Summer begins in Ibiza in May, as temperatures climb, beaches get busy and many of the island’s legendary clubs open up. This is the start of the popular destination’s peak season, and there’s no better time to visit if you’re looking for a holiday filled with warm weather and exciting activities.
Whether you want to be the first through the door for an electronic music event or you’re looking to unwind and relax on a wellness retreat, there’s a lot going on in Ibiza in May. In this guide, we explore some of the key events taking place this month and share our recommendations for the best things to see and do.
The Weather in Ibiza in May
A lot of people view May as the start of summer in Ibiza, as it’s when the temperature starts to climb and the clouds and occasional rain of the winter almost entirely disappear. The average weather in Ibiza in May is dry, sunny and mild, with the conditions warm enough to spend time on the beach but cool enough to still enjoy active pursuits like hiking, cycling and watersports.
The average temperature in Ibiza in May is around 18°C-20°C. This can reach highs of 24°C but may drop down to around 14°C in the evenings and early mornings, so you’ll still need to bring a jacket if you’re out and about once the sun has set.
If you’re thinking about spending time at the beach, the average water temperature in Ibiza in May is 18°C. This may still feel quite cool if you decide to take a dip in the sea, but is definitely more bearable than during the winter months!
Despite the rising temperatures, Ibiza weather in May does still involve a bit of rain. However, there are only an average of 5 days where rain is likely to be forecast, and these showers don’t tend to last too long.
Festivals and Events
A lot is happening in Ibiza in May as the island prepares for the start of the peak season and more visitors begin
to flock to the island to enjoy the beaches, scenery and nightlife. Here are three of the biggest events that take place on the island over the month.
Festa de Maig
The Festa de Maig is held on the first Sunday of the month in May every year, and is a festival that takes place in the town of Santa Eulària. The event stems from one of the local legends that the cliff beneath a church in the town collapsed at the end of Sunday Mass, but miraculously everyone remained unharmed
Today, this miracle is celebrated on the first Sunday in May with a parade, traditional dancing, displays of flowers and various markets and food stalls. If you’re on the east coast of the island at the start of the month, it’s a fantasy opportunity to enjoy local cultural celebrations.
Medieval Festival
If you’re a fan of history or just enjoy something a little bit different, the Ibiza Medieval Festival is a brilliant event that is held in May in Ibiza’s Old Town Dalt Vila. The streets of this fortified area are transformed back to their mediaeval roots as a way to celebrate the history of the island, with plenty of people dressing up for the occasion.
You can expect stalls, shows and displays in Dalt Vila as part of the festival, including traditional food and examples of historic dance, music and entertainment. It’s an incredibly popular event every year, providing plenty of fun opportunities for all ages.
International Music Summit
Ibiza is known for its electronic music scene, and the International Music Summit is an annual event dedicated to professionals in the industry to come together to share ideas and discuss trends and developments. The event also involves a brilliant variety of afterparties and events hosted by all the big names who attend the talks, so it’s a great time to be on the island if you enjoy this genre of music.
The Best Places to Visit in Ibiza in May
With the sun shining overhead and more and more places starting to open up for the summer season, the world is your oyster when it comes to where to visit in Ibiza in May. Here are some of our recommendations for the best places to go.
Santa Eulària
We’ve already mentioned that Santa Eulària is the place to be at the start of the month in Ibiza in May because of the Festa de Maig, but it’s also definitely worth a visit later on. This resort town is quite popular amongst families because of the more laid-back atmosphere and large, pretty beaches, but is also known for being home to some of the best restaurants on the island.
As one of the island’s most popular towns, Santa Eulària can get busy in the summer, but visiting in May means you can enjoy the atmosphere and attractions without too many other tourists. There are a lot of cultural attractions and a great collection of shops, so it’s a brilliant place to spend the whole day enjoying a range of activities.
San Antonio
San Antonio, or San Antonio de Portmany, is Ibiza’s second-largest town and one of the most popular resorts for holidaymakers on the island. It’s got a reputation as being perhaps the best place for nightlife on the island, so if you want to celebrate the beginning of the party season in Ibiza in May, San Antonio is the place to visit.
During the daytime, San Antonio is also a lovely town to explore, with a good-sized beach and several companies offering different water sports activities like paddleboarding and sea kayaking. It’s also a great place to watch the sunset, so why not grab a cocktail at one of the bars on the strip and enjoy watching the day fade into night?
Formentera
Formentera is a small island that is less than an hour’s ferry journey from Ibiza, making it a brilliant place for a day trip. Wilder and more rugged than Ibiza due to its size, this is a great place to spend the day if you’re looking for unspoiled scenery and a more peaceful atmosphere.
There are plenty of brilliant beaches on Formentera, or you can explore the island via one of the walking, cycling or hiking trails. Hop on a boat in the morning and then sail back as the sun is setting for a chance to explore more of the beautiful Balearic Islands.
The Best Things to Do in Ibiza in May
The May weather in Ibiza means that some of the best activities on offer are ones that get you outdoors enjoying the mild and sunny weather. As the island starts to properly open up for the summer, there’s more on offer from tourist attractions and tours as well. Here are some of our favourite things to do in Ibiza in May.
Yoga Classes and Retreats
As well as being one of the most popular places for partying in Europe, Ibiza also has an impressive reputation as a wellness destination. There are all kinds of yoga and meditation classes and retreats hosted around the island by top-rated practitioners, and May is a wonderful month to participate in one of these.
Whether you just want to try your hand at some outdoor yoga classes or decide to book a multi-day retreat for some proper rest and nourishment, there are a lot of options available. Dynamic Lives can help to organise wellness experiences during your time in Ibiza if you want to feel pampered and refreshed after your holiday, including the option to bring yoga classes or spa treatment to your luxury villa.
Visit the Restaurants
Like the music and nightlife venues, a lot of the restaurants in Ibiza’s resort towns close or operate on reduced hours over the winter months. However, once May comes around many of them begin to open again for the summer, making this an excellent month to indulge in some incredible culinary experiences.
Ibiza Town and Santa Eulària are two of the best places for food in Ibiza, with a lot of different options to suit all preferences. If you’re seeking a really special dining experience, Dynamic Lives can organise bookings at some of the island’s most exclusive restaurants, as well as arrange for private chefs to visit and cook for you in the comfort of your villa.
Spend Time at the Beach
May is the first month of the year when the beaches in Ibiza start to get busy. The weather is just getting warm enough for swimming and sunbathing, and if you time your visit right you’ll get to enjoy beautiful sunshine without all the crowds of the peak season.
Cala San Vicente is one of the best beaches to visit in Ibiza in May because it’s often so busy during the rest of the year. The large bay has soft sand, calm and clear water for swimming, and plenty of nearby facilities that make it easy to spend the entire day here without having to stray too far for whatever you need.
FAQs
What time is sunset in Ibiza in May?
In May, the sun usually sets in Ibiza between 8.45pm and 9.15pm, getting late as the month progresses. If you’re aiming to catch the sunset from one of the island’s beaches or viewpoints, it’s a good idea to arrive at around 8pm so that you make the most of the changing colours of the sky as the sun starts to disappear.
When do clubs open back up in Ibiza in May?
May marks the beginning of the summer season in Ibiza which means that most of the island’s clubs start to open during the month. Most of these open their doors in the last week of May, so if you’re planning on visiting Ibiza for the nightlife at this time of year, the end of the month is the best time to plan a trip.
What is the temperature in Ibiza in May?
The average temperature in Ibiza in May is 20°C, with highs sometimes reaching 24°C on really clear and sunny days during the month. It’s the start of summer on the island and will feel pretty warm when you’re in the sun, without temperatures climbing too high and getting uncomfortable.
Summary
May is a brilliant time of the year to visit Ibiza if you want to enjoy the island during the main season for tourism but aren’t a fan of very hot weather or an itinerary filled with nightlife opportunities. It’s the last month to really enjoy Ibiza before it becomes a tourist hotspot over the summer, making May an ideal time to stay if you prefer your travel destinations to feel a little more authentic.
Are you thinking about visiting Ibiza in May? Take a look at our range of luxury villas around the island and start planning an incredible trip at the start of the summer to this beautiful Balearic travel destination.
