May Weather in Yaounde, Cameroon

Last updated: August 21, 2025

In May, Yaoundé, Cameroon experiences a vibrant tropical climate characterized by maximum temperatures soaring to 32°C (90°F) and an average temperature lingering around 24°C (76°F). As the rainy season intensifies, the city receives an impressive 185 mm (7.3 in) of precipitation over the course of 26 days, resulting in an impressive humidity level of 87%. This combination creates a lush environment, making May a picturesque yet humid month, inviting both the familiar hustle of city life and the refreshing embrace of seasonal rains.

May Temperature in Yaounde

In Yaoundé, Cameroon, May marks a transition into slightly warmer weather, featuring a mild minimum temperature of 18°C (65°F) and a comfortable average of 24°C (76°F). As the month progresses, maximum temperatures peak at a pleasant 32°C (90°F), providing a refreshing break from the hotter spells earlier in the year. Overall, May retains a similar pattern to the preceding months, with temperatures gradually decreasing in the utmost range compared to the warmer highs of February and March, which hover around 34°C (93°F). This trend of moderated warmth makes May an ideal time for outdoor activities before the humidity increases in June.

May Weather in Yaounde: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates May temperature patterns in Yaounde, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends. In Yaounde, May typically has an average temperature of {2}°C ({3}°F), with highs reaching up to {4}°C ({5}°F) and lows dropping to around {6}°C ({7}°F).
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec767877767574737374747476
Data source: Temperature data for Yaounde generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Choose your preferred temperature unit
The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

May Precipitation in Yaounde

May in Yaoundé, Cameroon, is characterized by a significant uptick in precipitation, marking the transition into the peak of the rainy season. With an impressive 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain over 26 days, May accounts for a substantial increase from 161 mm (6.3 in) in April, symbolizing a dramatic shift in the weather patterns. What stands out during this month is not just the volume, but the frequency of rainfall, as it also hosts the highest number of rainy days in the year. This consistent downpour fosters lush greenery, highlighting the vibrancy of the region, and sets the stage for the even heavier rains that follow in June and July. As climate trends shift, May's robust rainfall signifies an essential time for agriculture and replenishing local water sources, making it a crucial month for both ecosystems and communities alike.

May Precipitation Trends in Yaounde

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Yaounde, with values for each month alongside May’s data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the amount of precipitation, providing insights into how May’s conditions compare to those of other months. In Yaounde, May typically receives around {2} mm ({3} inches) of precipitation spread over approximately {4} days.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec344513416118516113313320625117063
Data source: Precipitation data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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May Humidity in Yaounde

In May, Yaounde experiences a noticeable increase in humidity, reaching a significant 87%. This uptick marks the continuation of a trend observed since the onset of the year, with humidity levels steadily climbing from 82% in January to this peak in May. The warm embrace of May's humid air sets the stage for the damp months ahead, as the region transitions into June, where humidity reaches 88% and persists through the summer. This gradual rise indicates a lush, vibrant climate, characteristic of Yaounde, where the air feels increasingly heavy as the year progresses. As the city anticipates the rain-soaked days that follow, May serves as a key bridge to the more humid and moist months, inviting both nature lovers and weary visitors alike to experience its tropical charm.

May Average Humidity in Yaounde

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Yaounde, with May’s data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, helping you understand how conditions vary by season. In May, average humidity in Yaounde is approximately {2}%, offering insight into how humid the weather typically is during this month.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec82%79%84%86%88%88%88%91%92%93%89%85%
Data source: Humidity data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

May UV Index in Yaounde

In May, Yaoundé, Cameroon experiences a UV Index of 13, maintaining the high exposure category that defines the region's early-year months. Following April’s peak at 15, May’s index reflects a slight decrease but still indicates extreme exposure. With a consistent burn time of just 10 minutes, it’s crucial for residents and visitors to prioritize sun protection during this month. The pattern of elevated UV levels from January through June highlights a trend of persistent sun intensity in Yaoundé, making awareness and preventive measures key components for safe outdoor activities. For more detailed information, visit the Yaounde UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Yaounde for May

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Yaounde in May, representing the highest UV radiation level. The UVI measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, indicating the potential risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues. In May, the maximum UV index in Yaounde typically reaches {2}, which falls under the {3} exposure category.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec111213151312111213131111
Data source: Yaounde May UVI data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

May Sunshine in Yaounde

May is a delightful month in Yaoundé, Cameroon, as it shines with 292 hours of sunlight, marking it as one of the sunniest months of the year. This vibrant sunshine leads into a remarkable trend where daylight hours peak during the late spring, having steadily increased from 244 hours in January to nearly 300 hours in May. Following this sunny month, June maintains a robust 285 hours of sunshine, ensuring that the warm, bright days continue throughout the early summer. Notably, while the daylight hours gradually taper off into the latter half of the year, the consistent high levels in May exemplify the rich, sun-drenched days that characterize this time in Yaoundé.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Yaounde: May Highlighted

The May sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Yaounde experiences direct sunlight during the month of May, excluding cloudy or obstructed periods. This chart compares the sunshine duration of May with the other months of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec244h266h287h282h292h285h275h260h257h263h270h290h
Data source: Yaounde May Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Yaounde During May

In Yaoundé, Cameroon, the likelihood of sunny weather in May hovers around 20%, which is a slight uptick from the preceding months. This reflects a pattern where the probability of sunshine progressively diminishes as the city transitions from the dry season in January to April, ultimately reaching its lowest in April with just 13% sunshine. Interestingly, while May offers a marginally brighter outlook, the chance of clear skies remains below the averages of earlier months. Looking beyond May, the likelihood continues to decline into the rainy season, suggesting the onset of cloudier days ahead. As such, while May presents a glimmer of sun, those seeking bright days should keep their expectations tempered.

Percentage of Sunny Days in May in Yaounde

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Yaounde throughout the year, with May highlighted. It highlights the variation in sunshine across each month and provides an overview of the typical frequency of sunny days, offering insights into how often Yaounde experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec29%26%18%13%20%17%14%12%10%10%21%23%
Data source: Yaounde May chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Yaounde in May

In Yaoundé, Cameroon, the daylight duration exhibits a captivating rhythm throughout the year. The year begins with 11 hours of daylight in January and February, gradually increasing to 12 hours by March and remaining consistent from April through October. This steady 12-hour stretch creates a balanced, sunlit environment, perfect for outdoor activities and exploration. As the year winds down, daylight gently tapers off again to 11 hours in November and December, signaling a return to the shorter days of the early year. Overall, Yaoundé enjoys a fairly stable daylight experience, fostering a vibrant lifestyle year-round.

Average Daylight Hours in Yaounde for May

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Yaounde throughout the year, with May highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec11h 54m11h 59m12h 4m12h 11m12h 16m12h 19m12h 18m12h 13m12h 7m12h11h 55m11h 53m
Data source: Yaounde daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

May Winds in Yaounde

In May, Yaoundé experiences a tranquil atmosphere as average wind speeds hover around 1.7 m/s (4 mph), consistent with the preceding month's calmness. This gentle breeze sets a serene backdrop, allowing the city's lush landscapes to truly shine. As the year progresses, wind speeds gradually pick up in July, reaching 2.5 m/s (6 mph), creating a noticeable shift in the environment. Moreover, the mild winds in May contribute to the comfortable humidity levels, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities before the winds start to invigorate the air in the following months. Overall, May's gentle breezes signal a transitional phase, leading into the livelier winds of the summer months.

Average May Wind Speed in Yaounde

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Yaounde, with values for each month shown alongside May's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It illustrates the average wind speed, offering insights into how May's wind conditions compare to the rest of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2.22.32.11.71.7 m/s1.82.52.32.01.71.71.9
Data source: Yaounde May wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How May Weather in Yaounde Compares to Other Months

Weather in Yaounde varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Yaounde, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.

In comparing the weather between May and January, we see notable differences in temperature and precipitation. May experiences a wider temperature range with average daily temperatures between 18°C (65°F) and 32°C (90°F), while January's temperatures are slightly cooler, ranging from a minimum of 16°C (62°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93°F). However, May is marked by significantly higher precipitation, with 185 mm (7.3 in) falling over 26 days, compared to January's relatively dry climate, which sees only 34 mm (1.4 in) over just 8 days. Humidity levels remain high in both months, but May is slightly more humid at 87% compared to January's 82%. For more detailed insights, you can check Yaounde weather in January.

When comparing the weather in May and February, we can see some distinct differences. In February, temperatures range from a minimum of 19°C (66°F) to a maximum of 35°C (96°F), with an average of 25°C (78°F). Notably, February experiences lower precipitation levels, totaling 45 mm (1.8 in) over 10 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 79%. In contrast, May is slightly cooler with temperatures ranging from 18°C (65°F) to 32°C (90°F) and an average of 24°C (76°F). However, May is much wetter, experiencing 185 mm (7.3 in) of rainfall spread across 26 days, and higher humidity at 87%. For more detailed insights about temperatures and conditions, check out Yaounde weather in February.

May and March exhibit distinct weather patterns, with March generally being slightly warmer. In March, temperatures range from a minimum of 19°C (66°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F), while May sees a lower maximum of 32°C (90°F) with a minimum of 18°C (65°F). Precipitation is heavier in May, with 185 mm (7.3 in) falling over 26 days compared to March’s 134 mm (5.3 in) over 21 days. Humidity remains relatively high in both months, peaking at 87% in May and slightly lower at 84% in March. For a more detailed look at March weather, you can explore Yaounde weather in March.

In comparing the weather patterns of April and May, we notice some notable similarities and differences. Both months have a minimum temperature of 18°C (65°F) and an average temperature of 24°C (76°F). However, April tends to be slightly warmer with a maximum temperature reaching 34°C (93°F), compared to May's peak of 32°C (90°F).

Precipitation levels also stand out, with May experiencing 185 mm (7.3 in) over 26 days, while April had a lower total of 161 mm (6.3 in) across 24 days. Humidity levels remain comparable, with April at 86% and May at 87%. This makes both months quite humid, but May is characterized by slightly more rainfall and prolonged wet conditions. For a detailed look at April's weather, you can refer to Yaounde weather in April.

In comparing the weather of May and June, both months experience similar average temperatures, with May ranging from a minimum of 18°C (65°F) to a maximum of 32°C (90°F), and June showing a slight increase in the minimum temperature to 19°C (66°F) with a maximum of 31°C (88°F). Despite this, June tends to be slightly drier, receiving 161 mm (6.3 in) of precipitation compared to May's 185 mm (7.3 in), although both months feature rain on approximately 26 days. Humidity levels are nearly the same, with June at 88% and May at 87%. For a more detailed look at the weather conditions in June, you can refer to Yaounde weather in June.

In comparing the weather between May and July, we find that May generally experiences warmer temperatures, with minimums around 18°C (65°F) and maximums reaching up to 32°C (90°F). In contrast, July sees slightly cooler conditions, with minimums at 19°C (67°F) and maximums peaking at 30°C (86°F). Precipitation is higher in May, averaging 185 mm (7.3 in) over 26 days, compared to July’s 133 mm (5.2 in) over just 24 days. Despite this, both months maintain high humidity levels, with May at 87% and July slightly higher at 88%. For more detailed information, you can check Yaounde weather in July.

May and August in Yaoundé present a distinct contrast in weather patterns. May experiences slightly warmer temperatures, with average highs reaching up to 32°C (90°F), while August sees a slightly lower average max of 31°C (87°F). Additionally, May has a higher average precipitation of 185 mm (7.3 in) over 26 days compared to August's 133 mm (5.2 in) across 24 days, indicating that May is generally wetter. The humidity also varies slightly, with May at 87% and August increasing to 91%, making August feel more humid despite its marginally cooler temperatures. For a more detailed look at August weather, visit Yaounde weather in August.

May's weather tends to be warm with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 18°C (65°F) to a maximum of 32°C (90°F). However, it is also characterized by significant rainfall, receiving about 185 mm (7.3 in) over approximately 26 days, resulting in high humidity levels of around 87%. In contrast, September features slightly cooler temperatures, with an average range of 19°C (67°F) to 31°C (88°F). The month is also wetter, experiencing around 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain across 28 days and increased humidity at 92%. For more insights, you can visit Yaounde weather in September.

In May, temperatures in the region generally range from a minimum of 18°C (65°F) to a maximum of 32°C (90°F), with an average temperature of 24°C (76°F). The month experiences a significant amount of rainfall, with 185 mm (7.3 in) over 26 days and humidity levels at 87%. In contrast, October sees slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 19°C (66°F) and an average of 23°C (74°F), peaking at a maximum of 31°C (88°F). However, October is wetter, recording 251 mm (9.9 in) of precipitation over 29 days and higher humidity at 93%. For more details on October weather, you can check Yaounde weather in October.

May and November showcase similar climatic conditions, offering warm temperatures and high humidity levels. Both months have a minimum temperature of 18°C (65°F) and an average temperature around 24°C (76°F), but May tends to be slightly warmer with a maximum of 32°C (90°F) compared to November's maximum of 31°C (87°F). Precipitation is also prominent in both months, with May receiving a total of 185 mm (7.3 in) over 26 days, slightly more than November's 170 mm (6.7 in) across 22 days. The humidity level remains high in both months, with November averaging 89% compared to May's 87%. For more specific details, you can refer to Yaounde weather in November.

May and December in Yaoundé present distinct weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 18°C (65°F) to a maximum of 32°C (90°F), with an average temperature of 24°C (76°F). This month experiences significant rainfall, with precipitation totaling 185 mm (7.3 in) over 26 days, and high humidity at 87%. In contrast, December sees slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 19°C (67°F) and a maximum of 33°C (91°F), while the average remains the same at 24°C (76°F). However, December is much drier, receiving only 63 mm (2.5 in) of rainfall across 13 days and slightly lower humidity at 85%. For more detailed information, check out Yaounde weather in December.

Compare Yaounde's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From May Weather in Yaounde

May in Yaoundé ushers in a noteworthy transition in weather patterns, marked by a significant rise in humidity and precipitation. Unlike the cooler and drier months preceding it, the city experiences an increase in daily rainfall, often stretching across 26 days, resulting in a lush and vibrant landscape. The temperatures are also warmer, with maximums reaching 32°C and an average that settles around a comfortable 24°C, creating a balmy atmosphere perfect for outdoor explorations. If you’re curious to learn more about the overall climate in Yaoundé, check out Yaounde Climate.