September: 86 places at their best

Turks and Caicos Islands (British Overseas Territory), Central America & Caribbean

Turks and Caicos in May

The insider month: summer water with spring prices and plenty of space on Grace Bay.

BestWarm and mostly dry, highs near 87F (31C), water near 80F (27C)
Sunset over Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos
Turks and CaicosPhoto: Jason Boldero, CC BY 2.0

The straight answer

May is one of the best months of the year to visit Turks and Caicos. The insider month: summer water with spring prices and plenty of space on Grace Bay.

Weather
Warm and mostly dry, highs near 87F (31C), water near 80F (27C)
Crowds
3 of 5
Prices
3 of 5

What May is like in Turks and Caicos

May is the insider month. Highs are near 87F (31C), it is mostly dry, and the water is near 80F (27C). Prices drop to spring levels, and there is plenty of space on Grace Bay. Boats and restaurants are all open, without the winter crowds.

This month suits nearly everyone, especially couples and families with flexible schedules. It is one of the best values of the year. Only whale watchers should pick another month, since the season has ended. Hurricane season has not started yet, so you get warm water without the storm worry of late summer.

Make the most of May

What is especially good about Turks and Caicos this month.

01

Summer water, spring prices

Warm seas with lower rates make May a sweet spot.

02

Space on Grace Bay

Even the busiest stretches of beach feel quiet.

03

Chalk Sound paddles

Calm, warm water is perfect for kayaks and paddleboards.

What to pack for May

  • Swimsuit and cover-up
  • Reef-safe sunscreen
  • Snorkel gear
  • A sun hat

Our timing tip

Book a condo-style resort with a kitchen and stock up at Provo's supermarkets to cut down on costly meals out.

Book Turks and Caicos for May.

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Things to do in Turks and Caicos

Full guide
01

Grace Bay Beach

Walk it end to end in the morning, before the beach loungers fill. The calmest water is usually on the eastern end.

Tickets and tours →

02

Snorkeling at Smith's Reef and Bight Reef

Reefs you can swim to from shore on Provo, with turtles and rays. Best on calm days, which are most common in summer.

Tickets and tours →

03

Chalk Sound

A shallow lagoon of surreal turquoise dotted with small islets, best seen by kayak or paddleboard in the morning.

Tickets and tours →

04

Iguana Island (Little Water Cay)

A protected cay with endemic rock iguanas, reached by boat. Stay on the boardwalks.

Tickets and tours →

05

Middle Caicos and Conch Bar Caves

Take the ferry to North Caicos and drive the causeway to empty Mudjin Harbor and the island's large cave system. A full day.

Tickets and tours →

06

Grand Turk and Salt Cay

The historic capital, salt pond heritage, wall dives right offshore, and whale watching from roughly January through April.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

  • Target late April through May: winter weather without winter rates or crowds.
  • If you add a Grand Turk day trip, pick a day with no cruise ships in port; on ship days the island's beaches and Cockburn Town fill up.
  • Get to Chalk Sound and the snorkel reefs early, when the water is calmest and the tour boats have not yet arrived.
  • Stay on North or Middle Caicos for a night or two to see a version of the islands that has almost no crowds at any time of year.

Know before you go

  • September and into October: many restaurants and some resorts close for maintenance and vacations. Confirm your hotel's dining options before booking a fall trip.
  • Boat trips and ferries to North Caicos depend on the sea; winter fronts and summer storms can cancel them for a day.
  • Grand Turk's cruise center dominates the island on ship days; on other days its beaches and historic Cockburn Town are very quiet.

Turks and Caicos in May, quick answers

Is May a good time to visit Turks and Caicos?

May is one of the best months of the year to visit Turks and Caicos. The insider month: summer water with spring prices and plenty of space on Grace Bay.

What is the weather like in Turks and Caicos in May?

Warm and mostly dry, highs near 87F (31C), water near 80F (27C).

Is Turks and Caicos crowded in May?

Crowds in Turks and Caicos are moderate in May; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

Keep planning Turks and Caicos.

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

  1. 01Turks and Caicos in AprilThe month before: Dry and sunny, highs near 85F (29C)Best
  2. 02Turks and Caicos in JuneThe month after: Hot, highs near 88F (31C), calm seasGood
  3. 03Turks and Caicos in JanuaryThe next best month: Dry and sunny, highs near 82F (28C), water near 77F (25C)Best

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.

Before you book.

Sort these two things first.

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Our top-rated travel gear

Whatever you decide, this is the gear we actually travel with: verified, priced, and ranked. Live price check on each.

Packing CubesEagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Compression Set

Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Compression Set

compression set

Check price ~$50
ChargerAnker Nano II 65W

Anker Nano II 65W

65W GaN listed

Check price ~$30
TrackerApple AirTag (4-Pack)

Apple AirTag (4-Pack)

4 per pack listed

Check price ~$89
Travel PillowTrtl Travel Pillow

Trtl Travel Pillow

packs flat

Check price ~$65
AdapterEPICKA Universal Travel Adapter

EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter

all-region listed

Check price ~$20
Luggage ScaleEtekcity Luggage Scale

Etekcity Luggage Scale

handheld hook

Check price ~$10

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