Weather in Benidorm in May

How May compares

May is the 5th warmest month of the year in Benidorm and ranks 66th of 134 destinations we compare for May - see where else is hot in May. Within Spain it is 12th of 87 (Spain in May). Against London's average high of 16.6°C in May, Benidorm is 6.7°C warmer by day and 6.5°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in May

The typical May day in Benidorm peaks at 23.3°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 27.0°C or more. Roughly 1 in 4 days top 25°C and 1 in 63 pass 30°C. Nights average 14.8°C; one night in ten drops to 11.9°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 34.4°C (2015-05-14) and the coldest night 7.8°C (1991-05-03).

Rain in May

Some rain (4-8 rainy days): about 5 days with 1 mm or more, 32 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest May was 2008 with 100 mm, the driest 2015 with 2 mm. Humidity averages 66%.

Sea temperature in May

The sea averages 18.4°C - bracing (18-22°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 17.7°C to 19.2°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (26.4°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 8.2 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 14.1 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:49 and sets about 21:05 local time in mid-May. Average cloud cover is 42%.

Is May a good time to visit Benidorm?

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

Warm days, but not dependable summer heat

May suits travellers who prefer warmth they can comfortably spend time in, rather than heat that dictates the day. Light clothing should work well during warmer afternoons, but keep a jumper or light jacket for after sunset. Days reach 25°C about 28% of the time, while 30°C is unusual at 2%, so do not plan around consistently hot weather. The warmest days can still make midday feel hot, making shade and sun protection sensible. At the cooler end, nights can fall to 11.9°C or below, so relying entirely on summer clothes would leave you short when sitting outside late.

Plenty of outdoor time, with room for rain

With about 8.2 hours of sunshine within 14.1 hours of daylight, May gives you plenty of scope to spend time outside without squeezing everything into the middle of the day. That is not a promise of clear skies throughout your stay: there are about 5 rainy days during the month. Keep your plans flexible rather than treating every day as a beach day, and pack a light waterproof for wet spells. The balance is favourable for a holiday built around outdoor time, provided you are happy to adjust plans when rain arrives rather than expecting uninterrupted sunshine.

The sea is the main compromise

The sea is likely to feel noticeably cooler than the afternoon air suggests. Its average temperature is 18.4°C, with a year-to-year range of 18°C to 19°C, so a warmer-feeling day does not necessarily mean a comfortable swim. If you enjoy a brisk dip, May may suit you; if you like lingering in warm water, this is the clearest reason to reconsider. A towel and a dry layer are useful for getting comfortable afterwards, particularly if you stay out into the evening. Choose May for warmth on land, and treat sea swimming as a preference rather than the basis of the holiday.