Lots of sun, little rain, and fully open tourist attractions make May in Galveston one of the absolute best times to visit the island on the Texas coast.
The weather in May is perfect for slipping and sliding at waterparks, splashing and swimming at the beach, and sightseeing from the back of a boat on dolphin watching excursion. Arrive before the Labor Day holiday and the end of the school year, and enjoy some potential crowd-free days as well.
If you are planning a summer vacation in May, these Galveston beach house rentals offer tons of privacy on the quieter West End of the island. Pick one on the beach side for Gulf views or the Bay side for perks like canal access to the water. No matter what you choose, you’ll be treated to amenities like private pools, spacious kitchens, and room for the whole family to spread out and feel at home on the island.
Keep reading for our guide to the best attractions, events, and things to do in Galveston in May!
May Weather in Galveston
By May in Galveston, beach weather is in full swing. The Gulf of Mexico is at the perfect temperature for swimming and splashing, and warm afternoons under the rays will make you want to run right into the waves.
High temperatures in May typically average in the mid-80s, while evenings cool down into the low to mid-70s, ideal for outdoor dining at waterfront restaurants and bars.
May is also one of the driest months, so it’s a pretty safe bet that you’ll get lots of sunny days to enjoy the sand.
Best Things To Do in Galveston in May
May is a great month to spend time outdoors in Galveston before afternoons start hitting steamy summer temps. It’s plenty warm enough for beach days in May but still mild enough to walk around sightseeing. On extra hot days, you can always dip indoors for one of Galveston’s historic home tours or museums.
1. Hit the Beach
Photo Credit: Mark Taylor Cunningham
Warm May days in Galveston are perfect for building sandcastles, swimming, and boogie boarding on the gentle Gulf waves. May is one of the best months to enjoy the beach thanks to low rain levels, plenty of sunshine, and that perfect window of warmth before summer heat rolls in.
- Stewart Beach: One of the best family beaches, with lifeguards and many amenities.
- East Beach: Big beach on the island's far end with snack stands, restrooms, and lots of parking.
- Babes Beach: Centrally located 15-mile swath of sand along the Seawall with a fishing pier and tackle shop.
- Galveston Island State Park: The pristine beachfront is in a park that charges a small admission.
2. Sip and Slide at the Water Parks
Photo Credit: Sunny studio
Galveston’s family-friendly water parks are the perfect place to slip and slide away those sunny May afternoons. With onsite eateries, amusements for all ages, and all sorts of extra amenities, it’s easy to spend a whole day at one of these fun spots.
- Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston: Twisting water slides, lazy rivers, wave pools, swim-up bars, kiddie zones, and private cabanas make this one of the best amusement zones on the island.
- Palm Beach at Moody Gardens: Tower slides, splash pads, tropical drinks, and shady chairs on the sand elevate this mini beach next to the popular Moody Gardens pyramid attractions.
3. Explore The Strand and Downtown Galveston
Photo Credit: Mark Taylor Cunningham
The Downtown Historic Strand Seaport Area is one of Galveston’s most popular zones, with several streets of shopping and dining just steps from the docks on the Bay. You should carve out at least half a day to sightsee, brunch, and shop here, but you’ll want to return for the festive eateries, live music, and fun nightlife.
- The Strand: A stretch of historic blocks with Victorian buildings converted into margarita bars, souvenir shops, antique stores, and Tex-Mex restaurants.
- Postoffice Street Arts and Entertainment District: An artsy hub in Historic Downtown Galveston with cute coffee shops, galleries, and the Grand 1894 Opera House.
- Pier 21: A waterfront plaza with the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa floating museum and seafood dining.
4. Tour Mansions and Museums
Photo Credit: Victoria Ditkovsky
Galveston’s bygone eras are best preserved in old mansions and niche museum collections themed around naval history, rail transit, the Old West, and more. These spots are perfect to explore when you need a break from the beach!
- Bishop’s Palace and Moody Mansion: These late 1800s mansions are a few blocks apart in Galveston’s East End Historic District and offer self-guided tours of the antiques and collectables inside.
- The Bryan Museum: Themed around the American West, this museum preserves some 12,000 years of Texas history in its artifacts, artworks, and photos.
- Galveston Railroad Museum: Train enthusiasts will love exploring the rail yard full of old passenger cars and cabooses, plus a 1930s station building with interesting displays.
- 1877 Tall Ship Elissa: A floating museum in the harbor at the Galveston Historic Seaport with interactive nautical exhibits and Texas immigration history.
- Galveston Naval Museum: Visit two World War II vessels on Pelican Island off the coast of Galveston, where you’ll also find a park, picnic tables, and a fishing pier.
5. Boat and Paddle Around
Photo Credit: 2frAAmes
May is a great time to hit the waves on a boat tour or rent a kayak or paddleboard for independent adventures. At the Port of Galveston, boat excursions take vacationers out on wildlife watching rides or deep sea fishing expeditions.
- Dolphin watching excursions: Take a boat tour to look for sea creatures in the Bay or Gulf.
- Paddling: Rent a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddle board and head to Galveston Island State Park for mapped paddling trails.
- Deep sea fishing: Book a guided boat charter for a day of fishing in the Gulf of Mexico.
- Sightseeing tours and rentals: Join a sightseeing boat ride or reserve water sports equipment to splash around on your own.
May Events in Galveston
You don’t need an excuse to visit Galveston in May, but if you’re looking for one, these annual events add a little extra fun to the month. Whether you’re into Galveston history or good Texas eating, check out these May events in Galveston.
1. Galveston Historic Homes Tour
Presented by the Galveston Historical Foundation, the annual Historic Homes Tour in May has been around for over half a century. It’s a great chance to explore some historic properties that aren’t normally open to the public and get an up-close look at hidden gems.
2. Yaga’s Wild Game & BBQ Cook-Off
Foodies should mark their calendars for a visit during the annual Yaga’s Wild Game & BBQ Cook-Off in early May. At the family-friendly event, backyard chefs sizzle and smoke up a storm of saucy goodness all in support of local children’s charities.
Packing for May in Galveston
Sunshiny May calls for breezy summer wear, swimsuits, and lots of sunscreen, so check off this mini packing list before you load up the suitcases!
- Swimsuits and UPF wear
- Beach bags
- Sand toys and beach games
- Sunscreen and aloe gel
- Sunglasses and hats
- Shorts, tank tops, and sundresses
- Lightweight activewear
- Comfortable shoes and walking sandals
- Camera, tablets, and chargers
Visiting Galveston in May
May in Galveston is one of the best times to spend on the island, with lots of sun-soaked days before the weather and crowds hit the mid-summer peak. With schools letting out and family vacations launching, it’s important to book your Galveston vacation rental in advance.
Start your search at Sand ‘N Sea for breezy beach and bayfront homes with plenty of room for big groups and families.
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