Things to Do in Uruguay in May

May Weather in Uruguay

25°C (77°F) High Temp

9°C (48°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect shoulder season timing - tourist crowds have thinned by 60% after Easter holidays but weather remains pleasant for outdoor activities
Autumn foliage transforms the countryside into spectacular colors, particularly around Colonia del Sacramento and wine regions within 2-3 hours of Montevideo
Wine harvest season brings exclusive bodega experiences and fresher vintages, with cellar door prices 20-30% lower than peak summer rates
Ideal whale watching conditions off Punta del Este - Southern Right whales migrate through coastal waters with 80% sighting success rates on calm days

Considerations

Unpredictable weather swings from 9°C to 25°C (48°F to 77°F) in single days require layered clothing and flexible indoor backup plans
Beach activities become limited - water temperature drops to 16°C (61°F) making swimming uncomfortable for most visitors
Shorter daylight hours mean outdoor activities must be planned between 8am-6pm, reducing flexibility for late afternoon excursions

Best Activities in May

Colonia del Sacramento UNESCO Walking Tours

May's mild temperatures make the cobblestone streets of this Portuguese colonial town perfect for extended walking. Autumn light creates ideal photography conditions, and the 15°C-20°C (59°F-68°F) afternoon temperatures mean comfortable exploration without summer's oppressive heat. Tourist numbers drop 40% from peak season, allowing better access to historic sites and restaurants.

Booking Tip: Book 3-5 days ahead through certified heritage guides. Tours typically cost UYU 1,500-2,500 per person. Look for operators offering indoor museum components as weather backup. See current options in booking section below.

Montevideo Cultural District Food Tours

Autumn brings seasonal specialties like fresh tannat wine harvest and traditional comfort foods perfect for May's cooler evenings. The 18°C-22°C (64°F-72°F) afternoon temperatures make market walking comfortable, and indoor parrillas provide cozy refuges during occasional rain showers. Local food festivals often coincide with harvest season.

Booking Tip: Evening tours work best in May's moderate temperatures. Book 7-10 days ahead, costs typically UYU 2,000-3,500 including tastings. Choose operators with covered market stops for rainy day alternatives. Current tour options available in booking widget below.

Punta del Este Whale Watching Expeditions

Southern Right whales pass through Uruguay's waters during May migration, with calm autumn seas providing optimal viewing conditions. Morning departures between 9am-11am offer best sighting opportunities when winds are typically under 15 km/h (9 mph). Water remains choppy but manageable for most visitors.

Booking Tip: Book 10-14 days ahead due to limited May departures. Tours cost UYU 3,000-4,500 and require minimum 4 passengers. Weather-dependent with high cancellation rates - choose operators offering rescheduling. Check booking section below for current availability.

Canelones Wine Region Harvest Experiences

May marks the end of harvest season, offering visitors hands-on picking experiences and fresh wine tastings unavailable other times of year. Cool mornings at 10°C-15°C (50°F-59°F) provide comfortable vineyard walking, while afternoon temperatures reach perfect levels for outdoor lunch pairings. Autumn colors enhance the pastoral scenery.

Booking Tip: Reserve 2-3 weeks ahead as harvest tours have limited availability. Full-day experiences cost UYU 2,500-4,000 including transport from Montevideo. Look for bodegas offering indoor tasting rooms for weather contingencies. See current wine tour options below.

Cabo Polonio Seal Colony Expeditions

May's moderate temperatures make the 4WD journey across sand dunes more comfortable than summer's heat. Seal colonies are most active during cooler months, and the lighthouse offers dramatic views without summer's harsh glare. Wind conditions average 20-25 km/h (12-15 mph) - manageable for outdoor activities.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Montevideo take 6-8 hours total travel time. Book 1-2 weeks ahead, costs UYU 3,500-5,000 including 4WD transport. Essential to choose tours with flexible timing due to May's variable weather. Current expedition options in booking section.

Salto Hot Springs Thermal Resort Visits

May's cooler air temperatures make thermal pools exceptionally appealing, with natural springs maintaining 38°C-42°C (100°F-108°F) year-round. The contrast between cool mornings and warm thermal waters creates ideal relaxation conditions. Indoor spa facilities provide perfect rainy day alternatives.

Booking Tip: Weekend reservations required 2-3 weeks ahead. Day passes cost UYU 1,800-2,800, overnight packages UYU 4,000-7,000. Choose resorts with both indoor and outdoor thermal options for weather flexibility. Check current thermal resort packages below.

May Events & Festivals

Early May

Tannat Wine Harvest Festival

Uruguay's signature grape variety reaches peak harvest in early May, with participating wineries offering harvest participation, grape stomping, and exclusive tastings of the season's first pressings. Multiple locations across Canelones and Montevideo regions.

Mid May

Montevideo Autumn Book Fair

Annual literary festival featuring Latin American authors, held in climate-controlled venues perfect for May's variable weather. Includes cultural performances, author readings, and artisan book markets in the Ciudad Vieja district.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system essential - pack t-shirts, long sleeves, and warm jacket for 16°C (29°F) daily temperature swings

Waterproof walking shoes with good grip for cobblestone streets in Colonia and Montevideo's old quarters, which become slippery when wet

Light rain jacket or compact umbrella - May's 10 rainy days typically bring short 30-45 minute downpours

Warm hat and light scarf for early morning whale watching tours when temperatures start at 9°C (48°F)

SPF 30+ sunscreen - May's UV index of 4 still requires protection, especially during midday outdoor activities

Comfortable walking shoes plus sandals - you'll walk 5-8 km (3-5 miles) daily on uneven colonial surfaces

Light sweater for evening dining - restaurants often have outdoor seating and temperatures drop to 12°C (54°F) after sunset

Quick-dry clothing for thermal springs visits - sudden weather changes make synthetic fabrics preferable to cotton

Portable phone charger - May's shorter daylight hours mean more navigation and translation app usage

Cash in small bills - many local experiences and markets don't accept cards, especially in smaller towns

Insider Knowledge

Locals call May 'el mes de los cambios' (month of changes) - always check morning weather before planning outdoor activities, as conditions shift rapidly throughout the day

Restaurant lunch hours extend later in May due to cooler temperatures - arrive after 1:30pm for better service and fresher daily specials when kitchens are fully operational

Book accommodations in coastal areas like Punta del Este for 40-50% less than summer rates, but confirm heating systems work - many beach hotels reduce services during shoulder season

Use the 'Climatización' bus routes in Montevideo during May - these heated buses run every 10 minutes and connect all major tourist areas when walking becomes uncomfortable

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only for warm weather based on summer travel advice - May mornings regularly hit 9°C (48°F) and visitors frequently need to buy emergency warm clothing

Booking beach-focused accommodations in Punta del Este expecting swimming weather - water temperature at 16°C (61°F) makes beach activities uncomfortable for most travelers

Planning tight outdoor itineraries without weather contingencies - May's variable conditions require flexible scheduling and indoor backup options for 60% of days