Things to Do in Caracas in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Caracas
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Shoulder season pricing means you'll find hotel rates 20-30% lower than December-April peak season, with significantly fewer crowds at major attractions like Parque Nacional El Ávila and the Teleférico de Caracas
- The rainy season is just beginning, which means the surrounding mountains are lush and green, perfect for hiking and photography, while rain showers are still relatively brief and predictable (usually late afternoon)
- May catches the tail end of the dry season cultural calendar, so you'll still find plenty of theater performances, concerts, and gallery openings in neighborhoods like Las Mercedes and Altamira without the tourist crush
- Outdoor dining and rooftop bars are at their best before the heavier June-November rains set in - the 21°C (70°F) evenings are genuinely comfortable for lingering over dinner in neighborhoods like La Castellana
Considerations
- You'll need to plan outdoor activities for mornings - those afternoon showers hit around 3-5pm on roughly 10 days throughout the month, and while they're brief (20-40 minutes typically), they can disrupt hiking or walking tours
- The 70% humidity makes the 29°C (84°F) temperatures feel considerably warmer, especially in the valley where the city sits - expect to feel sticky by midday and plan accordingly with breathable clothing
- May sits in an awkward transition period where some businesses and cultural venues start reducing hours or closing for maintenance before the slower rainy season months, so double-check opening times before heading out
Best Activities in May
Parque Nacional El Ávila Morning Hikes
May is actually one of the better months for tackling the trails up El Ávila before the heavy rains make paths muddy and slippery. The vegetation is starting to green up from dry season, and if you start by 7am, you'll finish most hikes before afternoon clouds roll in. The 2,765 m (9,072 ft) peak offers spectacular views of both the city and Caribbean coast when visibility is good. Trails range from easy 2-hour walks to challenging 6-hour climbs, with the Sabas Nieves route being the most popular for first-timers.
Historic Center Walking Tours
The colonial center around Plaza Bolívar and El Hatillo is best explored in May's morning hours when temperatures are still manageable. The 70% humidity makes midday walking uncomfortable, but 8-11am is genuinely pleasant for exploring the Panteón Nacional, Casa Natal del Libertador, and the narrow streets of El Hatillo's preserved colonial village. May typically sees fewer tour groups than peak season, so you'll actually be able to photograph Plaza Bolívar without crowds.
Contemporary Art Gallery Circuit
May's afternoon showers make this the perfect time to explore Caracas's surprisingly robust contemporary art scene. Neighborhoods like Los Palos Grandes, Las Mercedes, and La Castellana host dozens of galleries that most tourists miss entirely. The Museo de Arte Contemporáneo and Galería de Arte Nacional are obvious stops, but smaller spaces like those along Avenida Francisco de Miranda showcase emerging Venezuelan artists. Most galleries are free or charge minimal entry (5,000-15,000 VES).
Caribbean Coast Day Trips
May offers a sweet spot for beach towns like Los Roques, Chichiriviche, and Choroní - the water is calm, temperatures are warm without being scorching, and you're ahead of peak rainy season. Los Roques, the archipelago national park 168 km (104 miles) north, is particularly stunning with turquoise water and white sand beaches. Day trips involve small plane flights (weather permitting) or longer drives to coastal towns. The key is going early in the month before afternoon storms become more frequent.
Mercado Municipal de Chacao and Food Markets
May brings the last of certain dry season produce while introducing early rainy season fruits, making markets particularly interesting for food enthusiasts. The Mercado Municipal de Chacao is the most accessible for tourists, with vendors selling everything from tropical fruits to fresh arepas. The covered structure makes it ideal for rainy afternoon exploration. Nearby Mercado de Quinta Crespo offers a more local experience with fewer English speakers but incredible variety.
Teleférico de Caracas Cable Car Experience
The cable car up to El Ávila's Waraira Repano station is spectacular in May when morning visibility tends to be excellent before afternoon clouds move in. The 3.5 km (2.2 mile) ride climbs from 920 m (3,018 ft) to 2,105 m (6,906 ft), offering panoramic city and mountain views. At the top, you'll find restaurants, a small ice skating rink (yes, really), and hiking trails. Go before 11am for clearest views and smaller crowds.
May Events & Festivals
Feria Internacional del Libro de Caracas
The Caracas International Book Fair typically runs for 10-12 days in early May at various venues including Parque Central. It's one of the city's major cultural events, featuring Venezuelan and international authors, panel discussions, book signings, and children's activities. Even if you don't speak Spanish fluently, the atmosphere and people-watching are worth experiencing, and there's usually a decent selection of art books and photography collections.