Santa Marta in May
In May, Santa Marta averages 30°C (86°F) during the day and 26°C (79°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 15 days of the month see precipitation (109 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
May is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Santa Marta. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Santa Marta
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Santa Marta (4th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (7th of 12). Daytime temperature matches the city's annual average. May runs roughly the same as April (30°C) and stays flat into June.
May sunrise & sunset in Santa Marta
Times shown for Santa Marta local time (America/Bogota), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Santa Marta — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Santa Marta's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Santa Marta 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 Santa Marta's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Santa Marta
Santa Marta 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 Santa Marta
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.
Santa Marta in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29°C / 85°F | 25°C / 77°F | 9 mm | 2 | — |
| February | 29°C / 85°F | 25°C / 77°F | 5 mm | 1 | — |
| March | 30°C / 85°F | 25°C / 77°F | 18 mm | 2 | — |
| April | 30°C / 87°F | 26°C / 78°F | 58 mm | 8 | — |
| May | 30°C / 86°F | 26°C / 79°F | 109 mm | 15 | — |
| June | 30°C / 86°F | 26°C / 79°F | 126 mm | 17 | — |
| July | 30°C / 87°F | 26°C / 79°F | 90 mm | 16 | — |
| August | 30°C / 87°F | 26°C / 79°F | 138 mm | 19 | — |
| September | 30°C / 86°F | 26°C / 79°F | 135 mm | 20 | — |
| October | 30°C / 85°F | 25°C / 78°F | 217 mm | 24 | — |
| November | 30°C / 85°F | 25°C / 78°F | 161 mm | 18 | — |
| December | 30°C / 86°F | 26°C / 78°F | 34 mm | 6 | — |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Santa Marta in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Santa Marta in May?
In May, Santa Marta averages a high of 30°C (86°F) and a low of 26°C (79°F) — generally hot.
Does it rain a lot in Santa Marta in May?
May is quite rainy in Santa Marta, with about 15 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Santa Marta?
May is hot but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with hot weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Santa Marta in May?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Santa Marta for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.