May weather forecast
Willemstad, Curaçao

May brings a noticeable shift in Willemstad weather as it moves towards the peak of the warm season. The month carries a constant warming trend with the highest temperature soaring to 31.6°C (88.9°F), demonstrating the city's shift towards its summer months. While the rainfall amount is almost identical to April, the sea temperature gradually starts increasing, offering an excellent opportunity for diving and other water activities. Despite the rise in temperature, the relative humidity remains constant, preventing the weather from being uncomfortable. Overall, May marks the beginning of the warm season in Willemstad with increasing sea temperature and daylight hours.

Temperature

Willemstad records an average high-temperature of a still tropical 31.6°C (88.9°F) in May, closely mirroring the climate of the previous month. During May, Willemstad records an average temperature of 26.3°C (79.3°F) at night.

Heat index

May's mean heat index is evaluated at a scorching 42°C (107.6°F). Ensure additional precautions, heat exhaustion and heat cramps may be expected. Heatstroke could occur from sustained activity.
Metrics for the heat index primarily focus on shaded spots and light wind conditions. Exposure to the direct sun could elevate the heat index by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees.
Note: The heat index, also known as 'felt air temperature' or 'real feel', quantifies the warmth felt when relative humidity is considered. The effect of weather is individual, with a variety of people experiencing it differently due to distinctions in body mass, height, and level of activity. Under direct sun rays, the felt temperature might be heightened, with the heat index increasing by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees. Heat index values are particularly relevant to babies and toddlers. In general, younger individuals are at greater risk than adults because they tend to sweat less. Also, having a larger skin surface to body size ratio and greater heat production due to their active behavior contribute to this danger.
To cool down, the human body relies on perspiration, a process where excessive heat is eliminated as sweat evaporates. In the presence of abundant moisture in the atmosphere, the cooling process through evaporation is hindered, causing the body to feel excessively warm. Inadequate heat shedding in the face of rising body temperatures hints at potential dehydration risks.

Humidity

The average relative humidity in May in Willemstad is 77.2%.

Rainfall

In Willemstad, in May, it is raining for 2 days, with typically 20mm (0.79") of accumulated precipitation. Throughout the year, there are 69.4 rainfall days, and 553mm (21.77") of precipitation is accumulated.

Sea temperature

In Willemstad, the average seawater temperature in May is 27°C (80.6°F).
Note: Water temperatures ranging between 25°C (77°F) and 29°C (84.2°F) are regarded as very warm, making swimming, diving, and similar water activities pleasurable for extended periods.

Daylight

In May, the average length of the day in Willemstad, Curaçao, is 12h and 41min.
On the first day of May, sunrise is at 06:15 and sunset at 18:49. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 06:09 and sunset at 18:57 AST.

Sunshine

In May, the average sunshine in Willemstad is 8.3h.

UV index

February through September, with an average maximum UV index of 12, are months with the highest UV index. A UV Index estimate of 11, and higher, represents an excessive health risk from exposure to the Sun's UV radiation for ordinary individuals.
Note: An average UV index of 12 in May transforms into this advice:
Practice every essential safety step. People with fair skin could receive burns in fewer than 5 minutes. Avoid exposure to the Sun and try to stay in the shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV radiation is most potent, but be aware that parasols or canopies may not offer full protection. Sunglasses providing both UVA and UVB protection are non-negotiable on sunlit days. Apply and frequently reapply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen after every two hours, or immediately after a swim or outdoor exercise. Warning! Reflective surfaces like sand and water amplify the Sun's UV radiation.