Recife Weather in May
May in Recife brings high temperatures, with daytime highs of 30°C (86°F) and nights around 24°C (75°F). Quite a bit of rainfall is expected, around 146 mm (5.7 in), so pack an umbrella.
Rainfall in Recife in May
Historically, May sees about 29 days of rain, with a monthly average of 146 mm (5.7 in). This month brings frequent, heavy showers. Both the number of wet days and the rainfall totals are on the high side.
Temperature in Recife in May
Expect highs of 30°C (86°F) in Recife in May, with nights dropping to around 24°C (75°F). Conditions stay fairly consistent through the month, making it easier to plan what to wear. Nights stay warm at around 24°C (75°F), so light bedding and good ventilation are worth thinking about.
Sunshine in Recife in May
You can expect a moderate amount of sunlight, with approximately 187 hours. This means a pleasant mix of sun and overcast.
Wind Speed in Recife in May
Average wind conditions reach 2 m/s (4 knots) in May. This creates comfortable weather with light winds that gently move vegetation. Keep in mind this is an average. Daily conditions range from near-calm to more noticeable wind.
Average water temperature in May
With water at 28°C (82°F), you can expect warm, pleasant conditions for any water activity. There's no adjustment period — it feels comfortable straight away.May in Recife has its charm, but if you're looking for destinations with pleasant temperatures and sunny skies, our weather planner can help you explore other options in the world.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Brazil, check out our Recife's climate page.
Recife Temperature in May
Min Temperature
24°C (75°F)
Max Temperature
30°C (86°F)
Water Temperature
28°C (82°F)
Chance of Rain
97%
Precipitation
146 mm (5.7 in)
Rainy days
29 days
Humidity
85%
Windspeed
2 m/s (4 knots)
Sunshine
187 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Recife typically stay consistent throughout May, with daily highs averaging around 30°C (86°F). Nights are warm, with lows around 24°C (75°F).
Average temperatures in May
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in May
Historical weather for Recife in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Recife spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Recife historical weather extremes in May
According to our 27 years of weather records for Recife, the following extremes were recorded between 1999 and 2026.
- On May 20, 2022, temperatures climbed to 36°C (97°F), marking the warmest May day on record.
- The lowest daytime temperature in May was 24°C (75°F), recorded on May 25, 2022.
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to 20°C (68°F) on May 23, 2021, marking the coldest May night on record.
Best Places in Brazil in May
Find out more about the weather in Brazil and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Brazil in May →
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What to Wear in Recife in May
Warm temperatures in May make for comfortable sightseeing weather. Pack breathable fabrics like cotton shirts, knee-length shorts or skirts, and comfortable walking shoes. A thin long sleeve for indoor spaces is handy. Prepare for significant rainfall with proper waterproof clothing and shoes. Expect water temperatures of around 28°C (82°F), which is ideal for taking a refreshing dip. Bring swimwear and consider packing a towel for drying off. Sunglasses could come in handy during the sunnier parts of your trip.What To Do in Recife in May
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Brazil, check out our Recife's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp
See the full Recife climate overview or explore weather in Brazil.
