Things to Do in Venezuela in May

May Weather in Venezuela

32°C (90°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

120mm (4.7 inches) Rainfall

78% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Angel Falls reaches peak flow - May marks the beginning of rainy season when the world's tallest waterfall transforms from a trickle to thundering cascade, creating the most spectacular viewing conditions
Wildlife viewing peaks in the Llanos - Animals concentrate around remaining water sources before rains disperse them, offering exceptional bird watching with over 300 species visible
Shoulder season pricing - Hotel rates drop 20-30% compared to December-March peak season, while flights from North America cost $200-400 less than dry season
Manageable crowds at major attractions - Tourist numbers decrease significantly as rainy season approaches, meaning shorter lines at cable cars and better photography opportunities without crowds

Considerations

Unpredictable weather patterns - May sits between seasons with sudden afternoon downpours lasting 1-2 hours that can disrupt outdoor plans, especially after 2pm
Transportation delays increase - Road conditions deteriorate as rains begin, with potential 2-3 hour delays on routes to Angel Falls and Gran Sabana due to muddy conditions
Some remote tours may cancel - Operators begin suspending certain jungle treks and river excursions by late May due to rising water levels and safety concerns

Best Activities in May

Angel Falls Scenic Flights and River Tours

May is absolutely ideal for Angel Falls as early rains restore the waterfall's full power after the dry season. Morning flights offer clearest visibility before afternoon clouds build. The 979m (3,212ft) drop creates massive mist clouds that are most impressive during this transition period. River access remains good in early May before water levels rise too high.

Booking Tip: Book 3-4 weeks ahead as this is the last month many operators run full schedules before wet season restrictions. Flights typically cost $180-280 per person. Choose morning departures (7am-10am) for best weather windows. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Llanos Wildlife Safari Experiences

May offers peak wildlife viewing in Venezuela's vast plains. Animals gather at shrinking waterholes, creating incredible concentration of capybaras, caimans, anacondas, and 300+ bird species including scarlet ibis and jabiru storks. Morning temperatures of 24°C (75°F) make game drives comfortable before midday heat.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead through eco-lodges offering 2-4 day packages typically costing $120-200 per day including meals. Early morning drives (5:30am-9am) yield best sightings. May is the final month before flooding disperses wildlife. Check current availability in booking section below.

Roraima Tepui Trekking Adventures

Early May offers the last reliable weather window for climbing Venezuela's famous table mountain before wet season makes trails treacherous. The 2,810m (9,219ft) summit provides stunning views, and cooler temperatures at altitude offset the increasing humidity below. Ancient landscape and unique endemic plants are most accessible now.

Booking Tip: Essential to book by early April as most operators stop Roraima treks by late May. 6-day expeditions typically cost $400-600 including guides, permits, and camping gear. Requires good fitness for 20km (12.4 miles) of trekking. See specialized operators in booking section below.

Caracas Cultural and Cable Car Experiences

May's shoulder season means shorter queues for Avila Cable Car with clearer morning views over the capital from 2,105m (6,906ft). Pleasant evening temperatures of 24°C (75°F) make walking tours of historic center comfortable. Museums and galleries offer respite during afternoon rain showers.

Booking Tip: Cable car tickets cost $8-12 and no advance booking needed in May. City walking tours typically $25-40 per person and run rain or shine with covered routes. Morning cable car rides (8am-11am) offer best visibility before afternoon clouds. Current city tours available in booking section below.

Orinoco Delta Boat Expeditions

May marks optimal conditions for exploring the vast river delta as water levels rise enough for boat access but haven't reached flood stage. Pink river dolphins are most active, and indigenous Warao communities are accessible. Mangrove channels teem with wildlife including manatees and over 100 bird species.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead for 2-4 day packages typically costing $150-300 per day including boat transport, hammock accommodation, and meals. Mosquito protection essential as humidity increases. Early May offers best conditions before late-season flooding. Check current expeditions in booking section below.

Caribbean Coast Beach and Island Hopping

May offers excellent Caribbean coast conditions before hurricane season affects other destinations. Los Roques archipelago provides pristine beaches, world-class kitesurfing, and exceptional snorkeling with 280+ fish species. Water temperatures reach ideal 28°C (82°F) with trade winds providing relief from humidity.

Booking Tip: Day trips to Los Roques cost $120-180 including flights from Caracas. Multi-day packages $200-400 per day. Book 10-14 days ahead as small planes limit capacity. Weather windows best in morning - afternoon trips may face delays. Current island tours available in booking section below.

May Events & Festivals

Throughout May, peak activity May 3rd

Cruz de Mayo Celebrations

Traditional religious festivals held across Venezuela throughout May, featuring colorful processions, folk dancing, and music. Communities decorate crosses with flowers and fruits, followed by evening festivities with traditional food and live music. Strongest celebrations in Andean regions and rural areas.

Mid to Late May

Caracas International Theatre Festival

Annual performing arts festival featuring Venezuelan and international productions across multiple venues in the capital. Mix of traditional and contemporary performances with many shows offering English subtitles. Excellent way to experience Venezuelan culture during rainy afternoon hours.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket - afternoon showers intensify through May, lasting 1-2 hours with heavy downpours starting around 2pm most days

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - UV index reaches dangerous level 11, especially at altitude and on Caribbean coast

Quick-dry hiking pants - essential for Angel Falls and tepui treks where conditions change rapidly from dry to wet

Insect repellent with 30%+ DEET - mosquito activity increases significantly with rising humidity, particularly in Orinoco Delta and jungle areas

Comfortable waterproof hiking boots - trails become muddy and slippery, especially on routes over 500m (1,640ft) elevation

Cotton or linen shirts - avoid synthetic fabrics in 78% humidity which becomes uncomfortable quickly

Portable umbrella - more practical than rain poncho for city exploration and short walks

Extra batteries and waterproof phone case - humidity and unexpected rain can damage electronics

Light fleece or jacket - temperatures drop to 15°C (59°F) at Roraima summit and Andean regions despite lowland heat

Cash in small bills - credit cards widely rejected outside major cities, especially for tours and local transport

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights early morning (7am-9am) - afternoon thunderstorms frequently delay or cancel flights to Angel Falls and other destinations after 2pm

Carry Venezuelan bolívars AND US dollars - many tour operators quote in dollars but local transport requires bolívars, exchange rates fluctuate daily

Plan indoor backup activities for every afternoon - locals avoid outdoor activities 2pm-5pm during May transition season, use this time for museums, shopping, or rest

Stock up on snacks before remote area tours - supply chains to tourist areas become unreliable as rainy season begins, basic items may be unavailable

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities after 2pm - afternoon storms arrive suddenly and can last 2-3 hours, disrupting hiking, sightseeing, and transportation

Underestimating travel time between destinations - road conditions deteriorate through May with potential delays of 50-100% over dry season times

Not bringing enough cash - ATMs frequently empty or broken outside Caracas, and credit card acceptance limited even in tourist areas