is the 6th warmest month of the year in Benalmadena. Within Spain it is 79th of 87 (Spain in May). Against London's average high of 16.6°C in May, Benalmadena is 4.0°C warmer by day and 4.9°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in May

The typical May day in Benalmadena peaks at 20.6°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 24.2°C or more. Roughly 1 in 16 days top 25°C and 1 in 1000 pass 30°C. Nights average 13.2°C; one night in ten drops to 10.5°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 30.2°C (2015-05-14) and the coldest night 7.0°C (2018-05-02).

Rain in May

Some rain (4-8 rainy days): about 4 days with 1 mm or more, 25 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest May was 1996 with 80 mm, the driest 2019 with 0 mm. Humidity averages 68%.

Sea temperature in May

The sea averages 17.2°C - too cold for most (under 18°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 16.4°C to 18.1°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (23.1°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 8.6 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 14.0 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 07:11 and sets about 21:18 local time in mid-May. Average cloud cover is 38%.

Is May a good time to visit Benalmadena?

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

Warm afternoons, cooler evenings

The daytime warmth should feel comfortable for being outdoors without needing to organise your whole day around avoiding heat. Lighter clothes make sense in the afternoon, though a warmer day can still call for shade at midday. The warmest days reach around 24°C or more, but sustained hot weather is not something to count on. Once the sun goes down, the balance changes: a jumper or light jacket will be useful for sitting outside. The coldest nights can fall to around 11°C or lower, so bring trousers as well as shorts. May suits travellers who prefer gentle warmth to hot evenings.

Plenty of daylight, with some rain to allow for

With about 8.6 hours of sunshine within 14 hours of daylight, May gives you plenty of scope to spend time outside. That does not mean clear skies throughout the day, so keep plans flexible rather than assuming every afternoon will be sunny. Rain falls on about 4 days during the month, making a light waterproof a sensible addition without packing as though wet weather will dominate. If rain is forecast, leave outdoor plans movable and use the brighter spells when they arrive. Sun protection still belongs in your bag: comfortable air temperatures are not a reason to leave it behind.

The sea is the main compromise

The biggest catch is the water. At an average of 17.2°C, the sea is cold rather than comfortably swimmable, even when the air feels pleasant. Its May range of 16°C to 18°C means you should not base the trip on finding warm water. A brief dip may appeal if you already enjoy cold swimming, but lingering in the sea is a different proposition from sitting beside it in sunshine. Bring something dry and warm to put on afterwards. For travellers who mainly want coastal time outdoors, May makes sense; for those whose holiday depends on comfortable sea swimming, it is a less convincing choice.