Mallorca in May (2024): Weather, Events, and Best Things to Do

Last Updated on June 2 , 2024 by acrossthewaterwithchelsita

Wondering what the best month is to visit Mallorca? Thinking about May but not sure what to expect? Then read on to discover everything you need to know about visiting Mallorca in May, including the weather, special events, and the best things to do!

What’s the weather like in Mallorca in May?

With average daily highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C, May is generally a pleasant month in Mallorca. The days are now noticeably warmer and although it can still feel chilly for locals, for tourists arriving from colder climes it’s paradise. 

In May, many people will be enjoying their first beach days of the year and with the sun setting after 9 pm, you can take advantage of long and sunny days. This is perfect weather for having cool al fresco dinners as well as pleasant hikes and cycles before lunchtime when it can start getting a bit sweaty. 

Having said that, do remember that it’s not summer quite yet and you can have some rainy days (4 on average). Spring in Mallorca is generally warm and sunny but you don’t have guaranteed beach weather. A few years ago I was in Mallorca in May for a friend’s hen do and it was cloudy, chilly, and rained most of the time. To add insult to injury, the UK was experiencing unseasonably warm and sunny weather that same weekend! But that was quite unlucky to be fair. 

If you’re visiting Mallorca in May, chances are it’ll be warm and sunny during the day and cool in the evening. 

Can you swim in Mallorca in May?

This depends on your preferences and tolerance for cold. A lot of tourists start swimming as early as the end of March or start of April, but many locals will still find it too cold to swim in May. 

Personally, I think May is a great month for swimming in Mallorca. The water is generally calm and clear, and with an average sea temperature of 17°C, the water no longer takes your breath away. Plus, with some still finding it too cold, you’ll find the beaches are still relatively quiet compared to the busy summer months. 

Can you sunbathe in Mallorca in May?

Definitely! May’s a great time for it as it’s not too hot yet and the beaches aren’t oversubscribed. 

What should I pack for Mallorca in May?

As it’s still spring, it’s a good idea to pack a mix of summer and winter clothes.

Some items you might want to pack include:

• Covered shoes to keep your feet warm and dry (especially in the evenings)
• Comfortable shoes or trainers for sightseeing
• Hiking boots to explore the island’s mountains
• A warm and waterproof jacket (it could rain)
• Long trousers
• A swimsuit
• Jumpers
• T-shirts
• Shorts
• Sunglasses
• Sun cream

Things to do in Mallorca in May

Get active

Last call for hiking and cycling! If you’re into any form of strenuous exercise, now’s the time to do it before the summer heat sets in. Plus, after the spring rain the island is super green and the flowers are in full bloom making it extra beautiful this time of year. 

Go sightseeing

May is the last month in Mallorca before sightseeing gets sweaty. My top picks include:

• A free walking tour of Palma
• Exploring the other-worldly Drach Caves
• Visiting Palma Cathedral
• Exploring Mallorca’s beautiful mountain towns like Valldemossa and Deià

On top of that, May’s a month that’s jam-packed with traditional festivities. Not to mention all the wine fairs this month! More of that in the events section!

Be a culture vulture

Before summer arrives and you want to spend all your time outside, how about treating yourself to some culture? May 2024 is a month packed with musicals, classical concerts, and dance shows, so you’re bound to find something you like! 

My top suggestion would be checking out what’s on at the Palma Auditorium. With a wide selection of all sorts of high-quality entertainment, you’re guaranteed to have a good time. 

So whether you’re a tango lover, jazz fan, or Vivaldi aficionado, check out their programme and let yourself be entertained. 

Oh, and during the interval make sure to have a cheeky cava on the Auditorium’s rooftop bar with views of the marina!

Get out on the water

By May, the boating season has well and truly started. And whether you’re a thrill-seeker or prefer to take it easy, there’s a huge range of options for every taste and budget. Across the island you’ll find options such as:

• Dancing the night away on lively party boats
• Dolphin-spotting tours  (Mallorca is also one of the best places in the Mediterranean to see dolphins in their natural habitat!)
• Chilled catamaran tours
• High adrenaline jet-ski rides (Jet skis aren’t really my thing but when my brother was in Arenal in the south of the island, he tried it out with Life and Sea and would highly recommend it). 
• Serene sunset cruises (with an obligatory glass of cava, of course!)
• Half-day tours, full-day tours
• Boat trips to the surrounding islets and islands like Sa Dragonera, Cabrera and even Ibiza, Formentera and Menorca

And of course, it’s not just about boats. There are also tonnes of water sports you can try out like surfing, kite surfing, stand up paddle, snorkelling, scuba diving… In fact, with over 400 species of fish as well as hundreds of  invertebrates, crustaceans, birds and mammals, Mallorca’s a true paradise for snorkellers and divers.

Hit the beach

With the 1st of May signalling the official start of the tourism season in Mallorca, you’ll find that all the beaches have their parasols and sunbed rentals up and running by now and the beach bars will all be open. 

Take full advantage now before the beaches get super busy in the summer months. And remember: while swimming might still be too cold for some, a day of sunbathing and sipping sangría is always a good plan!

What’s on in May in Mallorca? Key dates and special events

May in Mallorca is absolutely bursting with events and things to do! While there are far too many to do justice to in this post, here are a few of the highlights: 

1st of May Fira de les Flors (Flower Festival) in Costitx

Not only does the month kick off with a public holiday – get in! – it also starts with the Festival of Flowers in the small village of Costitx in the centre of Mallorca. Unfortunately, a friend and I once got so drunk in Costitx I fear we can never return, but the festival does get rave reviews. A true celebration of spring, this is the event for anyone who loves gardening and flowers.

1st of May Wine and Cheese Fair in Estellencs

Also on the 1st of May (I told you May is a busy month) is the fourteenth edition of the  Feria del vino y queso (Wine and cheese fair) in the small mountain village of Estellencs on the southwest coast of Mallorca. Aside from the wide selection of cheese and wine on offer, you’ll also be able to try local jams, fruits and olives. Like most Spanish festivities, there are plenty of activities organised for young and old, so don’t miss out!

11th May IronMan 70.3

Did you know that as well as being a training paradise for international triathletes, Mallorca also hosts one of the world’s largest IRONMAN 70.3 events? Not for the fainthearted, this gruelling fitness challenge sees participants complete a 1.9km swim, 90km bike ride and a 21.1km run!

Even if pushing your fitness to its limits isn’t your idea of fun (it’s certainly not mine) it’s good to be aware of this event as there could be some traffic delays due to road closures in the Alcúdia area where the race is taking place!

9th –13th May Es Firó

Every year on the second weekend of May, Sóller bursts into life with its biggest historic festival – Es Firó – an immensely popular event whose climax is the colourful re-enactment of Sóller’s invasion by Turkish and Algerian pirates and their successful defeat in May 1561. 

The clash between the Moors and Christians starts at Port de Sóller and finishes in Sóller centre, where the Christian side is finally proclaimed the victor. While attendance is free, you do need to get a wristband from Sóller’s Plaça de la Constitució in advance as spaces at the event are limited. 

But if you miss out on a wristband, don’t be too upset — only Monday’s reenactment is ticketed. The other festivities already start on the previous Thursday and include parades, live music, and weekend-long parties. 

17th – 19th May Medieval Market in Capdepera

On the third weekend of May you’re invited on a journey back in time. For three days, the coastal municipality of of Capdepera, dominated by its hilltop14th century castle, is transformed into a medieval village. Aside from traditional market stalls offering artisanal food and drinks, you’ll be entertained by jousters, jugglers, dancers, street musicians, singers, stilt-walkers, fire-eaters, parades, concerts, shows, and games typical of the Middle Ages.

A typical Spanish festival, there’s activities for both young and old, making it a great day out for families with young children. You can find out more here. 

22nd May Try your luck at a pub quiz

Fancy a night of fun, trivia, and craft beer? The look no further than La Velo’s monthly pub quiz! The rules are simple: Gather a team (of up to 6 people), turn up at 7:30pm on the night of the quiz, and spend the next 2 – 3 hours answering questions on various topics from video games to literature for your chance to walk home with the prize money (or a bottle of wine if you place second-last!). 

With its charismatic and charming hosts, great food and drink options, plus its fun and cosy vibe, it’s no wonder that the quiz attracts a keen crowd of regulars. So reserve a table in advance to guarantee your spot!

May is the last month of the quiz before its return in autumn once the summer heat’s abated, so don’t miss out!

(Pssst! Questions are read out in Spanish and English so no excuse not to go!)

Is May a good time to visit Mallorca?

Pros

• Everything’s open – With the 1st of May kicking off the official start of the tourism season, you’ll find that all tourist-oriented businesses are in full swing, including hotels, restaurants,sunbed and parasols services, watersports, attractions, shows etc.  
• Great weather – May is a sweet spot when it’s warm enough for most to go swimming and sunbathing, but it’s not hot and sticky! This makes May perhaps the most versatile month as you can enjoy all the outdoor activities without intense heat.
• Not too crowded (yet!) – With everything opening up in May, you do notice an increase in visitor numbers, but it’s a lot quieter than the summer months when schools are closed and tourists come to the island en masse. 

Cons

• Rising prices – Coinciding with the start of the tourist season, you’ll see price rises for hotels, rental cars, and attractions. 

Is Mallorca worth visiting in May?

Personally, I think that May is one of the best times of the year to visit Mallorca. The weather’s generally nice enough to do everything you want to do, everything’s open, and it’s not too crowded yet. This makes visiting Mallorca in May a great choice, no matter the type of holiday you’re looking for. 

If you enjoyed this article, please let me know in the comments. And if you’ve visited Mallorca in May, I’d love to hear what you think!