Locations Tenerife Climate Tenerife Weather in May

Tenerife Weather in May

Tenerife’s climate is pleasantly warm all year round. The island is geographically close to the African continent and is situated at the same latitude as the Sahara Desert. Due to the northeasterly trade winds and the Canary Current, temperatures in Tenerife do not get quite as hot as on the North African mainland.

Microclimates in Tenerife

Tenerife is characterised by diverse microclimates due to its varied landscapes and topography, with mountains and coastal areas. This means that the weather, including temperatures, rainfall and wind can differ, depending on which part of the island you are visiting.

The information given on this page is the average taken from across the island. If you are visiting the northern parts of the island and higher elevations, you may experience slightly cooler temperatures and more rainfall, while the southern coastal areas might be a little warmer and sunnier.

Temperatures in May

In Tenerife, May typically marks the beginning of warmer temperatures as the island transitions from spring to early summer.

Air Temperature

Daytime

May tends to bring daytime temperatures ranging from approximately 20 to 25 degrees Celsius (68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit).

Nighttime

The nighttime temperatures during May generally range from around 15 to 20 degrees Celsius (59 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit) in Tenerife.

Sea Temperature

The sea temperature in May is typically somewhere between 19 to 22 degrees Celsius (66 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit). These temperatures make the ocean waters relatively comfortable for swimming and other water activities. The water temperature can vary depending on the specific location and the surrounding ocean currents.

Sunshine

Daylight hours

Being in the Northern Hemisphere, Tenerife experiences increasingly longer daylight hours during this time of year. On average, Tenerife receives approximately 13 to 14 hours of daylight in May. As the days lengthen towards the solstice in late June, there will be ample daylight during which you can explore this beautiful island.

Number of sunny days

Tenerife typically enjoys a lot of sunshine in May. On average, the month brings around 22 to 25 sunny days.

UV-Index

The UV-index is a measure of the strength of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun that reaches the Earth’s surface. It’s an important indicator of the potential for harm from unprotected sun exposure.Tenerife has a subtropical climate, so May is a time when the sun’s rays are relatively strong.

On sunny days, the UV index in Tenerife during May is often in the range of 8 to 10 or even higher. This indicates a high to very high level of UV radiation. It is therefore crucial to take sun protection measures, such as wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing, especially during peak sunlight hours, to reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.

Rainfall

Tenerife experiences a transition to a drier season in May, with a decrease in precipitation compared to the winter months. Rainfall tends to be infrequent, and the island generally enjoys a lot of sunny and dry weather during this time. On average, you can expect around 1 to 3 rainy days or 5 to 15 millimeters of rainfall during the month of May.

Wind

Coastal areas, especially on the southern and western sides of Tenerife, tend to be less windy during May. In contrast, higher-altitude and northern regions may still have slightly more noticeable breezes. On average, you can expect moderate winds during this month, with speeds ranging from 6 to 12 miles per hour (10 to 20 kilometers per hour).

What to Wear in Tenerife in May

While you can generally expect warm and sunny weather, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for different conditions, especially considering potential variations in altitude and microclimates across the island. Here are some clothing recommendations for Tenerife in May:

Pack lightweight and breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen. These materials will keep you cool in the warm temperatures.
Tenerife has beautiful beaches and the sea temperatures are fairly comfortable in May, so bringing swimwear is essential if you plan to enjoy the ocean.
Bring a hat and sunglasses, and consider long sleeves or cover-ups for additional sun protection.
While daytime temperatures are warm, they might drop a little in the evenings. Bring a light jacket or jumper for cooler nights.
If you are planning to explore the island or go on hikes, make sure to pack some comfortable walking shoes.
While May is generally dry, it’s a good idea to bring a lightweight, packable rain jacket or umbrella just in case of unexpected showers.
Tenerife has a relaxed atmosphere. Pack casual and resort wear for a comfortable and stylish attire.

Check the forecast

Before you set off on holiday, don’t forget to check the forecast for your travel dates to get the up-to-date information on temperatures and weather patterns during your stay in Tenerife.