Things to Do in Huahin in May

May Weather in Huahin

33°C (92°F) High Temp

26°C (79°F) Low Temp

97mm (3.8 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Shoulder season pricing - accommodation rates drop 20-30% from peak months, with beachfront hotels averaging ฿2,800-4,200 vs ฿4,000-6,000 in December-January
Perfect beach weather - morning temperatures of 26-28°C (79-82°F) with gentle breezes make beach activities comfortable from 7am-11am before heat intensifies
Mango season peak - local markets overflow with 12+ varieties of mangoes at ฿40-80/kg, plus seasonal treats like mango sticky rice become restaurant specialties
Optimal fishing conditions - calmer morning seas and warmer water temperatures make this prime time for deep-sea fishing charters, with Spanish mackerel and barracuda most active

Considerations

Afternoon heat intensity - temperatures peak at 33°C (92°F) with 70% humidity making outdoor activities uncomfortable 12pm-4pm, requiring indoor breaks or pool time
Unpredictable rain timing - while only 10 rainy days occur, showers can last 45-90 minutes and disrupt beach plans, typically hitting between 2pm-6pm
Strong UV exposure - UV index of 8 requires reapplication of SPF 50+ every 90 minutes, and sun burns can occur in just 15 minutes during midday hours

Best Activities in May

Dawn Beach Horse Riding

May's cooler morning temperatures (26°C/79°F) create perfect conditions for beach horseback riding. The 2-hour rides from 6:30am-8:30am avoid the day's heat while offering stunning sunrise views over the Gulf of Thailand. Horses are more comfortable in cooler weather, making for calmer rides.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through established riding schools. Sessions typically cost ฿1,800-2,500 including equipment. Look for operators with insurance coverage and well-maintained horses. Reference booking widget below for current tour availability.

Floating Market Food Tours

May coincides with peak fruit season - mangoes, rambutans, and lychees are at their sweetest. Morning market tours (7am-10am) beat the heat while vendors are most active. The 70% humidity actually enhances fruit flavors, and morning boat rides offer comfortable temperatures before midday heat.

Booking Tip: Join organized market tours departing 7am sharp, typically ฿800-1,200 per person including boat transport and food tastings. Book through licensed boat operators with life jackets provided. See current tours in booking section below.

Temple Complex Cycling

Early morning temple visits (6am-9am) take advantage of May's comfortable dawn temperatures and golden lighting. The famous temple circuit covering 5-6 temples spans 15km (9.3 miles) and is perfectly timed to end before the 33°C (92°F) midday heat. Monks are more active during morning prayers.

Booking Tip: Rent quality bikes with water bottles for ฿200-350/day. Join guided temple tours typically costing ฿1,500-2,200 including bike, guide, and temple entrance fees. Look for early morning departure times. Current cycling tours available through booking options below.

Night Market Street Food Walks

May evenings cool to comfortable 28°C (82°F) by 7pm, perfect for exploring Hua Hin's night markets. The post-rain freshness common in May makes evening strolls particularly pleasant. Vendors offer peak-season tropical fruits and the famous Hua Hin grilled squid is at its best.

Booking Tip: Food walking tours cost ฿900-1,400 and typically include 6-8 food stops plus market education. Book with certified food guides who know vendor hygiene standards. Tours run 6:30pm-9:30pm. Check current food tour options in the booking section.

Golf Course Dawn Sessions

May's morning conditions offer ideal golfing - minimal wind, comfortable 26°C (79°F) temperatures, and dewy greens that play perfectly. The 7am-11am window avoids both crowds and heat. Championship courses are in peak condition following April maintenance periods.

Booking Tip: Book tee times 3-5 days ahead for premium courses. Green fees range ฿2,800-4,500 including cart and caddie. Dawn sessions (6:30am start) offer 20% discounts at many courses. Early booking through golf booking platforms recommended.

Spa and Wellness Retreats

May's humidity levels actually benefit traditional Thai massages and herbal treatments - your skin absorbs oils better in 70% humidity. Afternoon spa sessions (2pm-5pm) provide perfect air-conditioned refuge during peak heat hours while offering authentic treatments with seasonal herbs.

Booking Tip: Day spa packages range ฿1,800-3,500 for 3-4 hours of treatments. Book afternoon slots to escape midday heat. Look for spas using organic, locally-sourced products. Premium resort spas offer package deals - see current wellness options through booking widget.

May Events & Festivals

Mid May

Visakha Bucha Day

This important Buddhist holiday typically falls in mid-May, marking Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death. Temples throughout Hua Hin hold evening candlelit processions and morning merit-making ceremonies. Wat Huay Mongkol becomes particularly active with thousands of locals participating in traditional rituals.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain poncho - afternoon showers hit 60% of days and last 45-90 minutes, much more practical than umbrellas for cycling or walking

Moisture-wicking cotton or linen shirts - avoid polyester which becomes uncomfortable in 70% humidity and 33°C (92°F) heat

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 8, requiring reapplication every 90 minutes, and local marine parks require reef-safe formulas

Insect repellent with 20% DEET - post-rain periods increase mosquito activity, especially during evening market visits

Comfortable walking sandals - streets often have puddles after afternoon rains, and temple visits require easy shoe removal

Power bank and waterproof phone case - humidity can affect electronics, and rain protection is essential for outdoor photography

Light cardigan or shawl - air conditioning in malls and restaurants can feel cold after 33°C (92°F) outdoor temperatures

Quick-dry swimwear - multiple beach/pool sessions per day are common to beat the heat, requiring fast-drying materials

Electrolyte tablets or powder - sweating increases significantly in May's heat and humidity, especially during morning activities

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - essential for golf, cycling, and beach activities, with strap to prevent loss during afternoon breezes

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations with pools by March - May visitors rely heavily on pool access during 12pm-4pm heat, and properties with good pools fill up first for shoulder season rates

Shop for mangoes at Chatcai Market before 8am - vendors offer taste tests of 12+ varieties, and early morning prices are 30% lower than evening tourist rates

Time temple visits for 6:30am opening - you'll experience morning chanting, avoid tour groups, and benefit from dramatic lighting for photography before harsh midday sun

Use the free shuttle services between major hotels and Cicada Market on weekend evenings - it's air-conditioned and runs every 30 minutes, avoiding hot tuk-tuk rides

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning beach activities during 12pm-4pm when UV index peaks and sand becomes too hot to walk on barefoot - mornings and late afternoons are infinitely more comfortable

Booking outdoor tours without confirming afternoon rain backup plans - operators should offer indoor alternatives or rescheduling for the 60% chance of afternoon showers

Underestimating hydration needs - the combination of 33°C (92°F) heat and 70% humidity requires 3-4 liters of water daily, double what most tourists expect