Find out all about Mallorca in May and what to expect in this article. May is typically a wonderful time to visit Mallorca but this year may be a little different.
Usually, Mallorca is a quieter month to visit the island but find out in this article why this May will be different from other years.
Plus find out about things to do in Mallorca in May as well as what the weather will be like, and how to get around while you are visiting.
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When does the Summer season start in Mallorca?
The official start to Mallorca’s Summer season is on 1 May every year.
In reality, many resorts open the majority of their businesses to tie in with the Easter weekend in April so if you are visiting earlier then check out what Mallorca is like in April here.
May signals the official start of summer with sunbeds now appearing on all the beaches, with all the watersports rentals such as pedalos and stand-up paddleboards.
Lifeguards on all the major beaches also resume their service.
If you’re travelling to the beach on your own then do invest in a cheap waterproof phone case or bumbag which you can get here.
May opening parties are held too in beach clubs across the island and any other restaurants and bars waiting to open will throw their doors open to visitors.
Some hotels will be opening for the first time too.
For the best choice for package holidays to Mallorca, check out Jet2.com here.
To find a comparatively priced hotel, check out Expedida on this link here and for flights, check out this link here.
What is Public transport like in Mallorca in May?
It used to be said that visiting Mallorca in May meant missing out on the tourist crowds. This is sadly no longer the case.
I have seen the public buses – in particular the TIB buses running very full, with many people – tourists and locals waiting at busy bus stops.
Of course, it hasn’t helped that residents in Mallorca now have access to free public transport (see the link here if you need to apply).
My advice is to travel early in the day if you are planning on taking the bus.
And familiarise yourself with the bus routes as it may be quicker to take an alternative route to your destination.
To read more about how to take the TIB bus in Mallorca, check out this article here.
To find out how to take the Palma EMT buses with suggestions of where to visit, check out this article here.
It may also be quicker and cheaper to take a taxi. With more taxis running now on the island, find out how to get one here.
Alternatively, book a hire car and have the freedom to get around yourself. You can check rates both here and here for the best deals.
Weather in Mallorca in May
As we leave April with unusually hot temperatures, we enter May with a return to normal temperatures expected for this time of year.
With daytime highs of between 18 to 23 degrees Celsius, and evening temperatures of around 15 to 17 degrees Celsius in the evening.
So if you are packing to come over, bring a mix of clothes and something warm for the evening.
May is also when I normally have my first swim of the year. And this has always constantly been in the middle of May when the first warm wave hits the island. Let’s see if happens again this year.
There is also a very high risk of forest fires at the moment with the lack of rain that we have had over the past two months.
We have recently seen a forest fire in Deia destroy 8 hectares of land. So please if you do still smoke, dispose of your cigarettes responsibly.
And above all, do not throw lit cigarettes from a car window if you are driving. It could start a forest fire and lives could be lost.
This also extends to not barbecuing in woodland too as May is the month when this is banned until the autumn.
To find out about the weather in Mallorca in May, then check out this article here.
The warmer weather also brings out the mosquitos so do come to the island prepared. You can get all the best insect repellants and treatments in the Mallorca Under the Sun holiday shop here.
The Best Things to Do in Mallorca in May
May in my opinion is the last month for hiking (comfortably) in Mallorca before the Summer heat hits.
It’s a great opportunity to get out of the resorts and experience some of the very best of Mallorca and the incredible scenery that we have here.
I really encourage you to take time to do a hike as this could well be the highlight of your trip.
You can see a playlist on my Youtube channel of easy hikes in Mallorca here. Plus check out a very easy hike to Cala Deia from Deia here.
It’s also a great time to visit Palma too. I have some suggestions of things to do in Palma and activities to book in this article here.
If time is short then do book a Palma city sightseeing tour. Check availability and book here.
Plus the boat trips and other tours will have started around the island too. Here is a selection of the best which you can also book from here.
Local Festivals in Mallorca in May
There are lots of local festivals to enjoy in Mallorca in May all over the island, so here is a selection of the best:
Soller – The Orange Fair
The Orange Fair is held in Soller during the first week of May.
Restaurants take part by offering affordable tasting menus for a reasonable price using citrus fruits which are famously grown throughout the Soller Valley, as their main ingredient
You can find out which restaurants are participating in this link here.
Pollensa Wine Tasting Festival
The annual Pollensa Wine Tasting festival takes place on the 6 and 7 May in 2023 at the Santa Domingo convent in the centre of Pollensa old town.
This event is extremely popular with residents as it’s a great opportunity to sample of the best locally made wines and of course have the opportunity to buy them too.
Puerto Portals Farmers’ Market
Held on the 5 to the 7 May (inclusive), head on down to Puerto Portals. More famous for its superyacht marina, the farmers’ market is a great way to pick up some locally produced goods, see some live music, and some local culture too (there will be “Ball de Bot” dance displays).
With a kid’s zone too, this will be fun for all the family too!
The King’s Coronation – where to watch in Mallorca
The weekend of 6 May 2023 will be a long bank holiday weekend in the UK, held to celebrate the King’s Coronation.
If you are travelling to Mallorca, then you will still be able to watch this historic event in any of the British bars in resorts, that usually show sports.
So if you’re in Palmanova, then try Castaways. If you’re in Magaluf, try Benny Hill’s for the best atmosphere.
Europe Day in Palmanova
Europe Day is another annual event held along the Porto Novo or Es Carregador seafront, up to the beginning of Palmanova Beach.
In 2023, it is being held on the 7 May. There will be stalls, a huge market selling locally produced goods and plenty of live music. Read an article I wrote last year about it here.
Feria de Abril
The Feria de Abril or April Fair is held in many locations around the island including Cala d’Or.
In 2023, it was held between the 5-7 May in Plaza Costa in Cala d’Or centre and included family activities, Sevillanas dance displays, music and horse exhibitions.
Iron Man – Alcudia
The 13 May 2023 sees the return of the Ironman in Alcudia. Consisiting of a 1.9km swim, followed by a 90km bike ride and topped off with a 21.1km swim, this competition attracts athletes from around the world.
If you are planning to visit Alcudia/Puerto Pollensa then check the map here to see which roads will be closed off.
My advice is to stay away from the area unless you are already on holiday there or taking part until it is over.
Reenactment of the Moors and Christians Battle – Soller & Port de Soller
In Soller and Port de Soller, the mock Moors and Christians Battle takes place in 2023 on 15 May.
These reenactments are held in various towns and villages throughout the year, but they are great fun and very traditional, so be sure to check them out.
Capdepera Medieval Market
From 19 to 21 May, there is a Medieval Market in Capdepera at the huge 14 Century Castle.
Take a step back in time and enjoy music, street shows, artisan workshops and many other activities which are brilliant fun for all the family.
