Month guide · Tampa · United States
Tampa in May
What May is really like in Tampa: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Pictured: Ybor City Historic District, Tampa · Photo: Peter K Burian, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
May is one of the best months to visit Tampa. Expect average highs of 31°C (88°F), lows of 21°C (70°F), about 4 rainy days and roughly 13.5 hours of daylight. Hot and still fairly dry before the rainy season; good beach weather with fewer crowds than March.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 31°C (88°F) / 21°C (70°F)
- Rainy days
- About 4
- Daylight
- About 13.5 hours
- Sea temperature
- 27°C (81°F)
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Plan a trip to Tampa
Compare flights, places to stay and rental cars, then book with the provider you choose.
Weather in May
May is the 5th-warmest month in Tampa: days average 31°C (88°F) against a yearly average high of 28°C (82°F), and nights fall to about 21°C (70°F). Rain falls on roughly 4 of its 31 days. Compared with April (28°C (82°F)), May is warmer; by June highs stay near 32°C (90°F).
- Sunrise (15 May)
- About 06:40
- Sunset (15 May)
- About 20:12
- Daylight
- About 13.5 hours
- Sea
- 27°C (81°F)
Spring (March–May). The best beach weather — warm, sunny and dry — with spring training and spring break making March the busiest and most expensive month.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, May rates 3 for crowds (the peak is March at 5) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in March). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in May
May has no major recurring festival in Tampa, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in May
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Market · Tampa Heights
Armature Works and Heights Public Market
Take the Pirate Water Taxi from downtown and arrive by river.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Food
- After dark
- Outdoors
Park · North Tampa
Lettuce Lake Park
A county park on the Hillsborough River with a boardwalk through cypress swamp and an observation tower over the water, where alligators, turtles, ibis and herons are common.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Nature
- Outdoors
- Kids
- Photo spot
Neighbourhood · Ybor City
Ybor City Historic District
Visit by day for the history and cigar shops, then come back after dark if you want the bars on 7th Avenue.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- History
- Free
- Food
- After dark
Theme park · North Tampa
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
An Africa-themed theme park with some of Florida's biggest roller coasters, including the dive coaster SheiKra, the inverted Montu and the wooden-steel hybrid Iron Gwazi.
- Time needed
- Full day
- Cost
- Expensive
- Kids
- Iconic
- Active
- Nature
The sea averages 27°C (81°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Tampa.
What to pack
For highs near 31°C (88°F), lows near 21°C (70°F) and 4 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; comfortable walking shoes.
Is May a good time to visit Tampa?
One of the best months to visit Tampa. The other best months are March–April and November. Compare every month.
Tampa in other months
Questions travellers ask
+What time does the sun set in Tampa in May?
At about 20:12 local time in mid-May, with sunrise at about 06:40: roughly 13.5 hours of daylight.
+How warm is Tampa in May?
Average highs are around 31°C (88°F) and lows around 21°C (70°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Tampa in May?
Expect rain on about 4 days of the month, so it is usually dry.