Clearwater in May: Weather, Travel Tips & More for 2024
LOOKING INTO VISITING CLEARWATER IN MAY?
You’ve come to the right place! We have spent months living in Florida, and Clearwater is one of our favorite destinations in the state. May is one of the best months to visit Clearwater in the United States if you don’t mind sharing the beach with a few other people.
The weather is beautiful this time of year, but you will just beat the high temperatures and intense humidity as well as the rainier days that are prevalent in the summer.
Clearwater Weather in May
During the month of May, the weather in Clearwater continues to warm up from the cooler winter temperatures. The weather this time of year is great because the rain is minimal, and the temperatures aren’t too hot to enjoy the fun outdoor activities in the area.
It isn’t the hottest month, but the weather is still nice, making it easy to argue that May may be the best month to visit. It is also the last month before the summer rain begins.
Most people are comfortable with T-shirts. With overnight lows around 73°F, you should not need much of a jacket.
High and Low Temperatures in Clearwater in May
During the month of May, you can expect the average temperature in Clearwater to be 82° Fahrenheit.
Overnight, the average minimum temperature in Clearwater drops to between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Average high temperature in Clearwater in May: 82° Fahrenheit
- Average low temperature in Clearwater in May: 73° Fahrenheit
- What are the hottest months in Clearwater? July and August at 87° Fahrenheit
- What are the coldest months in Clearwater? January at 65° Fahrenheit
Clearwater Beach Water Temperature
The average sea temperature in Clearwater is 78° Fahrenheit. The range for water temperature is a low of 73° Fahrenheit and a high of 83° Fahrenheit.
You can read more about the water temperature in our Clearwater Beach Water Temp Guide.
Can We Swim in Clearwater in May?
You can swim in Clearwater in May. Averaging at about 78°F, you should not have any problems being comfortable swimming in the ocean. If it is a sunny day with little wind, you will have a great time at the beach.
Don’t forget to pack a beach tote full of sand toys and games to play on the beach, too!
Rain
April and continuing on into May is a great time to visit in terms of rainfall and warm weather. The temperatures are warm during the day, but you will miss the heavier rainfall that is prevalent during the summer months.
During May, you can expect about 0.91″ of rainfall with not very many days of rain.
How Cloudy is Clearwater in May?
You can expect about 20% cloud cover in the city of Clearwater in May. May is the month with the last cloudy days compared to the rest of the year. In December and January, there is 30% cloud cover.
When are Sunrise and Sunset in May?
Sunrise in May starts at 6:51 am in the first part of the month. As the month goes by, sunrise gradually will get earlier. By May 15th, sunrise is at 6:41 am, and by the end of the month, sunrise is at 6:35 am.
Sunset at the beginning of May is at 8:10 pm. By the end of the month, you can expect sunset at 8:22 pm.
What to Wear in May
The weather in May is very pleasant during the day. You can expect lots of hours of sunshine so you can enjoy the beach in a T-shirt. It is a good idea to bring a light jacket to wear at night if you tend to get chilly or if the beach winds are a bit stronger.
Overall, you should expect great weather with highs in the low 80s.
With temperatures in the 80s, you will want to bring proper sun protection like a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and shades for the beach.
Events in Clearwater in May
Throughout the month of May, there are lots of fun things to do in the area. If you’re wondering what to do in Clearwater, Florida in May, most of these events are occurring throughout the month so keep an eye on schedules to see if any of the events line up during your visit to the Gulf of Mexico.
Sunsets at Pier 60 Daily Festival
This is a really fun and lively event that everyone will enjoy going to. Sunsets at Pier 60 is held daily at Pier 60 starting two hours before sunset. The party continues for two hours after sunset. Clearwater in August is another great time to visit Pier 60, as many kids are back to school, and the pier isn’t as busy.
At the festival, you will find all sorts of street performers and artisans, as well as a lively crowd. We stumbled upon the festival during our first trip to Clearwater Beach and had a great time there. It is a great way to end your day, all while taking in the beautiful sunsets at Pier 60.
Events at the Ruth Eckerd Hall
The Ruth Eckerd Hall is a great center for the performing arts, with lots of shows going on in April. The performances held each night are varied, so be sure to check their schedule ahead of your visit. It is advised to get your tickets ahead of time.
You can see their schedule here.
Sporting Events
An activity that everyone will love in May is a baseball game. You can check out the Philadelphia Phillies Spring Training in Clearwater Beach. Their spring schedule in Clearwater is usually pretty busy, so odds are you’ll find a game you can attend. You can see their schedule here.
The Tampa Bay Rays also usually start their home schedule at the beginning of May. If you plan on going into Tampa for the day, you can add on a visit to Ray’s stadium.
During the month of May, there are lots of great farmers’ markets around town. The Clearwater Market Marie is an outdoor market at the intersection of Court and Myrtle. It is usually held on the second Saturday of the month.
You can also check out the Clearwater Hispanic Farmers Market, Safety Harbor’s Market on Main, and Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market for some delicious food.
Other Fun Things to Do in Clearwater
Along with spending time at the beach at Pier 60, there are lots of other fun beaches to go to, like Honeymoon Island State Park and Caladesi Island. The warm daytime temperatures make it really nice to spend time at the sandy white beaches there.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a working marine hospital that works to rehabilitate and rescue marine animals. It is home to many dolphins, which my kids love seeing. There are also a few other exhibits you can enjoy there.
If your family loves dolphins as much as we do, this is a great opportunity to get up close to these beautiful animals. This is one of our favorite things to do in Clearwater with kids.
Dolphin Boat Tour
Another really fun activity to enjoy in Clearwater is a dolphin adventure. We did this during our last visit to the Gulf Coast and had a great time. We got to see so many dolphins, and it was so fun to be out on the water. The views of the city were beautiful!
Our youngest was learning all sorts of new words when we went on our last dolphin tour, and it was so fun to hear her scream “dolphin” every time she saw one.
Explore Tarpon Springs
Tarpon Springs is a very charming and cute Greek city about 30 minutes north of Clearwater. The sponge docks are a fun area to window-shop, and there are some delicious restaurants there. We had a lot of fun exploring this part of town and seeing all of the amazing sponges that come out of the ocean.
Be sure to stop by some of the Greek bakeries for some delicious treats. There are some nice benches down by the water where you can enjoy your treats!
Clearwater Sunset Sailing Cruise
Another great way to enjoy time on the water in Clearwater is on a sunset sailing cruise. There are many different Clearwater sunset cruises to choose from. We love spending time on the water and at the beach at sunset. There is something magical about watching the sun dip below the horizon when you’re near the water.
It is so beautiful and a perfect way to end your day. Kids under five are not allowed on this tour.
➡ BOOK Clearwater Sunset Sailing Cruise
Kayaking
If you’re looking for a more active and adventurous thing to do in the area, kayaking in a clear bottom vessel is a lot of fun. It’s an amazing way to experience the sights and wildlife of Clearwater.
As you explore on this guided experience on the water, you’re likely to see dolphins and manatees! We got to see quite a few manatees in the Florida springs during our last visit to Florida, and it is so cool to get to see them in their natural habitats.
Along with plenty of cool things to see, your knowledgeable guide will share all sorts of information about Clearwater’s local history and wildlife.
Johns Pass Boardwalk in Madeira Beach
Another fun area to do some window shopping and exploring is the Johns Pass Boardwalk. There are lots of great shops as well as restaurants. This old fishing village is a great place to spend the day near St. Pete’s.
This is a great place to spend the afternoon on the water and mix in some shopping and dining.
Best Time of Year to Visit Clearwater
The best time of year to visit Clearwater will depend on what you are looking for on your vacation. Each season has its pros and cons. The winter months have more visitors but dryer weather conditions.
Clearwater, Florida weather in April and other earlier winter months also has milder temperatures, so you can easily enjoy the outdoors without the humidity and the heat.
If you are looking for fewer tourists and less expensive rates, you should visit between July and September. However, the weather is hotter and more humid. It is also the Atlantic Hurricane Season.
Where to Stay in Clearwater in May
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa
⭐️ Rating 9/10 | 📍 Location: 301 S Gulfview Blvd in Clearwater Beach | 🏩 View on Expedia.com
The Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa is a beautiful property close to the beach and one of the best family resorts in Clearwater. On the property, you will find a poolside bar, a coffee shop, as well as the amazing Sandava Spa. It’s so convenient, too, just a short walk from all the amenities in downtown Clearwater.
Shor American Seafood Grill is one of the hotel’s two onsite restaurants. You won’t regret getting up early to visit this spot because it’s one of the best places in Clearwater Beach for breakfast!
The location is ideal. Everything you need is within walking distance. There is a small market next to the property, so you can stock the kitchen. The fitness center is well-maintained and spacious.
– Martha (Read more Reviews)
There is also a great outdoor pool area with a kid’s area, waterslide, cabanas, and sun loungers. You can also take advantage of the local shuttle as well as water sports equipment. This is a great hotel with a convenient location, making it easy to enjoy all of the fun things to do in Clearwater.
➡ Check Rates & Availability at Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort
Barefoot Bay Resort and Marina
⭐️ Rating 9.2/10 | 📍 Location: 401 East Shore Drive in Clearwater Beach | 🏩 View on Expedia.com
If you’re looking for something a little less expensive but still with great amenities and positive reviews, check out Barefoot Bay Resort and Marina. On-site, they have free self-parking, BBQ grills, and an outdoor pool. There is also a terrace and picnic area.
Simple check in, staff was very accommodating, view was awesome and even has a dock that over looks the water
-Tarryce (read more Reviews)
It is a four-minute walk from Pier 60 as well as the beach walk.
➡ Check Rates & Book: Barefoot Bay Resort & Marina
AC Hotel Clearwater Beach
⭐️ Rating 9.2/10 | 📍 Location: 395 Coronado Drive in Clearwater Beach | 🏩 View on Expedia.com
AC Hotel Clearwater Beach is a beautiful hotel with an amazing pool with ocean views. There is onsite laundry, a restaurant, a convenience store, and a gym. There is also a nice rooftop terrace, perfect for relaxing after a day of fun in Clearwater.
Check in was super easy – the valet was quick and nice -the rooms are new and very clean. Rain shower heads in the bathrooms. Great hotel for a nice price. Rooftop bar and lobby bar. Great little raised pool
– Stephanie (read more Reviews)
Clearwater Beach, the Beach Walk, and Pier 60 are all within a six-minute walk. This makes it easy to explore the fun things to do in the area, even if you don’t have a car.
➡ Check Rates & Book: AC Hotel Clearwater Beach
This area also has an impressive selection of fun Clearwater motels, if none of the above options fit exactly what you’re looking for.
FAQ: Clearwater in May
May is a great time to visit Clearwater. The cooler winter temperatures are gone, so you can easily enjoy all of the fun outdoor activities in the area. The water temperature is also warmer, making it more comfortable to swim in the ocean compared to the earlier winter months.
You can swim in Clearwater in May. The average water temperature is 78° Fahrenheit but ranges from 73° F to 83° F. This is warm enough to enjoy swimming in the ocean for most people.
Most people will find this warm enough for swimming. However, it does range based on your preferred water temperature for swimming. We visited this area in February and had no problem swimming in the ocean.
Temperatures in May are continuing to heat up. You will find beautiful sunny days with temperatures in the low 80s. Most people will be comfortable in a T-shirt and can enjoy fun days at the beach.
May is a great time to visit Clearwater Beach. The beach temp in May is perfect, as is the water temperature. You can also get in a great visit before the summer rains start.
You can expect Clearwater Beach to be somewhat crowded this time of year. The busy season for this part of the Gulf Coast is from late February through early May. Towards the end of May, the busy season starts to die down as the summer rain and humidity increase.
If you’re looking to escape the crowded beaches in Clearwater, take the ferry to Caladesi Island, where you will find beautiful beaches and much smaller crowds.
Conclusion: Clearwater in May
We hope this guide has been helpful in understanding the Clearwater Beach weather in May and all of the fun things to do in the area. It is a great time to visit to take advantage of the warmer temperatures before the intense summer heat and high humidity levels hit.
