Best time to cruise · Good time to go
Western Caribbean cruises in May
May is usually the hottest month at Chichén Itzá and Chacchoben, with afternoons well into the 90s °F, so book early-morning tours. Sargassum is often building along the Costa Maya coast, though Cozumel’s sheltered west side usually stays clear. Grand Cayman celebrates Batabano carnival early in the month, and fares are low before summer.
- Good time to go
- Avg high 85°F
- 13 hrs daylight
Photo: AMAPO, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Western Caribbean in May: Good time to go
May is usually the hottest month at Chichén Itzá and Chacchoben, with afternoons well into the 90s °F, so book early-morning tours. Sargassum is often building along the Costa Maya coast, though Cozumel’s sheltered west side usually stays clear. Grand Cayman celebrates Batabano carnival early in the month, and fares are low before summer.
Across Western Caribbean cruise ports, May brings average highs around 85°F (30°C) and lows near 81°F, with about 5.5 inches of rain over the month and roughly 13 hours of daylight.
- Verdict
- Good time to go
- Season
- Year-round; driest December to April. Rainy season and hurricane risk June to November, peaking August to October.
- Average high / low
- 85°F / 81°F
- Rainfall (month)
- 5.5 in
- Daylight
- About 13 hours
- Typical cruise length
- 4 to 5 nights for short trips; 7 nights for the classic route
What to pack: light, breathable clothes, swimwear, a sun hat, sunglasses and reef-safe sunscreen, plus a light layer for air-conditioned rooms. It's one of the wetter months, so bring a compact umbrella or rain jacket.
How May compares with the rest of the year
- Jan: Best time to go
- Feb: Best time to go
- Mar: Best time to go
- Apr: Best time to go
- May: Good time to go
- Jun: Good time to go
- Jul: Good time to go
- Aug: Shoulder season
- Sep: Shoulder season
- Oct: Shoulder season
- Nov: Good time to go
- Dec: Best time to go
- No regular sailings
- Shoulder season
- Good time to go
- Best time to go
Western Caribbean weather in May
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 8027 | 8127 | 8228 | 8429 | 8530 | 8530 | 8630 | 8630 | 8630 | 8529 | 8328 | 8228 |
| Low °F (°C) | 7624 | 7625 | 7725 | 7926 | 8127 | 8228 | 8228 | 8228 | 8328 | 8228 | 7926 | 7825 |
| Rain in (mm) | 3.897 | 2.358 | 2.565 | 2.769 | 5.5140 | 9.1231 | 6.0151 | 6.8172 | 7.0177 | 9.1231 | 8.8224 | 4.8121 |
| Daylight (hrs) | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 |
May weather port by port
| Port | Avg high | Avg low | Rain | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cozumel | 85°F | 80°F | 3.1 in | 13 h |
| Costa Maya | 85°F | 82°F | 3.0 in | 13 h |
| Roatán | 83°F | 82°F | 3.3 in | 13 h |
| Belize City | 87°F | 81°F | 3.5 in | 13 h |
| Grand Cayman | 83°F | 82°F | 2.7 in | 13 h |
| Progreso | 85°F | 79°F | 3.5 in | 13 h |
| Falmouth | 88°F | 80°F | 6.1 in | 13 h |
| Ocho Rios | 85°F | 81°F | 5.5 in | 13 h |
| Key West | 82°F | 80°F | 4.3 in | 13 h |
| Harvest Caye | 85°F | 82°F | 5.8 in | 13 h |
| Montego Bay | 88°F | 81°F | 6.1 in | 13 h |
| Puerto Limón | 85°F | 79°F | 19.0 in | 13 h |
Average daily highs and lows, 2015–2024, from NASA POWER, adjusted to sea level. Rain is the average monthly total.
Other great cruise destinations in May
Western Caribbean in May: FAQs
Is May a good time to cruise Western Caribbean?
Yes, it's a good month. May is usually the hottest month at Chichén Itzá and Chacchoben, with afternoons well into the 90s °F, so book early-morning tours. Sargassum is often building along the Costa Maya coast, though Cozumel’s sheltered west side usually stays clear. Grand Cayman celebrates Batabano carnival early in the month, and fares are low before summer.
What is the weather like on a Western Caribbean cruise in May?
Across Western Caribbean cruise ports, May brings average highs around 85°F (30°C) and lows near 81°F, with about 5.5 inches of rain over the month and roughly 13 hours of daylight. Conditions vary from port to port and day to day.
What should I pack for a Western Caribbean cruise in May?
Pack light, breathable clothes, swimwear, a sun hat, sunglasses and reef-safe sunscreen, plus a light layer for air-conditioned rooms. It's one of the wetter months, so bring a compact umbrella or rain jacket. Check your cruise line's dress code for evenings.
When is the best time to cruise Western Caribbean?
Year-round; driest December to April. Rainy season and hurricane risk June to November, peaking August to October.. The best months are usually January, February, March, April, December.
Where else can I cruise in May?
May is also a top month for Bahamas, Bermuda, Hawaii, Pacific Coastal, Galápagos Islands.
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: NASA POWER climate data.