Things to do in Veracruz in May

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Overview

May is a good time to visit Veracruz. The weather is usually hot with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 77—90°F (25—32°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Veracruz during this time. Some of our top recommendations: visit the Museo de la Ciudad de Veracruz, sample the local seafood at the Veracruz fish market, explore the San Juan de Ulúa fortress, and more!

Veracruz has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your May trip to Veracruz. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to May. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Veracruz in May. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout May, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Veracruz in May

Top experiences in May
Visit the Museo de la Ciudad de Veracruz
This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of the city of Veracruz and is housed in a beautiful colonial-era building. The museum's exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including the city's role in the Spanish conquest of Mexico, its history as a major port, and its cultural traditions. Visiting in May allows you to learn about the city's past and present in a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere than during the peak tourist season.
Sample the local seafood at the Veracruz fish market
May is a great time to visit the market, as it's when the local fishermen bring in their catches of shrimp, snapper, and other fresh seafood. You can wander through the stalls, admiring the colorful displays of fish and shellfish, and then enjoy a delicious meal at one of the market's many seafood restaurants. It's a great way to experience the vibrant culinary scene of Veracruz and taste some of the freshest seafood you'll ever find.
Explore the San Juan de Ulúa fortress
This historic fortress and former prison is located on an island just off the coast of Veracruz and is a fascinating place to visit. The fortress has a long and storied history, having been used by the Spanish, the Mexican government, and even as a pirate stronghold. Visiting in May allows you to explore the fortress without the crowds that often come during the peak tourist season, giving you a more peaceful and immersive experience.
Take a boat tour of the Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve
This lush and diverse natural area is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, including monkeys, jaguars, and a wide variety of bird species. A boat tour allows you to explore the reserve's mangrove swamps, rivers, and coastal lagoons, and provides opportunities for wildlife spotting and birdwatching. May is a great time to visit, as the weather is warm and the reserve is less crowded than during the peak tourist season.
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Take a guided tour of the coffee plantations in the mountains of Veracruz
The state of Veracruz is known for its high-quality coffee, and May is a great time to visit the plantations and learn about the process of growing and harvesting coffee. A guided tour allows you to see the lush mountain landscapes, meet the local farmers, and taste some of the best coffee in Mexico. It's a unique and educational experience that gives you a deeper appreciation for the art and science of coffee production.
Explore the El Tajín archaeological site
This ancient city was once the capital of the Totonac civilization and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The site is known for its impressive pyramids, ball courts, and other structures, as well as its intricate stone carvings and sculptures. Visiting in May allows you to experience the site without the crowds that often come during peak tourist season, giving you a more peaceful and intimate experience.
Take a day trip to the town of Tlacotalpan
This charming colonial town is known for its well-preserved architecture, colorful buildings, and lively cultural scene. In May, the town hosts the Festival de la Candelaria, a religious celebration that includes processions, music, dance, and other traditional activities. It's a great opportunity to experience the local culture and traditions of Veracruz in a beautiful and historic setting.
Attend the Feria del Café y la Orquídea in Coatepec
This annual event takes place in May and is a celebration of the region's coffee and orchid production. The festival features live music, dance performances, art exhibits, and a market selling local coffee and orchid products. It's a great opportunity to learn about the agricultural traditions of the region and enjoy the lively and colorful atmosphere of the festival.
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Holidays in Veracruz in May
May
  • Labor Day / May Day (May 1)
  • Cinco de Mayo (May 5)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Veracruz in May

Temperatures on an average day in Veracruz in May

The average temperature in Veracruz in May for a typical day ranges from a high of 90°F (32°C) to a low of 77°F (25°C). Some would describe it as hot with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Veracruz, May, has days with highs of 90°F (32°C) and lows of 77°F (25°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 76°F (24°C) and lows of 66°F (19°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Veracruz in May based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in May
90°F
highs
77°F
lows

General weather summary

Hot with a gentle breeze
Feels like
12%
Chance of rain
0.055 in
Amount
11.4 mph
Wind speed
72%
Humidity
13.0 hrs
Daylight length
6:49 AM
Sunrise
7:51 PM
Sunset
55%
Cloud cover
Sleeveless shirt
What to wear
What to wear in May
With an average high of 90°F (32°C) and a low of 77°F (25°C), it generally feels hot with a gentle breeze. With that in mind, most people would dress in something very light like a sleeveless shirt
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Best attractions for Veracruz in May

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Veracruz has to offer for travelers in May, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Veracruz that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Veracruz for May.
Acuario de Veracruz
1. Acuario de Veracruz
4.5
(62482)
Aquarium
Nature & Parks
Sprawling aquarium featuring dolphin shows, as well as habitats for sharks, penguins & jellyfish.
San Juan de Ulúa
2. San Juan de Ulúa
4.6
(15366)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Located on an island, this 16th-century fortress complex is now a museum with guided tours.
P.º Insurgentes Veracruzanos
3. P.º Insurgentes Veracruzanos
4.6
(85)
Notable street
Sights & Landmarks
Bustling waterfront thoroughfare with restaurants, hotels & a neoclassical lighthouse/museum.
Mexico Naval Museum
4. Mexico Naval Museum
4.8
(7092)
Museum
Military Museums
Naval history museum displaying model ships, uniforms & antiques in an elegant academy building.
Museo de Cera
5. Museo de Cera
4.5
(1959)
Wax museum
Museums
Cañonero Guanajuato
6. Cañonero Guanajuato
3.9
(562)
Maritime museum
Sights & Landmarks
Zócalo de Veracruz
7. Zócalo de Veracruz
4.7
(28118)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
City square featuring bars, restaurants & a vibrant atmosphere with musicians & street vendors.
Papantla
8. Papantla
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Sites
Papantla is a city and municipality located in the north of the Mexican state of Veracruz, in the Sierra Papanteca range and on the Gulf of Mexico. The city was founded in the 13th century by the Totonacs and has dominated the Totonacapan region of the state since then. Wikipedia.
Museo Baluarte de Santiago
9. Museo Baluarte de Santiago
4.3
(1032)
Museum
Sights & Landmarks
Historic 1635 building with thick defensive walls, now a museum showcasing pre-Columbian gold items.
Playa de Chachalacas
10. Playa de Chachalacas
Outdoor Activities
Beaches
Aquatico Inbursa
11. Aquatico Inbursa
4.4
(4518)
Water park
Water & Amusement Parks
Colorful al fresco water park with slides, a lazy river, wave pool, sun loungers & kids' zone.
Laguna de Mandinga
12. Laguna de Mandinga
4.1
(58)
Notable street
Nature & Parks
Boletos CANCUNCITO-PALAPA PISCIS
13. Boletos CANCUNCITO-PALAPA PISCIS
3.9
(1113)
Restaurant
Relaxed beachfront restaurant offering drinks & grilled seafood plates with rice.
Museum of the City
14. Museum of the City
4.4
(1061)
Heritage museum
Museums
Museum tracing development of city history & culture, with a courtyard for concerts, shows & events.
Beach Villa Rica
15. Beach Villa Rica
4.6
(1153)
Outdoor Activities
Public beach
Estadio Luis "El Pirata" de la Fuente
16. Estadio Luis "El Pirata" de la Fuente
4.2
(7088)
Stadium
Sights & Landmarks

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Veracruz?

Get inspired for your trip to Veracruz with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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