Last updated: August 21, 2025
May in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire is characterized by warm temperatures and significant humidity, creating a tropical atmosphere. Daily highs reach a pleasant 29°C (85°F), while the average temperature hovers around 27°C (81°F), with nighttime lows around 24°C (76°F). This month also brings substantial rainfall, accumulating 210 mm (8.3 in) over approximately 27 days, making it one of the wetter times of the year. The high humidity level of 84% further contributes to the lush, vibrant landscape typical of the region during this period, inviting visitors to experience the rich culture and natural beauty of Abidjan, despite the frequent showers.
In May, Abidjan experiences a delightful tropical climate, with temperatures showing a slight dip compared to the preceding months. The minimum temperature settles around 24°C (76°F), while the average holds steady at 27°C (81°F). As for the maximum, it reaches a comfortable 29°C (85°F), a noticeable decrease from April's peak of 30°C (86°F). This month marks a transition as the rainy season approaches, although the warmth remains prevalent, allowing for pleasant outdoor activities. As the city prepares for the lush, green days ahead, May offers a perfect blend of warmth and comfortable humidity, making it an inviting time to explore Côte d'Ivoire's vibrant culture and landscapes.
May marks a significant peak in precipitation for Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, with a staggering 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain accumulated over 27 days. This spike follows a steadily increasing trend from earlier months, starting from a modest 40 mm in January and rising to 133 mm in April. The pattern of rainfall not only intensifies during May but also sets the stage for the even heavier deluges in June, where precipitation soars to 322 mm (12.7 in). Such trends highlight May as a transitional phase, where Abidjan shifts from relatively dry early months to the heart of its rainy season, embodying the vibrant pulse of the region's tropical climate.
As May rolls around in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, the humidity begins to climb, reaching a notable 84%. This upward trend from the previous months signifies a shift towards the more oppressive summer months ahead. With April closing at 80%, the increase in moisture levels indicates the approaching wet season, setting the stage for the highest humidity peaks in the following summer months. Notably, the rise from March's 77% to May’s levels reflects the city's tropical climate, where humidity intensifies leading into June and July— months that soar to 85% and 86% respectively. This transition highlights Abidjan's characteristic lushness, making May a month of vibrant life, albeit with a growing sense of humidity enveloping the city.
In May, Abidjan experiences a UV Index of 13, categorizing the exposure level as extreme. This signifies a continuation of the high UV levels seen since January, where the index started at 10 and climbed to its peak of 14 in April. Although May's UV Index dips slightly, it still mandates careful sun protection as the burn time remains just 10 minutes. Following May, the UV Index remains consistently high into June and July, emphasizing the importance of remaining vigilant against harmful UV rays. As the year progresses, it's clear that from January to July, residents and visitors alike should stay informed and prepared to protect their skin. For more detailed and up-to-date information, check out the Abidjan UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In May, Abidjan basks in a generous 303 hours of sunshine, continuing the trend of bright and vibrant days that started in January with 254 hours. As the months progress, there's a consistent rise in sun exposure, peaking in August with an impressive 317 hours. This gradual accumulation of sunlight positively impacts the city's energy and liveliness, making May a delightful bridge between the early warmth of spring and the full embrace of summer. Even as June and July offer slightly fewer hours of sunshine, the overall trend reveals a clear dominance of bright skies, ensuring Abidjan remains a sun-kissed gem throughout the year.
In May, the likelihood of sunny weather in Abidjan drops to 26%, mirroring a trend observed in the preceding months. Following a peak in January at 55%, the chances of sunny days steadily decline, highlighting the onset of the rainy season. This trend continues through March and April, both of which also show limited sunshine. As summer approaches with June's even lower probability of 16%, it's clear that the allure of bright, sunny days diminishes during this time of year. For those planning to visit, it’s wise to prepare for overcast skies rather than seeking the tropical warmth that is more abundant in the earlier months.
As May rolls in, Abidjan enjoys a delightful 12 hours of daylight, continuing a pleasing trend that began in March. The city experiences a steady pattern of daylight that peaks during the vibrant months of April through August, where the sun graces the skies for a consistent 12 hours. This rhythm of light not only enhances outdoor activities but also reflects the region's tropical climate, creating a lively atmosphere for both residents and visitors. As the year progresses into September and subsequently October, daylight begins to wane again, reverting to 11 hours, reminding us of the cyclical nature of Abidjan’s warm, sunlit days.
In May, Abidjan enjoys a delightful breeze with an average wind speed of 4.1 m/s (9 mph), providing a refreshing respite as the warmth of early summer settles in. This gentle wind aligns closely with the trends observed since March, where speeds have remained consistently above the 4 m/s mark. Compared to the surrounding months, May's wind speed is slightly lower than April's but maintains stability, setting the stage for the breezy conditions that will peak in July and August. This transitional period hints at a dynamic shift as the city anticipates the invigorating gusts of late spring and early summer.
Weather in Abidjan varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Abidjan, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
May and January display notable differences in weather patterns. While both months have similar average temperatures of 27°C (81°F), May tends to be characterized by a higher maximum temperature of 29°C (85°F) compared to January's 30°C (87°F). However, May is significantly wetter, receiving 210 mm (8.3 in) of precipitation over 27 days, in stark contrast to January's much drier conditions with just 40 mm (1.6 in) across 13 days. Additionally, May's humidity is higher at 84%, compared to 74% in January, which contributes to a more sultry atmosphere during this spring month. For a detailed look at January's weather specifics, you can check Abidjan weather in January.
Comparing the weather between May and February reveals some interesting contrasts. In February, temperatures range from a minimum of 25°C (76°F) to a maximum of 30°C (86°F), with an average of 27°C (81°F). This month experiences relatively low precipitation, totaling 66 mm (2.6 in) across 19 days and boasts a humidity level of 74%. In contrast, May presents slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 24°C (76°F) and a maximum of 29°C (85°F), while the average remains the same at 27°C (81°F). However, May sees a significantly higher rainfall of 210 mm (8.3 in) over 27 days, coupled with increased humidity at 84%. For more detailed information on February weather, you can check Abidjan weather in February.
In comparing the weather of March and May, both months maintain a warm temperature profile, with minimums around 24°C (76°F) and average temperatures hovering around 27°C (81°F). However, May experiences slightly lower maximum temperatures, peaking at 29°C (85°F), compared to March's higher maximum of 30°C (85°F). Additionally, May is marked by significantly heavier precipitation, accumulating 210 mm (8.3 in) over 27 days, while March sees only 83 mm (3.3 in) of rainfall over 21 days. Humidity levels are also higher in May at 84%, compared to March's 77%. For more detailed information on March weather, you can visit Abidjan weather in March.
In comparing the weather between April and May, we see some notable differences. April tends to be slightly warmer with an average temperature of 28°C (82°F), peaking at 30°C (86°F), while May has a lower average of 27°C (81°F) with a maximum of 29°C (85°F). However, May is considerably wetter, with total precipitation reaching 210 mm (8.3 in) over 27 days, compared to April's 133 mm (5.2 in) over 23 days. Additionally, humidity rises in May to 84%, slightly higher than April's 80%. For a more detailed look at April's weather in Abidjan, you can visit Abidjan weather in April.
In May, the weather is characterized by a warm climate with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 24°C (76°F) to a maximum of 29°C (85°F), accompanied by significant rainfall totaling 210 mm (8.3 in) and occurring over 27 days. The humidity level during this month is relatively high at 84%.
In contrast, June sees a slight decrease in average temperature, with highs reaching 28°C (83°F) and lows remaining at 24°C (75°F). However, it is also a wetter month, with precipitation rising to 322 mm (12.7 in) spread over 29 days, and humidity levels increasing to 85%. The wetter conditions and consistent warmth make June a particularly humid month. For a detailed look into June weather specifics, you can visit Abidjan weather in June.
In May, temperatures in the region typically range from a minimum of 24°C (76°F) to a maximum of 29°C (85°F), with an average temperature of 27°C (81°F). This month experiences significant rainfall, with a total precipitation of 210 mm (8.3 in) over 27 days, and humidity levels are quite high at 84%. In contrast, July sees slightly cooler temperatures, with a low of 23°C (73°F) and a high of 27°C (81°F), averaging around 25°C (77°F). Rainfall is less prevalent in July, totaling 141 mm (5.6 in) over 23 days, and the humidity increases marginally to 86%. For more detailed insights, you can check out Abidjan weather in July.
The weather in May is generally warmer than in August, with average temperatures reaching up to 27°C (81°F) compared to August's 24°C (76°F). May also experiences higher humidity levels at 84%, while August sees a slight increase to 92%. Precipitation is significantly greater in May, with 210 mm (8.3 in) over 27 days, making it one of the wetter months, whereas August receives only 80 mm (3.1 in) over 17 days. For more detailed information on August weather conditions, you can visit Abidjan weather in August.
May and September both showcase warm temperatures, but with notable differences in weather characteristics. In May, the minimum temperature hovers around 24°C (76°F), with an average of 27°C (81°F) and highs reaching 29°C (85°F). Precipitation is quite significant during this month, totaling 210 mm (8.3 in) over 27 days, coupled with a humidity level of 84%. In contrast, September offers slightly cooler averages, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 23°C (74°F) to a maximum of 27°C (80°F) and an average of 25°C (77°F). The rainfall is also less intense, at 153 mm (6.0 in) over 25 days, and with humidity peaking at 93%. For a closer look at the September climate, check out Abidjan weather in September.
May and October in Abidjan showcase a warm tropical climate, but with notable differences in precipitation and humidity. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 24°C (76°F) to a maximum of 29°C (85°F), paired with average rainfall of 210 mm (8.3 in) over 27 days, resulting in high humidity at 84%. In contrast, October experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 24°C (75°F) and a maximum of 28°C (83°F), but sees a decrease in rainfall to 150 mm (5.9 in) spread over 29 days, accompanied by increased humidity at 91%. Thus, while both months are warm, October tends to be wetter and more humid, creating distinct weather patterns in Abidjan. For more details, check Abidjan weather in October.
May and November share similar temperature ranges in Abidjan, with both months exhibiting minimums of 24°C (76°F), averages of 27°C (81°F), and maximums of 29°C (85°F). However, May is characterized by significantly higher precipitation, totaling 210 mm (8.3 in) over 27 days, compared to November's 132 mm (5.2 in) across 26 days. Humidity levels also remain high in both months, with May slightly higher at 84% versus November's 82%. For more detailed insights into the weather conditions during this month, check out Abidjan weather in November.
In comparing the weather of May and December, we see some notable similarities and differences. Both months feature a consistent average temperature of 27°C (81°F), with maximums reaching 29°C (85°F). However, May is noticeably more humid, with an average humidity of 84% compared to December's 80%. Precipitation also varies significantly; May receives a substantial 210 mm (8.3 in) over 27 days, while December has a much lighter rainfall of 78 mm (3.1 in) across 21 days. This makes December's weather drier and slightly more comfortable than May's. For more detailed information, you can check Abidjan weather in December.
As May unfolds in Abidjan, the weather offers a unique blend of warmth and moisture that sets it apart from other months. With temperatures averaging a comfortable 27°C (81°F), this period is marked by high humidity at 84%, creating a sultry atmosphere. Rainfall becomes a significant player, with 210 mm (8.3 in) expected over 27 days, bringing lush greenery to the city's landscape. This combination of heat and frequent showers not only shapes daily life but also enhances Abidjan's vibrant ecosystem, providing a distinct feel compared to the drier months. For a deeper dive into the variations of Abidjan's climate throughout the year, explore Abidjan Climate.