Weather in May

The weather in May varies significantly between Mauritius, Seychelles, Réunion, Bali, and Thailand due to their different climates and monsoon patterns. Below is a breakdown of what to expect in each destination during May:

1. Mauritius (Indian Ocean)

Weather Type: Start of the cooler, dry season (May to October).
Average Temperature: 20°C to 26°C (mild and pleasant).
Rainfall: Low rainfall, as the wet, cyclone-prone summer has ended.
Humidity: Moderate and decreasing compared to the humid summer months.
Sea Temperature: Around 25°C – ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Best Activities: Beach relaxation, hiking (less humid), and water sports like snorkeling and scuba diving.

2. Seychelles (Indian Ocean)

Weather Type: Transition period between the hot, rainy season and the cooler, drier southeast monsoon.
Average Temperature: 24°C to 30°C (warm).
Rainfall: Some rain is still possible, but rainfall generally decreases as May progresses.
Humidity: Moderate to high, but decreasing toward the end of May.
Sea Temperature: Warm at around 27°C – great for swimming and diving.
Best Activities: Beach activities, island hopping, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Visibility is improving underwater as the dry season nears.

3. Réunion Island (Indian Ocean)

Weather Type: May marks the start of the cooler, dry winter season.
Average Temperature: 17°C to 26°C (cooler inland, warmer on the coast).
Rainfall: Low rainfall, especially in the western and southern parts of the island.
Humidity: Comfortable and moderate.
Sea Temperature: Around 24°C – pleasant for swimming.
Best Activities: Hiking (ideal weather for exploring the island’s volcanic landscapes), beach days, canyoning, and paragliding.

4. Bali, Indonesia (Southeast Asia)

Weather Type: May is part of Bali’s dry season (April to October).
Average Temperature: 26°C to 31°C (warm and sunny).
Rainfall: Minimal – expect mostly clear skies.
Humidity: Lower than during the wet season, but can still be noticeable.
Sea Temperature: Around 28°C – excellent for water sports.
Best Activities: Surfing, beach activities, diving, yoga retreats, and exploring cultural sites like Ubud.

5. Thailand (Southeast Asia)

Weather Type: May falls in the hot, wet season, which is part of Thailand’s southwest monsoon (May to October).
Average Temperature: 28°C to 35°C (very hot and humid).
Rainfall: Heavy afternoon or evening thunderstorms are common, especially in the northern and central regions (e.g., Bangkok and Chiang Mai).
- East Coast (Gulf of Thailand) (e.g., Koh Samui) may see less rain in May compared to the Andaman Coast (Phuket, Krabi).
Humidity: High, making the heat feel more intense.
Sea Temperature: Around 30°C – warm but choppy waters on the Andaman Coast due to monsoon winds.
Best Activities: Beach time on the east coast (Koh Samui), visiting cultural attractions in Bangkok, or relaxing in air-conditioned resorts during hotter days.

Summary Comparison Table (May)

Destination	Weather	Temperature	Rainfall	Best For
Mauritius	Cool, dry season	20°C – 26°C	Low	Beach time, hiking, water sports
Seychelles	Warm, drier transition	24°C – 30°C	Moderate, decreasing	Island hopping, snorkeling, beaches
Réunion	Cool, dry winter	17°C – 26°C	Low	Hiking, adventure sports, beaches
Bali	Warm, dry season	26°C – 31°C	Low	Surfing, diving, beach activities
Thailand	Hot, rainy season (SW monsoon)	28°C – 35°C	High	East coast beaches (Koh Samui), Bangkok

Conclusion – Which Destination is Best in May?

Mauritius and Réunion: Great for cooler, dry weather with plenty of outdoor activities.
Seychelles: Ideal for beach and snorkeling lovers, with warm temperatures and moderate rain.
Bali: Fantastic for sun-seekers, surfers, and cultural explorers during its dry season.
Thailand: Can be hot and rainy, but east coast destinations like Koh Samui may offer drier conditions compared to the Andaman side.