The month in detail
What to expect in May
Autumn in Uruguay is often underrated: 17°C, golden light and declining crowds. An interesting window. Rain risk remains low (19% of days), leaving good room for outdoor activities. Not the best window, but acceptable if dates are constrained. January (8.7/10) is significantly better if possible.
May ranks 8 out of 12 months in Uruguay. Compared to April: −4°C daytime, −0.5h of sun per day.
This month's conditions
What it's like in May
UV index
3 · moderate
protect during midday hours
Feels like
comfortable
11°
Sea
14°C
cold, for the brave
Daylight
10.2h of daylight
Air quality
excellent
AQI 18
Compare
Is May the right month?
The best month in Uruguay is January (8.7/10), 1.4 pt higher than May.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Uruguay
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
See ↓
Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · Uruguay
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a beach holiday.
Country · Uruguay
🗣️LanguageSpanish
💶CurrencyPeso uruguayen ($)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘModerate · 3/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeTemperate oceanic
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthJanuary · 26°C
❄️Coolest monthJuly · 13°C
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘApril · 23%
🏖️ Beach holiday
📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept
🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) ⓘModérée
Explore
Other destinations in May
If May doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Location
Where is Uruguay ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
UruguayTemperate oceanic climate with a 8.7 → 4.3 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
34.91°S · 56.19°W
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Uruguay?
January is the best month with 26.0°C highs, 20.0°C lows, 8.9h of sunshine and 19.0% rainy days. The months of January & February offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does Uruguay get in January?
Uruguay averages 8.9 sunshine hours per day in January. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 8.2/10.
What is the rainiest month in Uruguay?
June is the most unfavourable month with June has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Uruguay in January?
In January, overnight lows reach 20.0°C, while afternoon highs average 26.0°C.
Is Uruguay good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Uruguay scores 8.1/10 on average — Decent period conditions for cultural visits.. The best month overall remains January with a score of 8.2/10.
When should you avoid Uruguay?
June is the most difficult month to visit Uruguay, with June has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in Uruguay in May?
In May, the sea averages 14°C in Uruguay: cold, for the brave. Best left to hardened swimmers or those with a wetsuit.
Do you need sun protection in Uruguay in May?
The average UV index reaches 3 in May in Uruguay (moderate), with about 10.2h of daylight. Protect during midday hours.