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Bermuda (British Overseas Territory), North America

Bermuda in May

Beach season begins. Bermuda Day, a public holiday in late May, brings a parade and the unofficial start of summer.

BestPleasant, highs near 76F (24C), water warming into the 70sF
Pink sand at Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda
BermudaPhoto: Ekem, CC BY-SA 3.0

The straight answer

May is one of the best months of the year to visit Bermuda. Beach season begins. Bermuda Day, a public holiday in late May, brings a parade and the unofficial start of summer.

Weather
Pleasant, highs near 76F (24C), water warming into the 70sF
Crowds
3 of 5
Prices
4 of 5

What May is like in Bermuda

May is one of Bermuda's two best months. Highs are near 76F (24C), the water warms into the 70sF, and the beach season begins. Days are long and bright, the summer crush has not arrived, and hurricane season has not started. Prices climb as the month goes on, and late May brings Bermuda Day, a public holiday with a parade in Hamilton.

May suits almost everyone: couples, families, and first-time visitors who want to swim without peak-summer prices. Early in the month, the water can still feel cool to small kids, so late May is the safer choice for beach-focused families. Snorkeling and wreck-diving season is under way too.

Make the most of May

What is especially good about Bermuda this month.

01

Bermuda Day

This late-May holiday brings a parade in Hamilton and a half-marathon, and locals treat it as the first day of summer at the beach.

02

Beach season opens

Horseshoe Bay and Warwick Long Bay are warm enough for swimming, without July's crowds.

03

Snorkeling at Church Bay

Calm, clearer water makes Church Bay's reef an easy first snorkel for older kids and adults.

What to pack for May

  • Reef-safe sunscreen
  • Snorkel gear, or plan to rent
  • A light layer for breezy evenings
  • Water shoes for rocky coves

Our timing tip

Book a late-May stay if you want the warmest water of the month, and expect shops and offices to close on Bermuda Day.

Book Bermuda for May.

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What's on in May

Bermuda Day

Late May

A public holiday with a parade in Hamilton and a half-marathon, and the unofficial first day of beach season.

Things to do in Bermuda

Full guide
01

Horseshoe Bay Beach

The classic pink-sand beach, with coves to explore on foot. It gets crowded on cruise and summer weekend days; go early or walk to quieter coves nearby.

Tickets and tours →

02

St. George's

The historic town and UNESCO site, with Fort St. Catherine and St. Peter's Church. Quieter outside summer cruise days.

Tickets and tours →

03

Crystal Caves

Underground lakes and formations reached by floating walkways. A good option in any season.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

04

Royal Naval Dockyard and the National Museum of Bermuda

The former British naval base at the West End, now home to the national museum, shops, and the main cruise pier.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

05

Bermuda Railway Trail

A walking and cycling path along the old railway line across the island. Pleasant in the cooler months.

Tickets and tours →

06

Snorkeling and wreck diving

Church Bay for easy reef snorkeling, and boat dives to wrecks off the island. Best from May to October.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

  • Check the cruise schedule: Dockyard, Horseshoe Bay, and Hamilton are much busier on days when big ships are in port.
  • Go to Horseshoe Bay before 10am or late in the afternoon, or walk along the south shore to quieter coves.
  • Choose May or June over July and August for warm water with fewer crowds and slightly lower prices.
  • Consider October for warm water and thin crowds if you can accept hurricane risk and book flexibly.

Know before you go

  • From about November to March, some hotels close for refurbishment, many beach services shut, and some restaurants and ferries operate on reduced schedules.
  • Visitors cannot rent regular cars in Bermuda. Use buses, ferries, taxis, or rent small electric vehicles or scooters.
  • Public holidays, including Bermuda Day, National Heroes Day, and the two days of Cup Match, close many shops and offices.
  • Hurricanes can close the airport and ferries for a day or two. Bermuda usually recovers quickly, but plan flexible dates from August to October.

Bermuda in May, quick answers

Is May a good time to visit Bermuda?

May is one of the best months of the year to visit Bermuda. Beach season begins. Bermuda Day, a public holiday in late May, brings a parade and the unofficial start of summer.

What is the weather like in Bermuda in May?

Pleasant, highs near 76F (24C), water warming into the 70sF.

Is Bermuda crowded in May?

Crowds in Bermuda are moderate in May; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Bermuda in May?

Bermuda Day (late may).

Keep planning Bermuda.

The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.

  1. 01Bermuda in AprilThe month before: Warming, highs near 71F (22C), water near 68F (20C)Good
  2. 02Bermuda in JuneThe month after: Warm, highs near 81F (27C), water near 77F (25C)Best
  3. 03The full Bermuda yearEvery month, graded12 months

Also at their best in May

Everywhere in May

Where else is good in May?

Tell us when you can go and what kind of trip you want. We rank every place we cover for that exact month.

What kind of trip? Pick any.

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