May, the last month of the spring in
Oranjestad, is also a hot month, with an average temperature ranging between min 26.5°C (79.7°F) and max 32°C (89.6°F).
The perfect water temperature of 27.6°C (81.7°F) with 16mm (0.63") of accumulated rainfall and only 2.2 rainfall days, makes May a great period for swimming and other water activities.
Temperature
In Oranjestad, the average high-temperature in May is essentially the same as in
April - a still hot 32°C (89.6°F). In Oranjestad, the average low-temperature is 26.5°C (79.7°F).
Heat index
The average heat index in May is computed to be a scorching 43°C (109.4°F).
Be wary: Heat exhaustion and heat cramps are highly anticipated. With continued activity, heatstroke is very likely.
Take into consideration that the heat index values are calculated for shade and light wind conditions. Exposure to direct sunshine can increase heat index values by up to 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees.
Note: The heat index, also known as 'real feel', 'felt air temperature', 'apparent temperature', or 'feels like', is a measure that combines air temperature and relative humidity into a single value that indicates how hot the weather feels. This effect is subjective, depending on the activity and individual's heat perception influenced by various reasons (clothing, metabolic differences, wind). Bear in mind that direct sunshine exposure increases weather impact, and may raise heat index by up to 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees. Heat index values are particularly important for children. Young children are generally more endangered than adults, as they usually less sweat. And also, due to larger skin surface relative to their small bodies and higher heat production as a result of their activity.
The human body normally cools itself by perspiration, as evaporated sweat carries heat away from the body. When the relative humidity is high, the evaporation rate is reduced. The warmth is removed from the body at a lower rate, causing the body to retain more heat than it would in dry air. If the body can not disperse the excessive heat and body temperature reaches conditions of hyperthermia, above 37.5°C (99.5°F) to 38.3°C (100.9°F), thermal conditions are potentially life-threatening.
Humidity
In May, the average relative humidity is 77.9%.
Rainfall
In May, in Oranjestad, the rain falls for 2.2 days. Throughout May, 16mm (0.63") of precipitation is accumulated. In Oranjestad, during the entire year, the rain falls for 64.6 days and collects up to 472mm (18.58") of precipitation.
Sea temperature
In Oranjestad, the average seawater temperature in May is 27.6°C (81.7°F).
Note: For any water activity, surface water temperatures between 25°C (77°F) and 29°C (84.2°F) are considered as excellent and extremely pleasant for lengthened periods.
Daylight
In May, the average length of the day in Oranjestad is 12h and 43min.
On the first day of May, sunrise is at 06:19 and sunset at 18:54. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 06:13 and sunset at 19:02 AST.
Sunshine
The average sunshine in May in Oranjestad is 4h.
UV index
The months with the highest UV index are
February through
September, with an average maximum UV index of 12. A UV Index estimate of 11, and higher, represents an excessive health risk from unprotected exposure to Sun's UV rays for ordinary individuals.
Note: The average daily UV index of 12 in May transform into the following instructions:
Take all necessary precautions, as unprotected skin can burn in minutes. Seek shade and minimize exposure to direct Sun in a period between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV radiation is most intense; keep in mind that shade structures like parasols or canopies do not provide perfect sun protection. Sun-protective clothing, a long-sleeved shirt and pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and UVA and UVB-blocking sunglasses are particularly helpful in blocking UV radiation's harmful effects. Even on cloudy days, a sunscreen with a minimum 30 sun protection factor should be generously applied and frequently re-applied, including after every swim or outdoor exercise. Beware! The strength of the UV rays is significantly increased by the reflection of the water and sand.