Last updated: August 21, 2025
May in Libreville, Gabon is characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity, creating a tropical atmosphere. With a maximum temperature reaching 30°C (87°F) and an average of 27°C (81°F), residents and visitors alike can expect a comfortable yet sultry climate. The minimum temperature rarely drops below 23°C (74°F), ensuring consistently warm evenings. However, this month also brings significant precipitation, with total rainfall of 338 mm (13.3 in) spread over 29 days, making it one of the wetter months of the year. With humudity levels hovering around 80%, the air feels lush, producing a vibrant and lively environment typical of this tropical locale.
In Libreville, Gabon, May greets visitors with a warm embrace, showcasing temperatures that range from a comfortable 23°C (74°F) at night to a daytime peak of 30°C (87°F). This month maintains a consistent average of 27°C (81°F), in line with the preceding months of January through April, which have exhibited similar averages. As the landscape transitions into the rainy season, the slight decrease in minimum temperatures indicates a gentle shift, yet the overall warmth remains inviting. This trend of stable and warm weather throughout the months creates a perfect backdrop for exploring the vibrant culture and lush scenery of Gabon, making May an ideal time to experience all that this coastal gem has to offer.
In May, Libreville experiences a significant uptick in precipitation, receiving an impressive 338 mm (13.3 in), which is the highest monthly total for the year. This increase is marked by 29 rainy days, making May one of the wettest months in Gabon's coastal climate. Following the heavier rains of March and April, the rainfall in May sets a robust pace for a lush and vibrant landscape, showcasing the region's tropical essence. This early onset of wetness hints at the intensity of the rainy season, which peaks in the following months, notably October and November, where the rains escalate further. Thus, May serves as a critical transition month, bridging the gradual buildup of rainfall that characterizes Libreville's annual weather pattern.
In May, Libreville experiences a notable rise in humidity, reaching 80%, which signals the onset of the more tropical conditions that characterize the region. This elevation follows a gradual increase from 79% in April, and it sets the stage for the humidity to remain consistent at 80% throughout June and July. Interestingly, as the year progresses into the dry season, humidity levels peak in August at 85%, before gradually descending toward the end of the year. Overall, May serves as a pivotal month, highlighting a trend toward increasingly humid conditions that continue until the heart of the rainy season.
In May, Libreville experiences a UV Index of 12, categorizing it as extreme with a burn time of just 10 minutes. This is part of a consistent trend observed in the earlier months, where the UV Index remains high at 12 or above from January to April, peaking at 14 in April. Following May, the UV Index dips slightly in June and July to 10, indicating a very high risk but still necessitating caution. The pattern continues into later months, with indexes returning to extreme levels in August and again in September. Therefore, as May unfolds, residents and visitors alike should remain vigilant about sun protection, as the sun's intensity can lead to rapid skin damage. For more details on daily UV levels, check the Libreville UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In Libreville, Gabon, May shines as one of the sunniest months of the year, boasting an impressive 290 hours of sunshine. Following the upward trend that begins in the early months, sunshine hours continue to climb from January's 253 hours to a peak in December with 294 hours. May's brightness is part of a delightful pattern, where daylight steadily increases from March onward, demonstrating a robust transition into the sun-soaked months. As summer approaches, the sunshine remains abundant, making May an ideal time for outdoor explorations in this vibrant coastal city. With June and August closely trailing May, both offering 291 and 292 hours respectively, it's clear that residents and visitors alike can bask in the warm embrace of the sun as the year unfolds.
In Libreville, Gabon, the month of May offers a modest 16% chance of sunny weather, making it one of the more optimistic times for sunshine in the early part of the year. Although this percentage is slightly higher than the preceding months—April's low of 11% and March's 13%—it still pales in comparison to the robust sunny prospects later in the year. As the seasons progress, July and August stand out with significantly increased chances of sunshine at 27% and 22%, respectively. This trend suggests that while May presents some opportunities for warm, sunny days, those seeking consistent brightness may want to look towards the mid-year months for more favorable weather.
In Libreville, Gabon, the rhythm of life remains wonderfully consistent throughout the year, with daylight duration maintaining a steady 12 hours each day from January to December. This unchanging pattern creates a unique environment where the sun rises and sets with remarkable reliability, allowing residents and visitors alike to plan their daily activities around this dependable timeframe. As days transition from the lush vibrancy of the rainy season to the drier months, the reliable 12 hours of daylight offers a backdrop for the region’s rich biodiversity and cultural vibrancy, making every month in Libreville equally enchanting under the sun.
As May arrives in Libreville, Gabon, the winds pick up slightly, maintaining an average speed of 2.3 m/s (5 mph). This gentle breeze reflects a consistent trend seen in the months leading up to the rainy season, where wind speeds hover around the 2.2 to 2.3 m/s range from January to April. Interestingly, as the year progresses, the winds begin to strengthen, with June and July showcasing more robust gusts that reach 3.4 m/s (8 mph). This gradual increase suggests that the coastal climate begins to awaken, setting the stage for the vibrant tropical conditions that define the region in the following months. Thus, May serves as a transitional period, marked by a blend of serenity and anticipation for the energetic winds of summer.
Weather in Libreville varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Libreville, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
May and January in Libreville share similar temperature ranges, with both months featuring minimums of around 23-24°C (74-75°F) and maximums peaking at 30°C (87°F). However, May is noticeably rainier, receiving 338 mm (13.3 in) of precipitation over 29 days, compared to January's 227 mm (8.9 in) over 24 days. Humidity levels are slightly higher in May at 80% versus January's 78%. This results in a transition to a more humid and wet atmosphere in May, while January tends to be drier. For more details about January weather specifically, check Libreville weather in January.
When comparing the weather in May and February, both months present warm temperatures, but with notable differences in precipitation and humidity. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 23°C (74°F) to a maximum of 30°C (87°F), with an average of 27°C (81°F). However, it experiences significantly higher precipitation, totaling 338 mm (13.3 in) over 29 days, accompanied by higher humidity at around 80%. In contrast, February has slightly warmer minimum temperatures of 24°C (75°F) and a similar average of 27°C (81°F), but it reaches a higher maximum of 31°C (88°F). The month receives less rainfall, with 227 mm (8.9 in) spread across 26 days, and lower humidity at 74%. For more detailed information, you can check Libreville weather in February.
In comparing the weather of March and May, both months exhibit a similar average temperature of around 27°C (81°F). However, March tends to be slightly warmer with a maximum temperature of 32°C (89°F) compared to May's maximum of 30°C (87°F). Precipitation in May is notably higher, with 338 mm (13.3 in) spread over 29 days, whereas March sees 299 mm (11.8 in) over 28 days. Additionally, humidity levels are higher in May at 80%, compared to 75% in March, contributing to a more tropical feel during the later month. For more detailed weather insights, check out Libreville weather in March.
The weather in May tends to be slightly cooler than in April, with average temperatures remaining stable at around 27°C (81°F), but April sees a marginally higher maximum temperature of 31°C (88°F). In terms of rainfall, May experiences more precipitation, totaling 338 mm (13.3 in) over 29 days, compared to April's 261 mm (10.3 in) across 27 days. Humidity levels are fairly comparable, with May at 80% and April at 79%. For a closer look at April's climate, feel free to check out Libreville weather in April.
In comparing the weather of May and June, we see a distinct shift in both temperature and precipitation. May enjoys slightly warmer temperatures, with an average of 27°C (81°F) and maximums reaching 30°C (87°F). However, it also experiences significantly higher precipitation, totaling 338 mm (13.3 in) over 29 days, which creates a humid environment with 80% humidity. In contrast, June brings a slight decrease in average temperature to 26°C (79°F), with maximums hitting 29°C (85°F). Rainfall drops to 136 mm (5.3 in) across just 19 days, while humidity remains constant at 80%. This transition from May to June marks a reduction in rainy days and overall precipitation, offering a slightly drier climate while maintaining warmth. For more detailed information, you can check Libreville weather in June.
In comparing the weather between May and July, May tends to be warmer and wetter. The average temperature in May is around 27°C (81°F), with highs reaching up to 30°C (87°F). In contrast, July has a cooler average of 25°C (77°F) and maximum temperatures capping at 28°C (83°F). May also experiences significantly more rainfall, with 338 mm (13.3 in) over 29 days, compared to July's much drier 49 mm (1.9 in) across just 12 days. Despite the differences in rainfall and temperature, both months maintain high humidity levels of 80%. For more specific details on July weather, you can refer to Libreville weather in July.
May and August present distinct weather patterns, with May typically characterized by higher temperatures and significantly more rainfall. In May, the average temperature hovers around 27°C (81°F), peaking at 30°C (87°F), while experiencing a substantial 338 mm (13.3 in) of precipitation over 29 days. In contrast, August sees a slight decrease in average temperature to 25°C (78°F) with a maximum of 28°C (83°F), and a notable reduction in rainfall to just 78 mm (3.1 in) across 14 days. Furthermore, humidity levels remain high in both months, with August being slightly more humid at 85%, compared to May's 80%. For more details, check out Libreville weather in August.
May and September present distinct weather characteristics despite having similar minimum temperatures. In May, the average temperature is slightly warmer at 27°C (81°F), peaking at 30°C (87°F). However, it experiences significantly higher precipitation, with 338 mm (13.3 in) falling over 29 days, contributing to a humidity level of 80%. In contrast, September sees a marginally cooler average of 26°C (78°F) and a maximum of 29°C (84°F), yet it has lower rainfall of 232 mm (9.1 in) across 25 days, with humidity rising to 88%. This makes September a somewhat drier but more humid month overall. For more detailed insights, check out Libreville weather in September.
In comparing the weather between May and October, we find that both months experience similar temperature ranges, with daytime highs averaging around 30°C (86-87°F). However, October exhibits slightly higher minimum and average temperatures, with a minimum of 24°C (75°F) and an average of 26°C (79°F), compared to May's minimum of 23°C (74°F) and average of 27°C (81°F). Precipitation levels are also higher in October, with 377 mm (14.8 in) spread over 30 days, compared to May's 338 mm (13.3 in) on 29 days. Additionally, October is characterized by higher humidity, reaching 87% compared to May's 80%. For more details, check out Libreville weather in October.
May and November exhibit similar warm temperatures, with both months having maximums around 30°C (86-87°F). However, May tends to be slightly drier than November, receiving 338 mm (13.3 in) of precipitation compared to November's 463 mm (18.2 in), despite both months experiencing rain on roughly the same number of days—29. Additionally, humidity levels are slightly higher in November at 84%, compared to May's 80%. For more detailed insights on November weather, you can refer to Libreville weather in November.
In comparing the weather of May and December, we find that both months feature similarly warm temperatures, with May having a minimum of 23°C (74°F) and an average of 27°C (81°F), while December has a slightly higher minimum of 24°C (75°F) and an average of 26°C (80°F). Maximum temperatures remain consistent around 30°C (86-87°F) for both months. Precipitation levels are also comparable, with May receiving 338 mm (13.3 in) over 29 days and December experiencing 344 mm (13.5 in) across 30 days, contributing to a persistent humidity of 80% in both months. For more details on December's weather specifically, you can visit Libreville weather in December.
As May rolls in, Libreville welcomes a significant shift in weather, characterized by warmer temperatures and increased humidity. With an average temperature of 27°C, this month stands out as a warm period, gradually leading into the rainy season. Expect frequent downpours, with nearly every day contributing to the impressive total of 338 mm of precipitation, setting it apart from the drier months. The air is often heavy with moisture, resulting in a consistent humidity level of around 80%. For a deeper understanding of the seasonal variations in this vibrant city, check out Libreville Climate.