Aruba (Kingdom of the Netherlands), Central America & Caribbean

Aruba in May

Shoulder rates, calm water on the leeward beaches, easy restaurant reservations.

BestDry and breezy, highs near 88F (31C)

Divi divi tree on Eagle Beach, Aruba — ArubaPhoto: SIryn, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

May is one of the best months of the year to visit Aruba. Shoulder rates, calm water on the leeward beaches, easy restaurant reservations.

Weather: Dry and breezy, highs near 88F (31C)
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What May is like in Aruba

May brings shoulder season rates, dry and breezy weather, and highs near 88F (31C). The water on the leeward beaches is calm, and restaurant reservations are easy. It is a relaxed month, with fewer people than winter and before summer family travel starts. The trade winds keep afternoons comfortable.

This month suits couples, families with young kids who are not tied to school calendars, and anyone looking for good value. The sun is strong, so plan pool time early and late. If you want strong winds for kitesurfing, June and July are better.

Make the most of May

What is especially good about Aruba this month.

Calm leeward water

Palm and Eagle beaches are ideal for swimming and paddleboarding.

Shoulder season rates

Hotels are far cheaper than in winter.

Antilla shipwreck

One of the Caribbean's largest wreck dives, great for divers and snorkelers.

What to pack for May

Reef-safe sunscreen
Swimsuits
A rash guard
A hat and sunglasses

Our timing tip

Book dinner reservations for sunset, when the island is at its prettiest.

Book Aruba for May.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Aruba
Opens a hotel search for Aruba in May, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for May
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Aruba
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Aruba
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Aruba for May. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Aruba

Full guide

Eagle Beach

Wide, soft sand with the island's signature fofoti trees. Quieter than Palm Beach, with low-rise hotels and plenty of room.

Tickets and tours →

Arikok National Park

Desert trails, the Fontein and Quadirikiri caves, and the rugged north coast. Start early; there is little shade and the midday heat is intense.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

The Natural Pool (Conchi)

A rock-enclosed pool on the wild coast, reached by 4x4, horseback, or a hot hike. Swimming depends on sea conditions.

Tickets and tours →

Palm Beach

The high-rise strip: water sports, beach bars, and restaurants. Busy and lively, especially in winter.

Tickets and tours →

Baby Beach

A shallow, calm lagoon at the island's southeast tip. Great for small kids and first-time snorkelers.

Tickets and tours →

Snorkeling and diving the west coast

Boca Catalina, Malmok, and the Antilla shipwreck, one of the Caribbean's largest wreck dives. September has the calmest seas.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Go after Easter: late April through June delivers peak-season weather at shoulder prices.
Stay at Eagle Beach instead of Palm Beach for more space and a calmer vibe, even in peak season.
Visit Arikok and the Natural Pool at opening, both to beat the heat and to get ahead of the 4x4 tour convoys.
Use Aruba as your hurricane-season plan: August through October brings low prices and dependable weather while other islands carry storm risk.

Know before you go

Aruba runs at full speed year-round. There is no real off-season shutdown; a few restaurants take short vacations in September or October.
The Natural Pool and some north-coast spots are unsafe or closed when the sea is rough; tour operators decide on the day.
Carnival parade days close streets in Oranjestad and San Nicolas, and the day after the Grand Parade is quieter than usual.
Public holidays such as Betico Croes Day, Flag Day, and Carnival Monday close government offices and some shops, but resorts and restaurants stay open.