Central America & Caribbean
Barbados in May
The value month: dry-season weather is mostly holding and prices are well below winter.
The straight answer
May is a good month to visit Barbados. The value month: dry-season weather is mostly holding and prices are well below winter.
- Weather
- Warm, highs near 87F (31C), mostly dry
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What May is like in Barbados
May is Barbados's value month. The dry-season weather mostly holds, with highs near 87F (31C) and plenty of sun, while prices fall well below winter and crowds thin out. It feels a little hotter and more humid than March. Sargassum can affect the east and south coasts in heavy years, while the west coast is usually clearer.
May suits couples, families outside school holidays and anyone who wants good weather without peak prices. It is one of the smartest months to go. If you want the most reliable dry weather regardless of price, March is the pick.
Make the most of May
What is especially good about Barbados this month.
Winter weather at lower prices
West-coast resorts that are full in winter offer much better rates, often with extras included.
Quieter Carlisle Bay
Fewer visitors mean calmer turtle and shipwreck snorkel trips.
Harrison's Cave and the Wildlife Reserve
Easy outings with kids, and far less busy than in winter. The green monkeys at the reserve are a hit.
What to pack for May
- High SPF sunscreen
- Light, breathable clothing
- A rash guard for longer snorkel sessions
- A small umbrella for the odd shower
Our timing tip
Book a west-coast hotel in May, since it gives you calm water and is usually less affected by sargassum than the south and east.
Book Barbados for May.
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- Hotels for May
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in BarbadosOpens a hotel search for Barbados in May, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in BarbadosWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in BarbadosTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Barbados for May. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Things to do in Barbados
Harrison's Cave
A limestone cave system toured by tram, with streams, pools, and formations. A good option on a rainy day.
St. Nicholas Abbey
A 17th-century plantation house and working rum distillery in the north, with a heritage railway.
Mount Gay Visitor Centre
Rum tastings and history near Bridgetown, from one of the world's oldest rum brands.
Carlisle Bay
Calm water near Bridgetown with shipwrecks for snorkeling and swimming with turtles on boat tours.
Bathsheba and the east coast
Huge boulders and Atlantic waves, loved by surfers. Look, do not swim; the currents are dangerous.
Oistins Friday Fish Fry
Grilled fish, music, and dancing every Friday night on the south coast. Busy but friendly.
Beat the crowds
- Go in May for dry-season weather at lower prices and with fewer visitors.
- Stay on the south coast instead of the west coast for lower prices and a livelier local scene, even in peak season.
- Visit Harrison's Cave and Carlisle Bay early, before cruise passengers arrive from Bridgetown.
- For Crop Over, book lodging and costume bands months ahead, or visit in early July for the fetes without the final crush.
Know before you go
- September and October: some hotels and restaurants close for a few weeks of annual maintenance, especially on the west coast.
- After Grand Kadooment in early August, the island enters its quietest period, and some businesses take their holidays.
- Public holidays, including Emancipation Day on August 1, Kadooment Day, and Independence Day on November 30, close government offices and many shops.
- East-coast beaches are for viewing, not swimming: strong currents make the Atlantic side dangerous year-round.
Barbados in May, quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Barbados?
May is a good month to visit Barbados. The value month: dry-season weather is mostly holding and prices are well below winter.
What is the weather like in Barbados in May?
Warm, highs near 87F (31C), mostly dry.
Is Barbados crowded in May?
Crowds in Barbados are moderate in May; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
Keep planning Barbados.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in May
Before you book.
Sort these two things first.
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