Weather in Palma in May

How May compares

May is the 5th warmest month of the year in Palma. Within Spain it is 26th of 87 (Spain in May). Against London's average high of 16.6°C in May, Palma is 6.1°C warmer by day and 7.3°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in May

The typical May day in Palma peaks at 22.7°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 26.8°C or more. Roughly 1 in 4 days top 25°C and 1 in 111 pass 30°C. Nights average 15.6°C; one night in ten drops to 12.9°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest May day here reached 31.3°C (1999-05-31) and the coldest night 9.6°C (1991-05-06).

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 2008 with 140 mm, the driest 1994 with 2 mm. Humidity averages 69%.

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 19.4°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (26.6°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 8.2 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 14.2 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:35 and sets about 20:56 local time in mid-May. Average cloud cover is 42%.

Is May a good time to visit Palma?

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

Warm enough for light clothes, with cooler evenings

Pack light clothes for daytime and a jumper or jacket for evenings. Palma's average daytime high is 6.1°C above London's in May, so the change should feel noticeable without usually being intense. Days reach 25°C about 23% of the time, making warmer afternoons a realistic part of the trip rather than something to count on throughout. Reaching 30°C is unusual, so May is a sensible choice if strong heat makes walking uncomfortable. Even so, take sun protection and leave room for a shaded break at midday. Cooler nights can drop to around 13°C or below, so do not pack as though summer warmth lasts after sunset.

Plenty of outdoor time, but keep plans flexible

With about 8.2 hours of sunshine within 14.2 hours of daylight, May gives you plenty of scope to spend time outside without squeezing everything into midday. Rain is still part of the picture: about 5 days have measurable rainfall, so a light waterproof is a sensible addition rather than a reason to rule the month out. Keep outdoor plans flexible instead of assuming every day will stay dry. The long daylight also lets you shift a walk to later if an afternoon feels warm. For a trip centred on walking, sitting outdoors and enjoying milder evenings, the balance looks good; for dependable heat and comfortable sea swimming, May has clearer limitations.