Spring is that time of year when I get really overexcited about glorious summer all of the impending Mediterranean travel, and I always always forget just how unpredictable the weather can be.
But it can also be difficult to figure out how average temperatures translate to packing or activity choices. So here’s how one week in Menorca in May went, just to give you an example.
I always find it useful to check out the historical daily averages on Holidayweather before a trip. In May you can expect:
- Highs of 22°C/ 72°F
- Lows of 14°C/57°F
- Average daytime temps of 18°C/65°F
- Sea temperature also hovers around 18°C/65°F
- There are around 8 days of rain in the month
- The end of the month is a little warmer than the beginning
How was the weather?
My weather forecast notes (yes I am this organised) say “18-19 with a mix of sunny and cloudy/rain” which turned out to be pretty accurate. Most days were partly sunny with brisk clouds and a slight chill when you weren’t sitting in direct sunshine. Most of the time I was fine walking around in a t-shirt but I did use my light jacket for chillier moments. These are great exploring temperatures.
Out of a week, maybe 2-3 days were a bit overcast and a bit cold and 2 days had quite a bit of rain.
We had one afternoon/evening where the heavens opened and didn’t stop. We were taking a bus to Son Xoriguer to eat Peruvian food at Kaypa Origen Peru (highly recommend btw!) and got absolutely completely drenched. They had to mop up around us when we finally arrived at the hotel.
I wanted to hike a few sections of the Cami de Cavalls so I planned these for the sunnier days and it turned out to be perfect hiking/swimming weather. If you want to take any boat trips you’ll need to enquire when you arrive as they don’t run every day unless you’re there in peak summer, and they don’t run when the seas are rough. I wish I’d been a bit more organised for the cloudy days – siesta still always takes me by surprise, so you’ll need some plans for the afternoon that aren’t just ‘wander around town’ because plenty will be shut.
Was it beach weather?
Hmm, just about. I did take brief dips in both the pool and sea but I’m fairly hardy and like getting in the water. Most beaches have a fair amount of posidonia (seagrass) – amazing for nature, but when combined with choppy seas not too appealing for a swim especially when it’s not warm.
If you’re looking for a fly-and-flop style holiday, sunbathing and chilling out at beach bars, then May is usually a bit too early, though you could be lucky later in the month.
What did I wear?
I travelled with a 10kg checked luggage and a personal item.
I mostly wore lightweight layers including a light jacket, t-shirts, lightweight trousers (such as linen or seersucker), a light jumper, and a few maxi dresses/jumpsuits for the evenings. I mostly wore trousers but did carry around some shorts for changing into after a swim. Lounging around my accommodation I wore shorts and a kaftan when it was sunny enough, and disappeared inside when it wasn’t.
For hiking, I wore yoga pants and a t-shirt.
My packing wored out ok for daytimes but I could have used an extra cosy layer, like a giant hoodie, for the evenings inside as it wasn’t particularly warm. Obviously this will depend on what kind of accommodation you book. I also packed warm PJs and bedsocks because I’m an utter wuss about sleeping when I’m cold. Usually in the spring and autumn I’ll bring a small hot water bottle (like this one) and I regretted not having it on this trip. It probably would have been fine in a hotel but not in an apartment.
Was it busy?
I was travelling at the start of the month and it was so quiet! The start of the summer season is a great time for bargains on boutique hotels. Last-minute availability was good. The popular beaches, like Cala Galdana, were busy but not crowded. I didn’t see too many people on the sunloungers or in the sea, but lots of people on boat trips and hiking.
The end of the month sees UK school holidays so will be warmer but the coastal resorts will be busier. The middle of the month is probably the sweet spot.
It’s a quiet, sleepy island which attracts low-key families and is making a name for itself in the sustainable tourism scene. Overall, I’d say May is a great time of travel if you’re happy to have some flexibility about what you do and on what day, as not everything is operating at full steam for the season. And be prepared for the weather to do some crazy things. That said, I wish I’d travelled later in the month so it was just a little bit warmer.
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