Last updated: August 21, 2025
In Mombasa, Kenya, May ushers in a warm and humid climate, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 31°C (87°F) and an average of around 26°C (80°F). The month is characterized by a noticeable minimum temperature of 23°C (73°F), making it a comfortable time for tropical activities. However, May is also marked by substantial precipitation, totaling 358 mm (14.1 in) over 26 rainy days. With humidity levels soaring to 83%, visitors should be prepared for a lush and vibrant environment, as the rains breathe life into the local landscapes.
In May, Mombasa experiences a gentle shift in temperatures, with minimums settling at 23°C (73°F) and maximums reaching around 31°C (87°F). The average temperature dips slightly to 26°C (80°F), reflecting the transitional nature of this month as the region approaches the cooler, wetter season. Compared to the hotter months preceding it, such as March and April, which see peak temperatures around 34°C (93°F) and 33°C (91°F) respectively, May offers a welcome respite from the preceding heat. This makes it an ideal time for visitors who want to enjoy the coastal allure without the intense summer sun. As the humidity begins to rise, Mombasa's vibrant culture continues to thrive, blending warm days with the occasional refreshing breeze.
May marks the peak of the rainy season in Mombasa, Kenya, with precipitation levels soaring to an impressive 358 mm (14.1 in). During this month, the city experiences about 26 days of rain, showcasing a significant increase from the 27 rainy days in April. This trend highlights the transition into the heaviest rainfall period, dramatically contrasting with the drier months at the year's start, where January and February saw just 14 mm and 18 mm, respectively. The increase in both total rainfall and rainy days illustrates the region's shift from mild wetness to intense, sustained showers, ultimately shaping the lush landscapes that define Mombasa's tropical climate.
In Mombasa, Kenya, May marks a significant rise in humidity, peaking at 83%, which reflects the onset of the wetter season. This increase follows a gradual decline from January's relatively high humidity of 74% down to April's 70%. As locals prepare for the heavy rains of June, it’s clear that May acts as a transitional month with humidity levels soaring above those of preceding months. Following May, the humidity continues to climb further, reaching 86% in June, indicating that the coastal region’s tropical climate is firmly establishing itself. This trend underscores the natural rhythm of Mombasa’s climate, alternating between drier spells and the lush, humid conditions characteristic of mid-year.
In May, Mombasa, Kenya experiences a UV Index of 13, categorized as extreme, which is slightly lower than the peak values seen during earlier months. This consistent high UV Index indicates that sun protection remains crucial, as the burn time is still a brief 10 minutes. Notably, this trend of elevated UV levels persists from January through April, with only a slight dip in May before tapering off slightly in June and July. Whether you're exploring the beautiful beaches or engaging in outdoor adventures, it's essential to stay vigilant about sun safety. For more details on the UV Index throughout the year, visit Mombasa UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
May in Mombasa, Kenya, continues the delightful trend of abundant sunshine, boasting 308 hours of radiant daylight. This month sits comfortably between the lush sunshine of April and the slightly brighter June, which features 326 hours. The overall pattern in Mombasa indicates a gradual ascent in sunshine hours as the year progresses, with March leading the pack at 347 hours. Following May, the warmth of summer months like July and August reveals a consistent increase, showcasing the coastal city’s enviable climate. Whether you're lounging on the beach or exploring local attractions, May's ample sunshine makes it an ideal time to soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this beautiful destination.
In Mombasa, Kenya, the likelihood of sunny weather in May stands at 39%, mirroring the conditions seen in April and slightly lower than the more promising skies of March and January. This moderate chance reflects a transitional phase as the region edges towards the drier months, notably September through November, which showcase a more favorable sun exposure with probabilities reaching as high as 59%. Overall, while May doesn’t offer the best odds for beach days, it sits comfortably within the annual rhythm of Mombasa’s climate, where sunny breaks can still be enjoyed amidst the occasional cloud cover.
In Mombasa, Kenya, daylight duration exhibits a consistent pattern throughout the year, with 12 hours of light from January to April and notably returning in September to December. However, in May, the duration dips to 11 hours, marking the beginning of a subtle transition into the colder months. This slight reduction continues through June, July, and August, where the pattern holds steady at 11 hours. As the year progresses, daylight begins to lengthen once again, creating a rhythmic cycle that beautifully reflects the region's tropical climate. These variations not only shape daily life but also influence the vibrant culture and activities in this coastal paradise.
May marks a notable shift in Mombasa's wind patterns, as average wind speeds reach 6.4 m/s (14 mph), the highest of the year. Following a gentle increase from April's 5.5 m/s, this month sets the stage for a breezy transition into the cooler season. As the winds peak in May, they invigorate the coastal landscape, drawing attention to the lush surroundings and vibrant marine activities. The consistent rise through the spring months culminates here, briefly outpacing the following month of June, which maintains a solid 6.0 m/s (13 mph). Observing these patterns, one can appreciate how the strengthening winds of May weave a refreshing thread through Mombasa's warm climate, enhancing its allure and inviting exploration along the shore.
Weather in Mombasa varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Mombasa, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
The weather in May and January presents distinct contrasts, particularly in terms of precipitation and humidity. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 23°C (73°F) to a maximum of 31°C (87°F), with an average of 26°C (80°F). However, this month is characterized by significant rainfall, totaling 358 mm (14.1 in) spread over 26 days, resulting in a high humidity level at 83%.
Conversely, January boasts slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 23°C (74°F), an average of 28°C (82°F), and a maximum of 32°C (90°F). Notably, January experiences much less rainfall, accumulating only 14 mm (0.6 in) over just 3 days, which contributes to a lower humidity level of 74%. For more details, check out Mombasa weather in January.
May and February present distinctly different weather patterns. In February, temperatures range from a minimum of 24°C (75°F) to a maximum of 33°C (92°F), with an average of 28°C (83°F). The month is relatively dry, seeing only 18 mm (0.7 in) of precipitation over just four days, and the humidity is moderate at 71%.
In contrast, May experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of 23°C (73°F) and a maximum of 31°C (87°F), averaging 26°C (80°F). However, May is significantly wetter, receiving a substantial 358 mm (14.1 in) of rain over 26 days, leading to higher humidity levels at 83%. This stark contrast highlights May as a much more humid and rainy time compared to the drier and warmer February. For more detailed information, you can check out Mombasa weather in February.
In comparing the weather of May and March, notable differences emerge. March tends to be slightly warmer, with average temperatures reaching 28°C (83°F) and maximum highs of 34°C (93°F), while May has a cooler average of 26°C (80°F) and max temperatures around 31°C (87°F). However, May experiences significantly more rainfall, with a staggering 358 mm (14.1 in) over 26 days, compared to March's 59 mm (2.3 in) over just 12 days. Additionally, the humidity in May is higher at 83%, compared to March's 69%. For more specific details, you can explore Mombasa weather in March.
In comparing the weather between April and May, we can observe notable differences in temperature and precipitation. April experiences slightly higher average temperatures, with a minimum of 24°C (76°F), an average of 28°C (82°F), and a maximum of 33°C (91°F). In contrast, May's temperatures are a bit cooler, with a minimum of 23°C (73°F), an average of 26°C (80°F), and a maximum of 31°C (87°F). However, May sees significantly increased rainfall, with 358 mm (14.1 in) of precipitation over 26 days, compared to April's 164 mm (6.4 in) over 27 days. Additionally, May's humidity levels rise to 83%, higher than April's 70%. For more detailed information, you can check Mombasa weather in April.
May and June share similar average temperatures, with May slightly warmer, averaging around 26°C (80°F) compared to June’s 26°C (79°F). However, May is notably wetter, receiving 358 mm (14.1 in) of rainfall over 26 days, while June sees a significant decrease in precipitation to 107 mm (4.2 in) over 21 days. Humidity levels are quite high in both months, with June being marginally more humid at 86% compared to May's 83%. For more specific information, check out Mombasa weather in June.
May and July show notable differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 23°C (73°F) to a maximum of 31°C (87°F), with an average of 26°C (80°F). This month is characterized by significant rainfall, totaling 358 mm (14.1 in) spread over 26 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 83%. Conversely, July features slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 22°C (72°F) and a maximum of 29°C (84°F), averaging 25°C (77°F). The month sees much less precipitation, with only 67 mm (2.7 in) across 22 rainy days and a humidity level of 82%. For more detailed information, check out Mombasa weather in July.
In comparing the weather of May and August, it is evident that May experiences warmer temperatures, with an average of 26°C (80°F) compared to August's average of 25°C (77°F). While both months have relatively high humidity, May's average humidity stands at 83%, noticeably higher than August's 75%. Additionally, May is characterized by significantly greater precipitation, totaling 358 mm (14.1 in) over 26 days, whereas August sees much lighter rainfall of just 61 mm (2.4 in) across 19 days. For more details on weather conditions, you can check Mombasa weather in August.
In May, the weather is characterized by warmer temperatures, with averages around 26°C (80°F) and maximums reaching 31°C (87°F). However, this month also sees significant precipitation, receiving 358 mm (14.1 inches) over 26 days, contributing to high humidity levels at 83%. In contrast, September tends to be slightly cooler with an average temperature of 25°C (78°F) and a maximum of 29°C (84°F). This month experiences much less rain, totaling only 74 mm (2.9 inches) over 21 days and a lower humidity of 74%. For more details on the weather in September, you can visit Mombasa weather in September.
In comparing the weather between May and October, both months show a warm climate, but with notable differences in precipitation and humidity. May sees higher temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 23°C (73°F) to a maximum of 31°C (87°F), accompanied by significant rainfall totaling 358 mm (14.1 in) over 26 days and high humidity at 83%. In contrast, October maintains a similar temperature profile with a minimum of 22°C (71°F) and a maximum of 30°C (87°F), but experiences much less rain, with 126 mm (4.9 in) occurring across 19 days and lower humidity at 78%. For more details on the specifics, you can refer to Mombasa weather in October.
May and November in Mombasa both offer warm temperatures, but they differ significantly in terms of precipitation and humidity. In May, the temperature ranges from a minimum of 23°C (73°F) to a maximum of 31°C (87°F) with an average of 26°C (80°F). However, it sees much higher rainfall, averaging 358 mm (14.1 in) across 26 days, keeping the humidity high at 83%. In contrast, November is slightly warmer, with temperatures ranging from 24°C (75°F) to 32°C (89°F) and an average of 27°C (81°F). November experiences significantly less rainfall, with only 86 mm (3.4 in) over 19 days, and humidity remains relatively high at 85%. For more details on November's weather, you can visit Mombasa weather in November.
In comparing the weather between May and December, both months experience high humidity levels of 83%, creating a warm tropical atmosphere. However, May tends to be wetter, with an average temperature ranging from a minimum of 23°C (73°F) to a maximum of 31°C (87°F) and a significant precipitation of 358 mm (14.1 in) over 26 days. In contrast, December features slightly higher average temperatures, with a minimum of 24°C (76°F) and a maximum of 32°C (90°F), but it is much drier, receiving only 65 mm (2.5 in) of rain over 17 days. For more specific details about December weather in Mombasa, you can check Mombasa weather in December.
In May, Mombasa transforms into a lush coastal haven, where the lingering warmth meets the onset of the rainy season. While the temperatures remain comfortably warm, with average highs around 26°C, the city experiences significant precipitation, contributing to its vibrant landscapes and lush surroundings. The 83% humidity heightens the tropical feel, making May distinct from other months, particularly with its frequent rain showers that can grace the region on up to 26 days. As the month unfolds, visitors can immerse themselves in Mombasa's refreshing atmosphere while benefiting from the lower tourist traffic. To explore how this month fits into the broader Mombasa climate, check out Mombasa Climate.