Recife in May
In May, Recife averages 28°C (83°F) during the day and 24°C (75°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 30 days of the month see precipitation (195 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
May offers comfortable temperatures in Recife, with some rain to plan around.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Recife
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Recife (8th of 12) and one of the wettest months (1st of 12). Daytime temperature matches the city's annual average. May runs 1°C cooler than April (29°C) and cools 1°C in June (27°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Recife
Times shown for Recife local time (America/Recife), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Recife — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Recife's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Recife in May
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on May's tier (Shoulder) and Recife's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Recife
Recife is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Sun & mosquito risk — May in Recife
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Sea temperature in Recife — May
Across the year Recife's sea swings from 26.7°C (July) to 30.1°C (March) — May sits at 29.3°C.
Recife in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29°C / 85°F | 25°C / 76°F | 81 mm | 29 | — |
| February | 30°C / 85°F | 25°C / 77°F | 81 mm | 25 | — |
| March | 29°C / 85°F | 25°C / 76°F | 115 mm | 29 | — |
| April | 29°C / 84°F | 25°C / 76°F | 120 mm | 27 | — |
| May | 28°C / 83°F | 24°C / 75°F | 195 mm | 30 | — |
| June | 27°C / 81°F | 23°C / 74°F | 186 mm | 28 | — |
| July | 27°C / 80°F | 23°C / 73°F | 146 mm | 30 | — |
| August | 27°C / 80°F | 23°C / 73°F | 100 mm | 29 | — |
| September | 27°C / 81°F | 23°C / 74°F | 72 mm | 27 | — |
| October | 28°C / 83°F | 24°C / 75°F | 54 mm | 27 | — |
| November | 29°C / 85°F | 25°C / 76°F | 50 mm | 25 | — |
| December | 29°C / 85°F | 25°C / 76°F | 66 mm | 25 | — |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Recife in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Recife in May?
In May, Recife averages a high of 28°C (83°F) and a low of 24°C (75°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Recife in May?
May is quite rainy in Recife, with about 30 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Recife?
May is warm but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Recife in May?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Recife for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.