May is the first windy month

The trade winds are almost always present in Aruba and get stronger from May to October. That is the main change from April. For a beach day, the effect is a cooling breeze at 85 °F; for a day on the water it is a reason to read each operator's conditions before you book. On the windward coast the surf is stronger: the board says bodyboarders like Andicuri for its waves and warns swimmers to be aware of currents (see Andicuri Beach). Eagle Beach, by contrast, is described as a place for relaxing and swimming (see Eagle Beach).

Rain is still low. May has 0.6 inch, the same as March, and well below the 1.3 inches of October.

Windsurf and kite at Hadicurari

The tourism board describes Hadicurari Beach, also called Fisherman's Huts or The Huts, as the island's most popular spot to learn and practice wind and kite surfing. Several schools work from the beach, and the water is very shallow and calm there, so the board adds that local families with children like it. Aruba Hi-Winds, billed as the largest windsurfing event in the Caribbean, is held every year off these beaches. Check the tourism board calendar for the year before planning a trip around it (see Hadicurari Beach).

What to book in May

  • Morning activities. At 85 °F, start early. The Rancho Notorious horse rides begin as early as 7:00 am (see horseback riding in Aruba).
  • Snorkel and sunset sails. The Red Sail Antilla leaves from 2:00 to 5:00 pm at $79 for adults and $63 for children aged 5 to 11; a sunset catamaran with open bar is about $90 (VisitAruba, read 7 November 2026). See Aruba sunset cruises.
  • Off-road. An ATV tour takes about 4 hours at $130 to $135 for a single rider (see Aruba ATV tours).
  • Park visit. Arikok National Park costs $22 per non-resident adult, often included in a tour (see Arikok National Park).

Where to stay

Palm Beach has the high-rise resorts, nightlife and the sail departures. Eagle Beach is quieter (see Palm Beach vs Eagle Beach). We publish no May hotel prices; compare your own dates in the hotel box.

May compared with its neighbors

April has 0.4 inch of rain and 84 °F, May 0.6 inch and 85 °F, June 0.8 inch and 86 °F (aruba.com weather page, read 7 November 2026). May is the last month before the Atlantic hurricane season opens in June; Aruba is well south of the main hurricane belt, and the board calls hurricanes extremely rare (see Aruba in April, Aruba in June and Aruba hurricane season).

Typical mistakes

  • Expecting the dry season to continue as before: May starts the windy season.
  • Swimming on the windward coast because the sea looks inviting: the board warns about currents at Andicuri.
  • Booking midday activities in an 85 °F month when morning slots exist.
  • Planning the trip around Hi-Winds without checking that year's dates.

FAQ

Is May a good time to visit Aruba?

Yes: about 0.6 inch of rain and 85 °F, with trade winds that get stronger from May.

Where do you windsurf in Aruba?

Hadicurari Beach, also called Fisherman's Huts, is the island's most popular spot to learn and practice wind and kite surfing.

Is May hurricane season in Aruba?

No: the Atlantic season runs June to November, and Aruba is well south of the main belt.

Does it rain in May?

About 0.6 inch on average, in short showers.

Aruba Authority editorial team, 7 November 2026.