Roseau in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Roseau

32°C (89°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season perfection - May is the absolute best month for hiking Dominica's trails, with mud-free paths and maximum visibility for waterfall photography. Rivers run clear but still full from April rains.
Whale watching peak season - Sperm whales are most active in May waters (26°C/79°F), with 85% success rates compared to 60% in other months. Calmer seas make for comfortable 3-4 hour excursions.
Pre-hurricane season pricing - Hotel rates drop 30-40% compared to winter peak, while hurricane season doesn't typically start until late June. Book accommodations 2-3 weeks out for best deals.
Perfect diving conditions - Visibility reaches 30-40 m (98-131 ft) in May, and water temperature hits ideal 26°C (79°F). Dominica and Dominica are at their clearest before summer storms.

Considerations

Variable weather means unpredictable rain - Those 10 rainy days can hit without warning, turning planned beach days into indoor exploration. Always have backup plans ready.
Tourist infrastructure scaling down - Some operators reduce schedules between peak winter and summer seasons. Popular tours may only run 3-4 days per week instead of daily.
Increasing humidity builds toward summer - That 70% humidity combined with 32°C (89°F) heat makes midday activities uncomfortable. Plan outdoor adventures for early morning or late afternoon.

Best Activities in May

Morne Trois Pitons National Park Hiking

May offers the best hiking conditions of the year - trails are dry but not dusty, waterfalls still flow powerfully from April rains, and temperatures peak at comfortable 28°C (82°F) in the rainforest canopy. The Boiling Lake trek is manageable without rainy season mud, and Valley of Desolation photography is spectacular with clear skies.

Booking Tip: Book guided treks 7-10 days ahead through certified park guides. Full-day hikes cost EC$200-300 (US$75-110) per person. Start by 6:30 AM to avoid afternoon heat and potential weather changes. Look for guides with first aid certification and emergency communication devices.

Sperm Whale Watching Expeditions

May is peak season for resident sperm whale pods who feed in Dominica's deep waters year-round. Calmer seas and excellent visibility make this the most reliable month for sightings. Water temperature of 26°C (79°F) attracts abundant marine life, and clear skies provide perfect photography conditions.

Booking Tip: Reserve whale watching tours 10-14 days ahead, especially for weekend departures. Half-day excursions typically cost EC$135-200 (US$50-75). Choose operators with hydrophones and experienced marine guides. Morning tours (8 AM departure) have highest success rates.

Champagne Reef Snorkeling and Diving

May delivers Dominica's clearest underwater visibility at 30-40 m (98-131 ft), perfect for experiencing the volcanic bubbles that give Dominica its name. Water temperature hits an ideal 26°C (79°F), and calm conditions make this perfect for beginner divers. The geothermal activity is most visible in clear water conditions.

Booking Tip: Book dive packages 5-7 days ahead through PADI-certified operators. Single tank dives cost EC$120-160 (US$45-60), snoreling trips EC$80-120 (US$30-45). Equipment rental adds EC$25-35 (US$10-13). Best diving times are 9 AM-1 PM before afternoon sea breezes pick up.

River Tubing and Canyoning Adventures

Rivers maintain perfect levels in May - high enough for exciting rapids from April rainfall, but clear enough to see rocks and navigate safely. The 28°C (82°F) air temperature makes getting wet refreshing rather than uncomfortable. Saintvincentandthegrenadines River and Pagua River offer the best combination of thrills and safety.

Booking Tip: Book river adventures 3-5 days ahead through operators with safety certifications. Half-day river tubing costs EC$100-150 (US$37-55), canyoning EC$180-250 (US$67-93). All equipment provided, but bring secure footwear. Tours typically run 9 AM-2 PM to avoid afternoon weather changes.

Roseau Market and Food Walking Tours

May brings peak freshness to Dominica's produce - mangoes, avocados, and passion fruit are at their best. The 70% humidity keeps fruits perfectly ripe, and vendors offer generous tastings before the hot summer months. Traditional lunch preparations showcase seasonal ingredients in local restaurants.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost EC$80-120 (US$30-45) for 3-hour experiences. Book 2-3 days ahead, especially for Saturday market tours. Early morning tours (8-11 AM) offer the freshest selections and avoid midday heat. Look for tours that include traditional cooking demonstrations.

Trafalgar Falls Photography Excursions

May offers perfect lighting conditions for waterfall photography - strong water flow from recent rains, clear atmospheric visibility, and manageable hiking conditions. The twin falls are at optimal flow levels, and forest canopy provides natural shade during the warmest parts of the day.

Booking Tip: Independent visits cost EC$10 (US$4) park entrance fee. Photography guide services cost EC$150-200 (US$55-75) for half-day sessions. Visit early morning (7-9 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) for best lighting. Waterproof camera protection essential due to mist and spray.

May Events & Festivals

Early May

May Day Cultural Celebrations

Local communities throughout Dominica celebrate with traditional music, dance performances, and craft exhibitions. Village festivals showcase Creole culture with authentic food stalls and artisan demonstrations. This provides genuine cultural immersion beyond typical tourist attractions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof hiking boots - Essential for 10 unpredictable rainy days and muddy rainforest trails. Even 'dry' season means wet conditions in cloud forests above 500 m (1,640 ft)

Quick-dry synthetic shirts - Avoid cotton in 70% humidity. Synthetic fabrics dry within 2-3 hours and prevent overheating during 32°C (89°F) afternoon temperatures

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index of 8 requires maximum protection. Reapply every 90 minutes during water activities and whale watching excursions

Compact umbrella or poncho - Afternoon showers arrive suddenly and last 20-45 minutes. Lightweight protection keeps you comfortable during market visits and town exploration

Waterproof phone case - Mist from waterfalls, boat spray during whale watching, and sudden rain showers threaten electronics. Allows photography in wet conditions

Lightweight rain jacket - More versatile than poncho for hiking. Choose breathable fabric to prevent overheating in humid conditions while providing wind protection on boats

Insect repellent with 20% DEET - May's warm, humid conditions activate mosquitoes and sandflies, especially near rivers and during dawn/dusk outdoor activities

Water shoes with good grip - Essential for river activities, rocky beach entries, and wet volcanic rock surfaces. Regular sneakers become slippery when wet

Moisture-wicking undergarments - Prevents chafing during long hikes and keeps you comfortable in high humidity. Synthetic or merino wool materials work best

Portable water filtration - Stay hydrated without buying plastic bottles. Rivers and streams are generally clean but filtration provides peace of mind during hikes

Insider Knowledge

Local farmers harvest mangoes and avocados in May - visit roadside stands between Roseau and Portsmouth for fruit at 50% of market prices. Vendors appear around 8 AM and sell out by 2 PM

Whale watching boats often spot dolphins and pilot whales as bonus sightings in May. Book morning tours - afternoon sea conditions can become choppy as trade winds strengthen

Many Dominicans take advantage of May's perfect weather for home construction and maintenance. This means increased activity in hardware stores and potential noise in residential areas during weekday mornings

River levels are ideal for experienced swimmers to access natural pools that are too dangerous during rainy season. Ask local guides about seasonal swimming spots not advertised to tourists

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how quickly weather changes - Bring layers and rain protection even for 'guaranteed sunny' activities. May's variable conditions can shift from sunny to stormy within 30 minutes

Booking only morning activities - May's weather is actually most stable in late afternoon (4-7 PM) for outdoor adventures. Many tourists miss the best hiking and photography conditions

Overpacking heavy rain gear - Lightweight, packable protection is more practical than full rain suits. May showers are warm, so staying slightly wet isn't uncomfortable