What May feels like in Buenos Aires
Late autumn arrives in Buenos Aires with May (Buenos Aires is in the southern hemisphere, so the seasons run opposite to Europe and North America). Expect cool, jacket-on afternoons — comfortable for a long walk. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights are cool and the temperature hardly changes after dark. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Buenos Aires in May
Rain turns up now and then — about one day in 5. When rain comes it is heavy, about 12.3 mm (0.5 in) per wet day, often in short, strong bursts. The yearly figure is similar, around 11.5 mm per wet day.
Daylight and sunshine in May
In mid-May, sunrise is at about 7:39 am and sunset at about 6:00 pm (local time) — 10 h 21 min of daylight. Compared with mid-April, the day has lost 54 min. Measured sunshine covers about 75% of the daylight — there are plenty of bright spells.
How May compares to the rest of the year
May is the 4th coolest month of the year in Buenos Aires. Compared with April, afternoons are 4°C (7.2°F) cooler, with 18 mm less rain. June is cooler again. The next month's average high: 14.4°C (57.9°F).
Who May suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — comfortable enough to explore on foot all day.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — pleasant for gardens, parks and riversides.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
Tips for visiting Buenos Aires in May
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Light Jacket
A light jacket or knit layer is enough for most of the day.
Sunglasses
Frequent sunshine — sunglasses and a light hat.
Quick questions
How warm is Buenos Aires in May?
Expect around 17.3°C (63.1°F) in the afternoon and 11.3°C (52.3°F) at night, which most visitors would call cool.
Does it rain a lot in Buenos Aires in May?
Only moderately: roughly 6 wet days and 74 mm, usually moderate rain.
What should I wear in Buenos Aires in May?
The numbers point to rain protection, a light jacket and sunglasses. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is May or June better for visiting Buenos Aires?
May, narrowly: it ranks #6 of 12 among Buenos Aires's months, against #7 for the other. June is cooler.