Month guide · San Juan · Puerto Rico
San Juan in May
What May is really like in San Juan: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Nils Huenerfuerst, CC BY 4.0
Quick answer
May is a shoulder-season month. Expect average highs of 30°C (86°F), lows of 24°C (75°F), about 12 rainy days and roughly 13 hours of daylight. The wet season begins with brief afternoon showers; hotel rates start to fall.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 30°C (86°F) / 24°C (75°F)
- Rainy days
- About 12
- Daylight
- About 13 hours
- Sea temperature
- 27°C (81°F)
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Weather in May
May is the 6th-warmest month in San Juan: days average 30°C (86°F) against a yearly average high of 30°C (86°F), and nights fall to about 24°C (75°F). Rain falls on roughly 12 of its 31 days. Compared with April (29°C (84°F)), May is about as warm; by June highs stay near 31°C (88°F).
- Sunrise (15 May)
- About 05:50
- Sunset (15 May)
- About 18:51
- Daylight
- About 13 hours
- Sea
- 27°C (81°F)
Winter (December–February). Dry, breezy and warm; the main tourist season, with Christmas, Three Kings and the San Sebastián street festival.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, May rates 3 for crowds (the peak is January at 5) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in January). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in May
May has no major recurring festival in San Juan, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in May
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Neighbourhood · Old San Juan
Old San Juan streets and plazas
Walk early in the morning or around sunset, when the light is softer and the streets cooler.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Iconic
- Architecture
- Photo spot
- History
Market · Santurce
La Placita de Santurce
The Plaza del Mercado is a produce market with fruit stalls and juice bars by day, and at night the surrounding square fills with crowds dancing salsa and reggaetón outside bars and restaurants, especially at weekends.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Food
- After dark
- Iconic
Castle · Old San Juan
Castillo San Cristóbal
Look for the sentry box known as the Devil's Garita on the outer walls, and visit San Cristóbal first if arriving from Condado.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Views
- Kids
- Architecture
Waterfront · Old San Juan
Paseo de la Princesa and Paseo del Morro
A 19th-century promenade along the base of the city walls with the Raíces Fountain, food stalls and bay views, continuing as the Paseo del Morro path that hugs the walls towards El Morro.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Couples
- Views
- Outdoors
- After dark
The sea averages 27°C (81°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near San Juan.
What to pack
For highs near 30°C, lows near 24°C and 12 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; comfortable walking shoes.
Is May a good time to visit San Juan?
A shoulder-season month. If your dates are flexible, December–April are better overall. Compare every month.
San Juan in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is May a good time to visit San Juan?
It is a shoulder-season month. The wet season begins with brief afternoon showers; hotel rates start to fall.
+How warm is San Juan in May?
Average highs are around 30°C (86°F) and lows around 24°C (75°F).
+Does it rain a lot in San Juan in May?
Expect rain on about 12 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.