Santiago de Compostela in May

In May, Santiago de Compostela averages 20°C (67°F) during the day and 10°C (50°F) at night, with around 11 days of rain (79 mm total).

High season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.

May offers comfortable temperatures in Santiago de Compostela, with some rain to plan around.

20°C
Avg high
10°C
Avg low
11
Rain days
79 mm
Rainfall

How May compares to the rest of the year in Santiago de Compostela

6th
warmest month of the 12
8th
wettest month of the 12
6%
of yearly rainfall falls in May
14 h 38 min
daylight on the 15th

May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Santiago de Compostela (6th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (8th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C above the annual average (18°C). May runs 3°C warmer than April (17°C) and warms a further 2°C into June (22°C).

May sunrise & sunset in Santiago de Compostela

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
7:11 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
9:49 PM
Day length
14 h 38 min

Times shown for Santiago de Compostela local time (Europe/Madrid), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Santiago de Compostela — May

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Santiago de Compostela's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
6:11 AM – 6:51 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:51 AM – 7:51 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
9:09 PM – 10:09 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
10:09 PM – 10:49 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Good
Galactic core is up but lower on the horizon; head well outside city limits for a clean view.

📅 When to book — Santiago de Compostela 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 (High season) and Santiago de Compostela's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
2-3 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-3 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.

Crowds & pricing — May in Santiago de Compostela

High season

This is a busy month in Santiago de Compostela — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.

Why this tier: excellent tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — May in Santiago de Compostela

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
11.6
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●○○○
Low
Mosquitoes present but manageable. Pack repellent (DEET 10-20%) for evenings near water.

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.

Santiago de Compostela in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 12°C / 53°F 5°C / 41°F 177 mm 15
February 13°C / 55°F 5°C / 41°F 141 mm 14
March 14°C / 58°F 6°C / 43°F 133 mm 14
April 17°C / 62°F 8°C / 46°F 111 mm 15
May 20°C / 67°F 10°C / 50°F 79 mm 11
June 22°C / 71°F 13°C / 55°F 78 mm 11
July 25°C / 77°F 15°C / 59°F 26 mm 6
August 25°C / 77°F 15°C / 59°F 40 mm 7
September 23°C / 73°F 14°C / 56°F 65 mm 9
October 20°C / 67°F 11°C / 52°F 176 mm 14
November 15°C / 58°F 8°C / 46°F 176 mm 17
December 13°C / 55°F 6°C / 43°F 187 mm 15

Other cities with similar May weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Santiago de Compostela in May →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Santiago de Compostela in May?

In May, Santiago de Compostela averages a high of 20°C (67°F) and a low of 10°C (50°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in Santiago de Compostela in May?

May can be fairly wet in Santiago de Compostela, with about 11 rainy days on average.

Is May a good time to visit Santiago de Compostela?

May is mild and pleasant. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Santiago de Compostela in May?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Santiago de Compostela for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Santiago de Compostela on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.