Benidorm in May 2026: Weather, Crowds & Why It's the Best Month to Visit

If you've been wondering whether Benidorm in May is worth it — spoiler alert, it absolutely is. After living on the Costa Blanca for a decade, May is hands-down my favourite month in Benidorm. The sea is warming up, the terraces are buzzing, the sky is that impossible shade of Spanish blue, and the summer hordes haven't arrived yet. It's the sweet spot.

Let me walk you through exactly what to expect: temperatures, the beach situation, what's open, what's on, and where to stay to make the most of it.

What's the Weather Like in Benidorm in May?

May in Benidorm is reliably gorgeous. Daytime temperatures sit between 22°C and 27°C, with the occasional warm push up to 29°C towards the end of the month. Evenings are mild — around 16–18°C — so you'll want a light jacket for dinner, but nothing heavy.

Rainfall is minimal. May averages around 25–30mm across the whole month, usually arriving as brief, dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that clear within an hour and leave the air smelling incredible. The sea temperature reaches approximately 19–21°C by late May — cool but absolutely swimmable, especially if you're coming from northern Europe.

Hours of sunshine: expect 9–10 hours per day. In practical terms, that means full beach days from morning to late afternoon without the scorching intensity of July.

Are the Beaches Crowded in May?

This is the golden question. No — not really. Levante Beach and Poniente Beach are busy on weekends and Spanish public holidays (and there are a few in May — see below), but on weekdays you can absolutely find a good spot without the towel-to-towel madness of August.

I'd recommend arriving at Levante before 10am if you want front-row sand. By 9:30am the chiringuitos are setting up, the sea is glittering, and you've got your pick of the beach. By noon it fills up nicely — but "nicely" in May means lively and fun, not sardine-can packed.

Poniente tends to be slightly quieter than Levante even in peak season, and in May it's genuinely peaceful on weekday mornings. Families especially love it — the water is calmer and the stretch of sand is enormous.

For something away from the main strips, take the short drive to Cala de Finestrat — a gorgeous little cove tucked between Benidorm and Finestrat village. In May it's practically yours.

Spanish Public Holidays in May 2026: Plan Around These

A heads-up for May 2026: 1 May is Labour Day (Día del Trabajo), a national holiday in Spain. Expect beaches and bars to be busier than usual that day and the surrounding weekend.

Also worth knowing: 15 May is San Isidro, which isn't a bank holiday everywhere but is celebrated in parts of the Valencia region with local fiestas. Check what's happening in Benidorm's old town — there are often parades and outdoor events around this time that are genuinely worth seeing.

The Corpus Christi period often falls in late May or early June too, and some towns near Benidorm (like Altea and Guadalest) hold beautiful traditional processions.

What's Open in Benidorm in May?

Everything. This is a key difference from, say, March or November. By May, Benidorm is in full swing:

• Aqualandia and Mundomar water and animal parks typically open for the season in May (check exact dates on their websites — usually from the first or second weekend of the month)
• Terra Mítica theme park is open
• The beach bars (chiringuitos) along Levante and Poniente are fully operational
• Restaurants and nightlife on the Calle Gerona strip are open and busy
• Boat trips and water sports along the marina are running full schedules

One thing I always do in May: take a boat trip to the Isla de Benidorm. The little island sitting out in the bay is a nature reserve accessible by ferry from the marina. In May the water is clear, there are colourful fish visible from the boat, and snorkelling off the island rocks is spectacular. The trip takes about 15–20 minutes each way and costs around €9–12 return depending on the operator. Go in the morning for the best light.

Day Trips from Benidorm in May

May's comfortable temperatures make it ideal for exploring the inland and coastal areas around Benidorm that brutal July heat makes less appealing.

Guadalest — the medieval hilltop village about 25 minutes inland — is stunning in May when the surrounding mountains are still green. The reservoir below the village is turquoise. Go on a weekday morning before the coach tours arrive. There's a small car park (paid) just below the village entrance.

Altea — 15 minutes south along the coast — is one of the most beautiful old towns on the Costa Blanca. White-painted streets, ceramic dome church, excellent fish restaurants on the seafront. The market in the old town runs on Tuesday and Saturday mornings.

Peñón de Ifach in Calpe — the dramatic limestone rock that defines the northern Costa Blanca skyline. The hike to the summit takes about 2–2.5 hours return and involves a short tunnel near the top. In May the wildflowers on the rock face are incredible. Take water, wear trainers at minimum, and go early — it gets busy after 10am.

Where to Eat in Benidorm in May

Skip the all-inclusive-only mindset and eat out at least a few times. A few personal favourites:

Restaurant El Pescador near the old town is my go-to for fresh fish — simple, honest cooking, great value at lunch (menú del día around €12–14).

La Cava Aragonesa in the old town square is perfect for a long evening of tapas and local wine. The terrace in May is heavenly.

La Olla on the beachfront road does a great paella — book ahead at weekends even in May.

For breakfast, the bakeries on Calle Tomás Ortuño in the old town are worth the five-minute walk from Levante. Proper Spanish café con leche and a warm croissant beats hotel buffet every time.

Where to Stay in Benidorm in May: Book Direct and Save

May is one of the best value months to visit Benidorm — prices are significantly lower than July and August, and you get nearly the same weather with far less crowd stress.

If you're looking at holiday rentals in Benidorm, I'd strongly recommend browsing our apartments and villas directly. Booking direct with JV Properties saves you up to 18% compared to Airbnb or Booking.com — that's money back in your pocket for more boat trips, more paella, and more cold Estrella on the terrace.

For families or groups, a private apartment with a pool is a game-changer in May — you get a splash any time you want, you save on restaurant costs by cooking some meals yourself, and you have space that a hotel room simply can't offer.

Explore all our Benidorm holiday rentals and filter by your group size, dates, and must-haves.

Final Verdict: Is May the Best Month for Benidorm?

For most travellers — yes, genuinely. If you can choose between May and August, choose May. You'll save money, enjoy better beach conditions, move around more freely, and still get fantastic weather. The only thing missing is the full summer party atmosphere if that's specifically what you're after — but for couples, families, and anyone who wants to actually enjoy the place rather than survive it, May wins.

Book early for the best choice of accommodation — May is increasingly popular as travellers wise up to the shoulder-season secret.

Any questions about visiting Benidorm in May? Drop them in the comments below — happy to help.