It depends. Grace Bay sits around 18.0°C in May; confident swimmers will be fine, casual bathers may prefer short sessions.
Monthly averages set expectations, but the specific beach today depends on wind, swell and recent weather. Check the live value at the top of this page or open the Grace Bay live page for full conditions.
Best months to swim
June · July · August · September
Frequently asked questions
What is the average sea temperature at Grace Bay in May?
Grace Bay averages 18.0°C in May, based on long-run climatology for the Atlantic Ocean.
Is the sea warm enough to swim at Grace Bay in May?
It is swimmable but fresh; confident swimmers will be fine without a wetsuit.
Do I need a wetsuit at Grace Bay in May?
A 2 mm shorty is comfortable for sessions over 30 minutes.