Weather in Costa Blanca in May

How May compares

May is the 6th warmest month of the year in Costa Blanca. Within Spain it is 27th of 87 (Spain in May). Against London's average high of 16.6°C in May, Costa Blanca is 6.1°C warmer by day and 6.7°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in May

The typical May day in Costa Blanca peaks at 22.7°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 26.1°C or more. Roughly 1 in 5 days top 25°C and 1 in 143 pass 30°C. Nights average 15.0°C; one night in ten drops to 12.1°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest May day here reached 34.4°C (2015-05-14) and the coldest night 7.3°C (1991-05-03).

Rain in May

Some rain (4-8 rainy days): about 5 days with 1 mm or more, 31 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest May was 2002 with 146 mm, the driest 2015 with 0 mm. Humidity averages 67%.

Sea temperature in May

The sea averages 18.3°C - bracing (18-22°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 17.6°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 06:51 and sets about 21:06 local time in mid-May. Average cloud cover is 42%.

Is May a good time to visit Costa Blanca?

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

Warm enough for light clothes, but pack an evening layer

Expect warmth rather than persistent heat. Costa Blanca's average daytime high is 6.1°C above London's May average, so the difference should feel noticeable coming from the UK. Light clothes are a sensible daytime choice, with a jumper or light jacket for evenings. Days reach 25°C around 21% of the time, but 30°C is unusual, so May suits travellers who dislike very hot conditions. On warmer afternoons, put more active plans earlier in the day and take a break around midday. Nights can fall to 12.1°C or lower at the cooler end, making an extra layer useful if you plan to sit outside.

Plenty of daylight, with some wet-weather flexibility

May gives you about 8.2 hours of sunshine within 14.1 hours of daylight, leaving plenty of scope to move outdoor plans around. That is not a promise of clear skies all day: expect some cloud and allow for rain. With about 5 rainy days during the month, a light waterproof is a sensible addition rather than something to build the whole holiday around. Keep your schedule flexible enough to swap an outdoor afternoon for time indoors if needed. Sunscreen, sunglasses and shade still belong in your routine, even when the air feels comfortably warm rather than hot.

The sea is the main compromise

The sea averages 18.3°C in May, which is bracing rather than comfortably warm. That makes this a better month for travellers who enjoy time by the water than for those whose holiday depends on long, leisurely swims. If you are happy with a cool dip, swimming may still appeal, but do not judge the water by how warm the afternoon feels. The year-to-year range of 18°C to 19°C offers little reason to bank on much warmer conditions. Have a towel and a dry layer ready afterwards, particularly if you stay near the water into the cooler evening.