Palma de Mallorca in May – Weather, Happenings & Travel Tips

May in Palma de Mallorca is nothing short of spectacular. The island blooms into life, offering sunny weather without the intense summer heat, vibrant festivals, and the perfect atmosphere for outdoor adventures. Here’s your complete guide to making the most of Palma in May!

🌤️ Weather Overview: Palma in May

May provides ideal weather conditions for travelers looking to experience Mallorca’s beauty in comfort:

Weather Factor	Average
🌡️ Daytime Temperature	22–25°C (71–77°F)
🌙 Nighttime Temperature	14–16°C (57–61°F)
🌦️ Rainfall	Low (3–4 days of brief showers)
☀️ Hours of Sunshine	10 hours/day
🌊 Sea Temperature	Approx. 19–20°C (swimmable!)

🔗 Want to know what to expect in other months? Check out our Palma de Mallorca Weather Guide for a month-by-month breakdown. 🌞

What to Pack for Palma in May

Packing smart will ensure you’re comfortable while exploring the island. Here’s what you’ll need:

✔ Light, breathable clothing – Perfect for warm, sunny days ☀️
✔ A light jacket or sweater – Evenings can be breezy 🌙
✔ Swimwear & sunscreen – The beaches are calling! 🏖️
✔ Comfortable walking shoes – Palma’s cobbled streets & scenic hikes await! 👟

🔹 Pro Tip: Pack a foldable beach bag & a stylish hat for the ultimate Mallorca vibe!

Events & Festivals in May

⚔️ Es Firó Festival, Sóller (May 8–12, 2025)

Witness an incredible historical re-enactment of a pirate invasion complete with mock battles, music, and traditional celebrations.

📍 Location: Sóller (30 min drive/train from Palma)
💡 Tip: Arrive early to grab the best spots for the battle re-enactments.

🍷 Wine Days Mallorca (May 9–19, 2025)

A 10-day celebration of Mallorcan wines with vineyard tours, tastings, and special pairing dinners across the island.

📍 Location: Binissalem wine region (20 min from Palma)
💡 Tip: Don’t miss the guided tours of local wineries like Bodega Ribas.

🎭 Palma Beer Festival (May 24–26, 2025)

Celebrate local craft beer with tastings, food trucks, and live entertainment.

📍 Location: Parc de la Mar, Palma
💡 Tip: Come hungry—food pairings are exceptional!

Best Things to Do in Palma in May

May is one of the best months to enjoy Palma’s outdoor activities, scenic spots, and cultural gems. Here’s what to add to your itinerary:

🌿 Cycling & Hiking

With mild temperatures and clear skies, May is ideal for outdoor adventures.
✔ Best Cycling Routes – Ride along the coastal path between Palma and Playa de Palma 🚴‍♂️
✔ Hiking in the Tramuntana Mountains – Explore breathtaking trails with fewer crowds 🥾

🔗 Read More: Best Cycling Routes & Tips for Mallorca
🔗 Read More: Best Hiking Trails in Mallorca

⛵ Boat Trips & Coastal Adventures

May’s calm seas and warm breezes make it the perfect time to explore Mallorca by boat.
✔ Sail along Palma Bay on a catamaran cruise 🏝️
✔ Charter a private yacht for an exclusive experience 🌊

Explore Palma’s Neighborhoods

Palma is a city of contrasts, where historic charm meets modern vibrancy. Each district has its own unique character, from bohemian markets to high-end shopping streets. Whether you’re looking for authentic tapas, boutique shopping, or stunning architecture, these neighborhoods are must-visits.

🌿 Santa Catalina – The Bohemian & Foodie Hub

Santa Catalina is one of Palma’s most stylish and international neighborhoods, known for:
✔ Santa Catalina Market – A foodie paradise with fresh local produce ☕🛍️
✔ Trendy cafés & boutique stores – Find independent fashion, design, and coffee spots
✔ Bustling nightlife – Hip bars and restaurants, perfect for an evening out

🍷 La Lonja – Historic Streets & Tapas Culture

This charming old quarter is packed with history and atmosphere:
✔ Tapas & Wine Bars – Some of the best restaurants in Palma
✔ Cobblestone streets & historic buildings – A perfect area to wander
✔ Lively nightlife – Cocktail bars and live music spots 🎶

🏛 Palma Old Town – A Walk Through History

Palma’s Old Town is where you’ll find:
✔ Palma Cathedral & Bellver Castle – Must-see landmarks
✔ Traditional Mallorcan patios – Beautiful courtyards hidden behind historic facades
✔ Luxury shopping & boutique hotels

🔗 Read More: Guide to Palma’s Historical Sites

🌊 Portixol – Seaside Strolls & Beachfront Dining

A former fishing village turned trendy hotspot, Portixol is ideal for:
✔ Seaside dining & cafés – Perfect for a relaxed afternoon
✔ Beach walks & cycling – A scenic coastal path to Palma’s beaches
✔ Chic boutique hotels – A great place to stay by the sea

🔗 Read More: Discover Portixol – Palma’s Seaside Escape

🏡 Pere Garau – Palma’s Authentic Local Neighborhood

For a taste of the real Palma, visit Pere Garau:
✔ Palma’s most authentic market – A hidden gem for fresh produce & street food
✔ Cultural diversity – A mix of Mallorcan, Asian, and Latin American influences
✔ Budget-friendly tapas bars – A great place to eat like a local

🔗 Read More: Pere Garau – Palma’s Local Heartbeat

💎 Son Vida – Palma’s Most Exclusive Area

For luxury and breathtaking views, Son Vida is unmatched:
✔ High-end villas & golf courses – Home to some of Mallorca’s wealthiest residents
✔ Luxury hotels & Michelin-star dining
✔ Panoramic views over Palma

✨ Want to Explore More?

Check out our full Palma Neighborhood Guide to dive deeper into the city’s best areas, from hidden gems to must-visit hotspots.

Food & Drinks in May – A Seasonal Delight

Palma de mallorca in May - Food and drink in may Palma

May is a fantastic month for food lovers in Palma de Mallorca. As spring turns to early summer, the island’s markets and restaurants are filled with fresh seasonal produce, and local chefs take full advantage of the bounty. Whether you’re enjoying a meal at a seaside restaurant, exploring a bustling market, or sipping wine at a rooftop bar, May is a perfect time to indulge in Mallorca’s culinary delights.

🌿 What’s in Season in May?

May brings vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients to Mallorca’s kitchens, making it one of the best times to explore local cuisine. Seasonal highlights include:
✔ Fresh strawberries & cherries – Perfectly sweet and found in local markets.
✔ Asparagus & artichokes – Popular in Mediterranean dishes and served in fresh spring salads.
✔ Local seafood – Squid, sardines, and red prawns are at their best.
✔ New-season almonds & figs – Mallorcan almonds are a staple of the island’s culinary scene.

🍷 Where to Eat in Palma in May?

Palma’s dining scene in May is lively, with many restaurants incorporating seasonal ingredients into their menus. Here are some top recommendations for an authentic Mallorcan dining experience:

📍 Mercat 1930 – A Gastronomic Market Experience

Located along Palma’s Paseo Marítimo, Mercat 1930 is a modern take on the classic food market. It offers a selection of gourmet food stalls where you can sample seasonal seafood, tapas, and local delicacies.

✔ Must-Try in May: Squid a la plancha with fresh aioli and local asparagus salad.
✔ Why Visit? Perfect for foodies who love variety and sharing plates.

🔗 Read More: Best Tapas Restaurants in Palma

📍 Santa Catalina Market – The Heart of Palma’s Food Scene

Santa Catalina is Palma’s busiest and most vibrant food market, packed with fresh produce, seafood stalls, and gourmet delis. It’s a great place to pick up picnic supplies or enjoy a quick bite from one of the many tapas bars inside.

✔ Must-Try in May: Fresh seafood platters featuring seasonal sardines and squid.
✔ Why Visit? A true taste of Mallorca’s food culture in a lively setting.

Traditional Mallorcan Dishes to Try in May

Mallorca has a rich culinary heritage, and visiting in May means you’ll get to enjoy some of the best traditional dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Here are some must-try specialties:

🥘 Tumbet – A Vegetarian Mallorcan Classic

Tumbet is Mallorca’s answer to ratatouille—a layered dish of fried eggplant, zucchini, potatoes, and rich tomato sauce, often served with grilled fish or as a side dish.

✔ Where to Try: Many family-run restaurants, including Celler Sa Premsa and Ca’n Joan de s’Aigo.
🔗 Read More: Family-Owned Restaurants in Palma – A Taste of Tradition

🍖 Frito Mallorquín – A Hearty Dish with a Rustic Touch

A traditional farm-style dish, Frito Mallorquín is made with seasonal vegetables, potatoes, and offal (lamb or pork), all fried together with garlic, bay leaves, and olive oil. A true local delicacy!

✔ Where to Try: Celler Sa Premsa and local tapas bars in Pere Garau.
🔗 Read More: Where to Find the Best Tapas in Palma

🥐 Ensaimada – Mallorca’s Iconic Pastry

No visit to Mallorca is complete without trying Ensaimada, the island’s famous spiral-shaped pastry, often dusted with powdered sugar or filled with cream, chocolate, or pumpkin sweet filling (cabello de ángel).

✔ Where to Try: Ca’n Joan de s’Aigo, Palma’s oldest café, which has been making ensaimadas since the 1700s.
🔗 Read More: Best Breakfast & Brunch in Palma

Pairing Your Meal with Local Wine

Mallorca is home to some fantastic wineries that produce high-quality local wines, perfect for pairing with traditional dishes.

🍇 Best Local Wines to Try in May:
✔ White: Prensal Blanc – Crisp, citrusy, and perfect for seafood.
✔ Rosé: Mantonegro Rosé – A refreshing choice for warm evenings.
✔ Red: Callet – A light, fruity red that pairs beautifully with tapas.

🔗 Read More: The Best Wineries in Mallorca for Wine Tasting

💬 Insider Tips & Local Insights

🌞 “May is my favorite month in Palma—warm but not too hot, fewer crowds, and everything feels fresh and vibrant.” – Ana, Local Tour Guide

🌊 Best Beach in May: Cala Major & Illetas – The perfect spots for early summer sunbathing without the peak-season crowds.

🛍️ Shopping Tip: Stroll through Palma’s local markets for seasonal fruits, handcrafted ceramics, and artisan souvenirs—a true taste of Mallorca!

📌 FAQs & Practical Advice

Q: Is May a good month to visit Palma?
A: Yes! Pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and plenty of events make it ideal.

Q: Can you swim in the sea in May?
A: Yes, the water (19–20°C) is refreshing, but very enjoyable.

Q: Is Palma busy during May?
A: It’s moderately busy, with festivals bringing visitors but still quieter than July/August.

Q: Do I need a jacket in May?
A: A light jacket or sweater is recommended for evenings.

🌞 Palma in May – Summary

Category	Details
🌡 Weather	Warm & sunny (22–25°C daytime, 14–16°C nighttime)
🌊 Sea Temperature	19–20°C – Refreshing but swimmable
☀️ Sunshine Hours	10 hours per day
🌦 Rainfall	Low (3–4 days of brief showers)
🎉 Events & Festivals	Es Firó Pirate Festival, Wine Days Mallorca, Palma Beer Festival
🚶 Top Activities	Cycling, hiking, boat trips, exploring Palma’s neighborhoods
🏖 Best Beaches	Cala Major & Illetas – Tranquil before peak summer
🍽 Food Highlights	Fresh seafood, strawberries, asparagus, Mallorcan specialties like Tumbet & Frito Mallorquín
🍷 Best Local Wines	Prensal Blanc (white), Mantonegro Rosé, Callet (red)

🔗 Explore Further with Our Guides

Best Beaches near Palma
Tapas Restaurants in Palma
Neighborhood Guides
Car Rentals & Road Trips – Discover Mallorca at your pace!

🚀 Start Planning Your Trip to Palma in May!

May in Palma blends cultural festivities, outdoor adventures, and sunny beach days, all without the peak summer crowds. Use our guides and tips to make the most out of your May visit to Palma de Mallorca.

📩 Stay Updated: Subscribe to our newsletter for monthly insights, tips, and exclusive Mallorca content.

What’s your favorite thing to do in Palma in May? Let us know in the comments! 🌺

Note: Event dates are subject to change. Always verify with official sources before planning your visit.