Weather lowdown
Murcia is one of the smallest but most beautiful regions of Spain. Located in the south east, it boasts Blue Flag beaches, lush mountainous countryside and a historic cathedral city which attracts visitors all year round. Summer is just around the corner in May and beachgoers will be glad to hear this! As the weather warms up and days get sunnier, sun worshippers can hit the beach and catch some rays.
The average temperature in May is a wonderful 20°C which is perfect holiday weather. Temperatures can get hotter at this time of the year though, with an average high of around 25°C. Lows can drop to 14°C but this mainly occurs on an evening and is still pleasant. Temperatures in towns and resorts closer to the coast can feel less warm than the inner areas of Murcia as a result of the sea breeze which cools things down.
May also means that the waters of the Mediterranean Sea are finally warming up after winter. Compared to April's 17°C, the average sea temperature around the Costa Cálida in May is 19°C which is generally considered warm enough for swimming in.
The amount of sunshine in May increases dramatically with 8 sunny hours every day, providing the perfect weather for exploring Murcia. There's only a 13% chance of clouds in May too, so visitors can enjoy clear, blue skies.
There's still a slight chance of rain in May, but it shouldn't have too much effect on your holiday. The month sees around 20mm of precipitation spread over 7 days that's just a 16% chance of rain each day. You may want to pack an umbrella, just in case though.
The weather in May, as many other months in Murcia, can be quite variable, but on a whole it is usually mild and pretty. The end of the month gets much warmer and drier as summer arrives.
Take a look at the 14 day weather forcast for Murcia
Where to stay
As May is still outside of the peak travel season, there are some great deals to be has when booking accommodation.
If you're travelling to the city of Murcia, you'll want a central hotel with easy access to all of the sights. The Hotel Silken Siete Coronas is located in the heart of Murcia on the banks of the River Segura and just 5 minutes' walk from the famous cathedral. The hotel offers stylish four star accommodation with air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi and a café bar.
For a seaside break, Murcia has an array of great places to stay on the Costa Cálida. Three star Hotel Cristina is located in the resort of Los Alcázares, just a few streets back from the beach and the warm, shallow waters of the Mar Menor. Guests who choose to stay here can enjoy facilities such as bike rental, a bar and an outdoor terrace. Murcia's San Javier Airport is conveniently situated just 3.7 miles from Hotel Cristina for a quick and easy transfer.
Hit the beach
Murcia is known for its amazing Blue Flag beaches which are some of the cleanest in the whole country. One of the most popular areas of Murcia for beach goers is the resort of La Manga. Interestingly, this resort has a unique feature; it is built on a narrow strip of land in the Mediterranean Sea which actually has a beach on each side, boasting twice as much sand space. This means that tourists can enjoy miles of beach without being crammed in with other holiday makers. La Manga overlooks Europe's largest natural lagoon, the Mar Menor on one side and the Mediterranean Sea on the other, making it a haven for water sports enthusiasts.
Eating and drinking
The Murcia region is associated with fresh produce from the Huerta fields and seafood from the Mediterranean Sea. Holiday makers can try a taste of traditional Spanish cuisine but there's a range of other foods on offer too.
In Puerto de Mazarrón, Palenque Argentinian Barbecue Restaurant offers something different from the norm. The restaurant specialises in high quality meat dishes and succulent steaks cooked over hot coals as well as pizzas and pasta dishes. Palenque has indoor seating and a covered outdoor terrace that's perfect for dining on warm May evenings.
Of course, the tradition of tapas is always a must-try when visiting Spain. Murcia city centre has a huge choice of authentic tapas bars such as El Jumillano. Located on a side street not far from the Rio Segura, this place is a hidden gem with a great value menu.
La Tienda de Susano is a popular bar in Murcia city that's always busy, but for good reason. The small but lively bar serves an array of drinks and tapas in a causal atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a spot of people watching from the outdoor terrace on the cathedral square. Stop here for a drink after dinner.
Things to do
The warmer sea temperatures in May open up a whole world of new activities in the area. Murcia's costal areas offer sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, kite boarding, power boating, and scuba diving to name a few. Aqua Adicta offer tailor-made activities on the Mar Menor. With tourist numbers still down, May is the perfect opportunity to experience these activities without the crowds.
May is when Murcia hosts the Three Cultures International Festival, which honours Christianity, Islam, and Judaism simultaneously. The festival features art, music and literature from all three cultures to promote understanding. During this festival, tourists can see natives of Murcia enjoying versatile activities such as Jewish songs and Arabic dancing. There also may be book readings and cooking demonstrations of all three cultures.
Visitors who want to experience a real Spanish activity can visit Murcia city's traditional bullring. The Plaza de Toro is a historic building dating back to 1885 and is still used for bull fighting today.
