Spain, Europe
Canary Islands in May
One of the quietest, cheapest months with excellent weather. Some cloud on north coasts, but the south is reliably sunny.
The straight answer
May is one of the best months of the year to visit Canary Islands. One of the quietest, cheapest months with excellent weather. Some cloud on north coasts, but the south is reliably sunny.
- Weather
- Warm and dry, highs near 75F (24C)
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What May is like in Canary Islands
May is one of the quietest and cheapest months, with excellent weather. Highs reach about 75F (24C), skies are dry, and the south coasts are reliably sunny, though northern coasts can get some cloud. Crowds are low and hotels offer good deals. In some years, the Corpus Christi flower carpets in La Orotava fall in late May.
This is a top month for couples, families with young kids, and anyone who wants warm, easy days at low prices. There is little reason to pick another month, unless you want the warmest sea, which comes in September.
Make the most of May
What is especially good about Canary Islands this month.
Quiet beaches at low prices
May is one of the cheapest months, so you get great beaches like Playa de las Vistas with more space.
Corpus Christi flower carpets, in some years
When Corpus Christi falls in late May, La Orotava's streets fill with carpets of petals and volcanic sand.
Maspalomas Dunes at sunrise
Walk the dunes early in the day before it gets hot and busy.
What to pack for May
- Swimsuits and a rash guard
- A light layer for cloudy northern coasts
- Hiking shoes
- Sunscreen and a hat
Our timing tip
Base yourself on the south coast for the most reliable sun, and use the north for day trips.
Book Canary Islands for May.
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- Hotels for May
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Canary IslandsOpens a hotel search for Canary Islands 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 Canary IslandsWhole 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 Canary IslandsTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Canary Islands for May. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in May
Corpus Christi flower carpets, La Orotava
Late May or June, following the Corpus Christi date
Intricate carpets of petals and volcanic sand laid in the streets of La Orotava on Tenerife.
Things to do in Canary Islands
Teide National Park and cable car
The cable car climbs to about 11,660 feet (3,555 m). The final path to the summit needs a free permit booked well in advance. Winds can halt the cable car in any season.
Timanfaya National Park, Lanzarote
A landscape of craters and lava from 18th-century eruptions, visited by coach route from the Montanas del Fuego visitor center.
Cesar Manrique's Lanzarote
Jameos del Agua, the Mirador del Rio, and the Cactus Garden show how one artist shaped an entire island's look.
Maspalomas Dunes, Gran Canaria
A protected dune field on the south coast. Walk it at sunrise before the heat and the crowds.
Roque Nublo, Gran Canaria
A volcanic monolith at the island's high center reached by a short, popular hike. Go early; parking fills fast on weekends.
Garajonay National Park, La Gomera
A UNESCO-listed laurel cloud forest, a day trip by ferry from Tenerife.
Beat the crowds
- Avoid the Christmas to New Year fortnight, February half-term, Easter week, and August if price matters; the same weather is available for much less in May, June, and October.
- Book the Teide summit permit weeks or months ahead and take the first cable car of the day to beat both queues and afternoon cloud.
- Stay outside the big southern resorts: Puerto de la Cruz on Tenerife, Agaete on Gran Canaria, or rural casas on La Gomera and La Palma.
- Do Timanfaya and Jameos del Agua at opening, before tour coaches arrive from the resorts.
Know before you go
- Nothing closes for a season. Hotels, restaurants, parks, and beaches operate all year.
- The Teide cable car stops in high winds or ice, and the summit trail requires a permit. Winter storms occasionally close the park's upper roads.
- Calima dust episodes, most common in summer and winter, can bring haze, poor air quality, and flight disruptions for a day or two.
- Sundays and public holidays close many shops in towns, though resort areas stay open.
Canary Islands in May, quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Canary Islands?
May is one of the best months of the year to visit Canary Islands. One of the quietest, cheapest months with excellent weather. Some cloud on north coasts, but the south is reliably sunny.
What is the weather like in Canary Islands in May?
Warm and dry, highs near 75F (24C).
Is Canary Islands crowded in May?
May is one of the quieter months in Canary Islands; most sights can be done without long waits.
What is happening in Canary Islands in May?
Corpus Christi flower carpets, La Orotava (late may or june, following the corpus christi date).
Keep planning Canary Islands.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in May
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