Things to Do in Montevideo in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Montevideo
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Autumn weather means comfortable daytime temperatures around 15-18°C (59-65°F) without the scorching summer heat - perfect for walking the Old City's cobblestone streets for hours without overheating
- Post-peak season pricing kicks in after Easter, meaning accommodation costs drop 20-30% compared to January-March while the weather remains excellent for outdoor exploration
- The Rambla coastal promenade is at its best in May - locals are out jogging, drinking mate, and watching sunsets, but without the January crowds when half of Argentina descends on the city
- May marks the start of tango milonga season in earnest, with indoor venues fully operational and dancers back from summer break - you'll find authentic local crowds rather than tourist-heavy December audiences
Considerations
- Rain happens about one day in three during May, and when it rains in Montevideo, it really commits - sudden downpours can last 2-3 hours and the city's drainage isn't great, creating ankle-deep puddles in Ciudad Vieja
- Days are noticeably shorter with sunset around 5:45pm by late May, which means less time for outdoor activities and the coastal areas can feel quite empty after 6pm on weekdays
- The wind off the Río de la Plata is no joke in autumn - that 18°C (65°F) can feel like 12°C (54°F) when the southeasterly wind picks up, especially along the waterfront areas
Best Activities in May
Mercado del Puerto and Ciudad Vieja walking food circuits
May's cooler temperatures make this the ideal time to spend 3-4 hours wandering the Old City's food markets without the oppressive January humidity. The parrillas at Mercado del Puerto fire up their grills around noon, and standing near those hot coals is actually pleasant in May rather than suffocating. The autumn light at this hour is spectacular for photography. You'll find locals taking extended lunch breaks, which means the atmosphere is authentic rather than tourist-focused. Typical spending runs 800-1,200 Uruguayan pesos for a solid meal with wine.
Colonia del Sacramento day trips
The ferry ride across the Río de la Plata is much more comfortable in May than summer - less choppy water, cooler temperatures on deck, and clearer visibility of both coastlines. Colonia itself is perfect for May exploration because you'll be walking on uneven colonial cobblestones for hours, which is brutal in 30°C (86°F) January heat but lovely at 17°C (63°F). The autumn light makes the Portuguese colonial architecture look particularly golden in late afternoon. Ferry companies run hourly services, journey takes about 1 hour each way. Budget around 2,000-2,800 pesos for round-trip ferry plus 1,200-1,800 pesos for lunch in Colonia.
Rambla cycling and mate culture immersion
May is when locals reclaim the Rambla after the tourist summer - you'll see genuine Montevideo life with families, mate circles, and fishermen along the 22 km (13.7 mile) waterfront promenade. The cooler weather means you can actually cycle the full length from Punta Carretas to Carrasco without arriving drenched in sweat. Rent bikes for 400-600 pesos per day from shops near Pocitos or Punta Carretas. The wind can be strong, so cycling east to west in the morning typically works better. Locals gather for mate sessions around 4-6pm, and in May you'll often see people willing to chat and explain the ritual if you approach respectfully.
Teatro Solís performances and backstage tours
May marks the heart of Montevideo's cultural season when Teatro Solís, the city's premier opera house, runs its full performance schedule. The 1856 building is stunning, and May audiences are predominantly local rather than summer tourists. Performances range from tango shows to classical concerts to contemporary theater. Even if you don't catch a show, the guided backstage tours run multiple times daily and give you access to areas most visitors never see. Tours cost around 300-400 pesos, performance tickets range from 600-2,500 pesos depending on seating and show type.
Montevideo wine bars and tannat tasting circuits
Autumn is harvest season in Uruguay's wine country, which means May is when the freshest wines start appearing in Montevideo's wine bars and bodegas. Tannat, Uruguay's signature grape, is particularly worth exploring through guided tastings. The cooler May evenings make wine bar hopping in neighborhoods like Pocitos and Punta Carretas much more pleasant than summer heat. Look for tasting sessions that include 4-6 wines with cheese and charcuterie pairings, typically running 800-1,400 pesos per person. Many wine bars also offer short education sessions about Uruguayan wine regions.
Feria de Tristán Narvaja Sunday market exploration
This massive Sunday market runs year-round, but May weather makes it actually enjoyable to spend 3-4 hours wandering through the chaos. The market stretches for about 20 blocks and sells everything from antiques to live chickens to used books to fresh produce. It's genuinely local - you'll hear more Uruguayan Spanish than English. The market runs roughly 9am-3pm, but arriving around 10am means stalls are fully set up and it's not yet packed. Bring cash in small denominations. Budget 500-1,000 pesos if you're buying snacks, small souvenirs, or books. The surrounding neighborhood has excellent brunch spots for afterward.
May Events & Festivals
Día de los Trabajadores
May 1st is Labor Day in Uruguay, a major public holiday when most businesses close but the city comes alive with political marches, union demonstrations, and community gatherings. The main march typically moves through 18 de Julio Avenue toward Plaza Independencia. It's a fascinating glimpse into Uruguay's strong labor movement tradition, though expect crowds and some street closures in the city center. Not a tourist event, but culturally significant if you want to understand modern Uruguay.
Día de las Glorias Navales
May 21st commemorates the Battle of Iquique, and while it's primarily a Chilean holiday, Montevideo's significant Chilean community often organizes cultural events and gatherings. You might find Chilean food festivals or cultural presentations, particularly in neighborhoods with Chilean populations. It's a minor observance compared to other holidays, but worth noting if you're interested in South American naval history or regional cultural connections.