Amelia Island in May
The legendary Shrimp Festival & peak beach season
May at a Glance
Peak season at its peak - festivals, perfect beaches, and vibrant energy
May is peak season at its peak. The weather is ideal, the ocean is perfectly warm for swimming, and the island hosts its biggest event - the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival. If you want to experience Amelia Island at its most vibrant, May delivers.
☀️ May Weather
Summer-like warmth with perfect ocean temperatures
Weather Conditions
🏖️ Beach Conditions
May offers some of the best beach conditions of the year. Water temperatures are ideal (75-80°F), air temps are warm but not extreme, and humidity hasn't peaked yet. Long daylight hours mean more beach time!
🦐 The Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival
The island's legendary event - over 60 years of tradition
Southeast's Premier Seafood Festival
📋 What to Know
- When: First full weekend of May (Fri-Sun)
- Where: Historic downtown Fernandina waterfront
- Admission: Free to attend
- Attendance: 150,000+ visitors over 3 days
- History: Running since 1963
💡 Festival Tips
- Book hotels 4-6 months ahead (sells out!)
- Arrive early to avoid parking headaches
- Use free shuttle from remote lots
- Bring cash - some vendors cash-only
- Wear comfy shoes - lots of walking
Shrimp Dishes
Every shrimp preparation imaginable from local vendors
Pirate Parade
Colorful parade through downtown Saturday morning
Live Music
Multiple stages with continuous entertainment
Arts & Crafts
300+ vendors and artists
Blessing of Fleet
Traditional ceremony honoring shrimpers
Kids Zone
Activities and entertainment for families
🎯 Things to Do in May
Prime conditions for every beach and water activity
✅ Best Activities
- Shrimp Festival - The island's biggest event (first weekend)
- Beach Days - Prime conditions, warm air and water
- Swimming - Ocean at perfect 75-80°F
- Surfing - Consistent swells, warm water
- Kayaking/Paddleboarding - Ideal conditions
- Fishing - Excellent offshore and inshore action
- Dolphin Tours - Very active season
- Sea Turtle Watching - Nesting season begins
🎪 May Events
- Shrimp Festival - First full weekend of May
- Memorial Day Weekend - Summer kickoff, busy holiday
- Sea Turtle Nesting - Watch for activity at night
- Farmers Market - Every Saturday downtown
💰 Hotel Prices & Booking
Highest average rates of the year - book far in advance
🦐 Booking Tips
Shrimp Festival weekend: Book 4-6 months ahead - the entire island sells out! Memorial Day: Book 2-3 months ahead. Mid-May weekdays offer the best value. Consider Jacksonville hotels (30 min) as alternatives for festival weekend.
🧳 What to Pack
Summer beach essentials - you'll live in swimwear
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Legendary Shrimp Festival
- Perfect ocean temperature (75-80°F)
- Excellent beach weather
- Long daylight hours (14 hrs)
- All water activities available
- Sea turtle nesting begins
- Vibrant island atmosphere
❌ Cons
- Highest prices of the year
- Maximum crowds
- Shrimp Festival sells out months ahead
- Humidity increasing
- Afternoon thunderstorms begin
- Must book far in advance
🎯 Our Verdict
Who should visit Amelia Island in May?
May Is Perfect For...
✅ Ideal For:
- Shrimp Festival enthusiasts
- Beach lovers wanting ideal water temps
- Families starting summer early
- Foodies wanting fresh local shrimp
- Those who thrive in festive atmospheres
- Visitors who plan months ahead
❌ Not Ideal For:
- Budget travelers
- Those seeking peace and quiet
- Spontaneous travelers
- Anyone sensitive to heat/humidity
📅 Explore Other Months
Continue Planning
Ready for Shrimp Festival Season?
Book early - May sells out months in advance!