Are you wondering whether May is a good time to visit Marbella?
Don’t worry, this article has all the answers you need – not just weather, but also practical local insights and tips that will save you time & money.
I’ve been living next to Marbella since 2020, so I know first-hand what each season offers and what kind of weather patterns you can expect.
To summarize what you will read below, May is a very pleasant month weather-wise and offers a mix of cloudy days with some very warm weather, and a very little chance of rain.
Let’s dive into the details for the weather conditions in May.
Is Marbella Worth Visiting in May?
I think May is one of the best months to visit Marbella because you can still beat the summer crowds while enjoying gorgeous weather.
May offers the perfect mix of sunshine, reasonable prices for accommodation and fewer people, perfect for exploring the rest of Southern Spain too.
Bonus Tip:
Overview: Marbella Weather in May
Here is an overview of the weather conditions and you can read up on the details below.
- Average High Temperatures: 23C (73F)
- Average Low Temperatures: 13C (55F)
- Sea Temperature: 18C (64F)
- Rainy Days: 3 days
- Sunshine Hours: 9 hours
MARBELLA WEATHER IN MAY
Average Temperatures in Marbella
May is the transition month between spring and summer, and in Marbella, that means that the temperatures are holding steadily over 20C.
Keep in mind that these are average daily temperatures – during the day in the sun it will feel warmer, and early mornings and late evenings will be much colder.
MARBELLA WEATHER IN MAY
Average Humidity in Marbella
The average humidity in May is around 66%.
MARBELLA WEATHER IN MAY
Rainfall Days in Marbella
In May, you can expect only around 3 days of rain, and considering how this year started, it seems like it will be one of the driest ones on record.
Andalusia is currently struggling with drought after a very dry and warm winter, so that could translate into even less rain in the spring.
Here is the average amount of rainy days per each month, after May it’s pretty unlikely to encounter any rain until the start of autumn in late September and beginning of October.
MARBELLA WEATHER IN MAY
Average Sea Temperature in Marbella
Is the sea warm enough for swimming in May?
That depends on what’s comfortable for you, in May you can expect water temperature to be around 17C.
MARBELLA WEATHER IN MAY
Daylight Hours in Marbella
May offers up to 14 daylight hours and up to 9 sunshine hours per day, wonderful conditions for exploring the city and spending time outdoors.
Can You Get Sunburn in May?
Yes, you certainly can! You can get sunburnt even on cloudier days, so having a sunscreen on all day is important.
Here is what the UV index looks like throughout the year – in May you can expect UV index of 6, which means a moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.
MARBELLA WEATHER IN MAY
Wind Speed in Marbella
How windy does it get in May?
It’s not so bad, as you can see the average wind speed in May is around 11 km/h. You can experience some really windy days only if you’re visiting in spring or winter months.
Travel Tips for Visiting Marbella in May
So now you know the weather will be pretty good, but what about the rest of your travel plans?
Should you rent a car? Do you need to book your airport transfer in advance?
I will answer all of your questions below.
Shoulder Season in Marbella
May is what I would call the shoulder season in Southern Spain, and a great time to visit if you want to avoid the holiday crowds and without paying premium prices.
Having said that, you can’t expect to find the city completely empty.
Marbella is very well connected with other European destinations, so there is a constant flow of holidaymakers, even in the middle of the winter.
It is much less busy compared to the summer months, but the beaches are already in full swing, all restaurants are open and you have a wide variety of hotels to choose from, so you don’t miss out on any of the summer fun by visiting in May.
What to Wear in Marbella in May
Dress for early summer weather – summer dresses, light pants and tops, with a light jacket to cover up in the evenings. It’s very unlikely you will encounter any rain or very cold windy days, so having a selection of layers you can use in the early mornings and late evenings is all you need.
Comfortable shoes for exploring the city are a must – the old town has cobblestone streets, so your stiletto heels should stay in the hotel room. For a full guide on what to wear in may check here.
What to Pack for a Trip to Marbella in May
In addition to clothing, you also need to bring your sunscreen and I also recommend taking a summer hat. It might not be very hot by most standards, but it’s pretty easy to get a sunburn, so extra sun protection is a must.
If you’re coming for a trip with kids, most of the local small kiosk shops by the coastline have small inexpensive toys you can bring to the beach, and also any inflatables, so you shouldn’t be wasting space in your luggage with those.
The water in Marbella is safe to drink, but locals prefer bottled water (for taste reasons?). Bringing a reusable water bottle with you will come handy, I carry one with me everywhere I go to stay hydrated.
If you’re coming from the UK, you will also need adapters for your charges, Spain uses the standard European plugs (type C).
Which Airport for Marbella?
To get to Marbella, you will fly to Malaga Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), which is well connected to almost every destination in Europe.
From there, it’s about 40 minutes drive by car, but you can also take a local bus or taxi. There are no trains to Marbella available from the airport (Marbella doesn’t have a train station).
Puerto Banus is technically part of Marbella, but it’s further away, so expect to pay more than average prices for your taxi journey.
Airport Transfer Tip
Things To Do in Marbella in May
First off, you absolutely have to spend some time wandering around the Old Town and exploring its beautiful winding streets, colorful flower pots hanging from the walls, and beautiful squares like Plaza de los Naranjos. Check out more ideas on what to do in old town in this post.
If you’re up for some beach time, and let’s be honest, who isn’t when in Marbella, make sure to check out the famous Golden Mile. The beaches here are fabulous in May, not too hot and not too crowded. Plus, you can take a leisurely stroll along the promenade and maybe even spot a celebrity or two.
And, of course, you can’t visit Marbella without experiencing its vibrant nightlife. Even in May, the bars and clubs are lively, offering everything from chill vibes to dance-till-you-drop beats.
Lastly, if you’re in the mood for a day trip, Ronda is just a short drive away. This stunning mountain town offers breathtaking views, incredible history, and the chance to taste some of the region’s best wines.
Popular Tours in Marbella in May
May is all about the outdoors and food – with that in mind, here are some great tour options that will help you to discover the city with the expert guidance of a local.
- day trip from Marbella to Caminito del Rey
- day trip from Marbella to Gibraltar
- sunset sail cruise in Puerto Banus with drinks
- tapas tasting tour in Marbella
Not sure about May?
Check out my weather guides for other months of the year:
- Marbella Weather in January
- Marbella Weather in February
- Marbella Weather in September
- Marbella in December
- Marbella Weather in November
- Marbella Weather in October
Key Takeaways
Marbella is May is a brilliant idea – you can count on the weather being great without worrying about too high temperatures, and in May you will still avoid the biggest summer crowds.
May offers the perfect mix of weather and low season availability, making it a great month to visit.
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