Last updated: August 27, 2025
May in Calabar, Nigeria, is characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity, creating a tropical ambiance that's hard to ignore. The maximum temperature peaks at a sizzling 34°C (93°F), while the average hovers around a comfortable 27°C (81°F). Nights bring a gentle respite with minima dipping to 22°C (73°F). However, this month also brings a significant precipitation amount of 369 mm (14.5 in), spread across an impressive 29 rainy days. With humidity levels resting at 86%, the air feels heavy, making May a truly dynamic month in Calabar's weather calendar.
In May, Calabar experiences a gentle shift in temperatures as the region transitions toward the wetter months. With minimums staying consistent at around 22°C (73°F), the average temperature dips slightly to 27°C (81°F), reflecting a more temperate climate compared to the hotter months of February and March. The maximum temperature peaks at 34°C (93°F), offering warm afternoons perfect for exploration and outdoor activities. Overall, May strikes a balance, providing a comfortable warmth that signals the impending rainy season while maintaining a pleasant atmosphere for both locals and visitors.
In May, Calabar experiences a significant surge in rainfall, with an impressive 369 mm (14.5 in) recorded over 29 days of precipitation. This notable increase follows a month of heavy rain in April, where 259 mm fell, highlighting a clear trend of intensifying wet weather as the year progresses. May marks the peak of the rainy season, contributing to lush landscapes and vibrant ecosystems, yet also foreshadows the even heavier rains to come in July, which averages a staggering 510 mm (20.1 in). The consistency of rain throughout May illustrates Calabar's tropical climate, characterized by its persistent downpours that play a crucial role in sustaining the region's rich biodiversity and agricultural productivity.
In May, Calabar experiences a noticeable rise in humidity, reaching 86%, which marks a peak in the early wet season. This significant increase from 79% in April reflects a trend of intensified moisture as the region transitions toward the heart of its rainy months. The humidity levels continue to climb, peaking at 90% in August, creating a sultry atmosphere that can be felt across the city. As the year progresses, the humidity remains consistently high, illustrating Calabar's humid tropical climate and the ongoing influence of the Atlantic Ocean's moist air currents.
In May, Calabar experiences an extreme UV Index of 13, making sun protection essential with a burn time of just 10 minutes. This trend of elevated UV levels continues from the previous months, highlighting the region’s susceptibility to high solar radiation during early wet season. Following a peak in April at 14, May's slight decrease still insists on caution, as the UV index remains perilously close to the highest readings. With consistent levels recorded from February through June, residents and visitors alike should prioritize sun safety measures. For more detailed information on UV exposure in the region, check out the Calabar UV Index.
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May in Calabar, Nigeria, offers a delightful 244 hours of sunshine, fitting seamlessly into a trend of moderately bright months. Following April's slightly higher total of 249 hours, May maintains a warm glow, just shy of the peak sunlight seen in the earlier months of the year. This period is emblematic of the region's generally abundant daylight; January shines with 241 hours, while February and March highlight sunshine totals of 262 and 261 hours, respectively. Transitioning into the later months, the sunlight hours tend to dip, with June and July showcasing a gradual decline, reaching 239 and 225 hours. Despite the reduction in daylight, May's sunny disposition continues to illuminate the charm of Calabar, often setting the stage for the vibrancy of the rainy season ahead.
In Calabar, Nigeria, the likelihood of experiencing sunny weather sharply declines as the year progresses, particularly in May, when the chance of sunshine drops to a mere 10%. Following a relatively sunny start in January, where the probability hovers at 40%, the months leading into May, such as March and April, witness a steady decrease in sunlight. This diminishing trend continues through the early summer months, with June and July showing even lower chances of sun at 14% and 9%, respectively. Contrastingly, as the year turns toward November and December, the likelihood of sunny days begins to improve again. Overall, May stands out as a notably overcast month, setting the stage for the wetter season ahead.
In Calabar, Nigeria, the daylight duration presents a gentle rhythm throughout the year. From January to February, the city enjoys a steady 11 hours of daylight, which serves as a calm start to the year. As March arrives, a gradual transition begins, with daylight extending to 12 hours. This duration remains consistent from March through August, offering residents and visitors alike an ample stretch of daylight for exploration and activities. As the year advances into September, daylight hours continue at 12 hours, but then dip back to 11 hours in the final quarter, creating a harmonious cycle that balances longer days with shorter ones. This consistent pattern reflects the region's equatorial location, fostering a vibrant lifestyle that thrives under the sun.
In May, Calabar experiences a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 1.4 m/s (3 mph), slightly tapering off from the more dynamic speeds observed in earlier months. As the transition from the dry season to the wetter months commences, the winds show a gradual decline, a trend that continues into June. Notably, the wind speeds remain fairly consistent throughout this period, with average speeds hovering between 1.3 to 1.7 m/s from January through April. This creates a calming atmosphere as the landscape begins to transform with lush greenery, marking the onset of the rainy season. Overall, May's winds offer a brief respite before the summer humidity sets in, providing a mild and inviting environment for both residents and visitors alike.
Weather in Calabar varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Calabar, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
May and January present quite different weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 22°C (73°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93°F), with an average of 27°C (81°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 86% and considerable rainfall, totaling 369 mm (14.5 in) over 29 days. In contrast, January features slightly milder temperatures, with a minimum of 18°C (65°F) and a maximum of 36°C (98°F), averaging 28°C (82°F). Precipitation is minimal in January, amounting to only 38 mm (1.5 in) over just 9 rainy days, and the humidity level is significantly lower at 57%. For a more detailed look at January weather, check out Calabar weather in January.
When comparing the weather in May and February, several notable differences emerge. May sees a more humid atmosphere with an average temperature of 27°C (81°F), while February boasts a higher average temperature of 29°C (84°F) but lower humidity at 54%. February also experiences extreme highs of 38°C (101°F), compared to May's maximum of 34°C (93°F). Additionally, May is considerably wetter, with 369 mm (14.5 in) of precipitation over 29 days, while February has only 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain over 10 days. For a closer look at February weather specifics, check out Calabar weather in February.
In comparing the weather between March and May, we observe notable differences in both temperature and precipitation. March experiences slightly higher average temperatures, peaking at a maximum of 38°C (101°F), while May has a more moderate maximum temperature of 34°C (93°F). Despite this, May is characterized by significant rainfall, totaling 369 mm (14.5 in) across 29 days, compared to March's 182 mm (7.2 in) over 27 days. Additionally, the humidity in May is much higher at 86%, creating a more muggy environment than March's 69% humidity. For a detailed look at March's weather patterns, you can visit Calabar weather in March.
In comparing the weather of May and April, both months maintain a similar temperature range, with May experiencing a minimum of 22°C and an average of 27°C, just slightly lower than April’s 22°C minimum and 27°C average. However, April offers higher maximum temperatures, reaching up to 36°C, compared to May’s maximum of 34°C. Precipitation is significantly greater in May, with 369 mm over 29 days, while April sees 259 mm over just 26 days. Moreover, the humidity levels also rise in May to 86%, up from April's 79%. For a more detailed look at April's weather, visit Calabar weather in April.
In comparing the weather of May and June, both months exhibit warm temperatures, with May having a slightly higher average of 27°C (81°F) compared to June's 26°C (79°F). While the minimum temperature remains consistent at 22°C (73°F), May peaks at a maximum of 34°C (93°F), slightly warmer than June's high of 33°C (91°F). Precipitation levels are quite similar, with May receiving 369 mm (14.5 in) over 29 days, whereas June totals 348 mm (13.7 in) across 28 days. Humidity levels also remain high throughout both months, with June showing a marginal increase to 87% from May's 86%. For more details, you can visit Calabar weather in June.
May and July present notable differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 22°C (73°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93°F), with an average of 27°C (81°F). The month is characterized by substantial rainfall, totaling 369 mm (14.5 in) over 29 days, and an humidity level of 86%. In contrast, July sees slightly higher minimum temperatures at 23°C (73°F) and averages a cooler 25°C (78°F), with a maximum of 32°C (90°F). However, it experiences even heavier rainfall, with 510 mm (20.1 in) spread over 30 days, resulting in a slightly higher humidity of 88%. For more detailed insights, check Calabar weather in July.
In comparing the weather patterns of May and August, both months experience similarly mild minimum temperatures, with May slightly warmer at an average minimum of 22°C (73°F) compared to August's 22°C (72°F). However, May generally has a higher average temperature of 27°C (81°F) than August's 25°C (78°F), while both months peak at comfortable maximums of 34°C (93°F) in May and 31°C (89°F) in August.
Precipitation levels also differ, as August tends to be wetter with 413 mm (16.3 in) of rainfall over 29 days, compared to May's 369 mm (14.5 in) on the same number of days. The humidity is higher in August at 90%, compared to 86% in May. Overall, August is characterized by slightly cooler temperatures and more significant rainfall, indicating a transition into the rainy season. For more details, you can refer to Calabar weather in August.
May and September exhibit several similarities and differences in weather patterns. Both months share a minimum temperature of 22°C (73°F), but May tends to be slightly warmer overall, with an average of 27°C (81°F) compared to September's 25°C (78°F). The maximum temperatures are also close, with May reaching up to 34°C (93°F) and September peaking at 33°C (91°F). However, September experiences greater precipitation, totaling 467 mm (18.4 in) over 29 days, compared to May's 369 mm (14.5 in) also over 29 days. Additionally, humidity levels rise in September to 92%, slightly higher than May's 86%. For more insights on September weather, you can visit Calabar weather in September.
In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 22°C (73°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93°F), with an average of 27°C (81°F). The month is marked by significant precipitation, totaling 369 mm (14.5 in) over 29 days, and humidity levels are high at 86%. In contrast, October exhibits slightly warmer nighttime temperatures starting at 23°C (73°F), with daytime highs reaching up to 33°C (92°F) and an average of 26°C (79°F). Precipitation in October is similar, at 366 mm (14.4 in) over 30 days, but the humidity increases to 92%. For more details on weather conditions in October, check out Calabar weather in October.
May and November exhibit similar temperature ranges, with both months featuring minimums around 22°C (73°F) and averages close to 27°C (81°F). However, May tends to be wetter, receiving 369 mm (14.5 in) of precipitation over 29 days, while November has significantly less rainfall at 217 mm (8.5 in) across 28 days. Despite the slight decrease in precipitation, humidity remains high in both months, with November being marginally higher at 87%. For more details, you can check Calabar weather in November.
May and December present distinct weather patterns, reflecting the transition between the wet and dry seasons. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 22°C (73°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93°F), with an average of 27°C (81°F). However, May also sees significant rainfall, totaling 369 mm (14.5 in) over 29 days and high humidity at 86%. In contrast, December offers slightly lower temperatures, with a minimum of 21°C (71°F) and a peak of 35°C (94°F), maintaining the same average of 27°C (81°F). The rainfall drops dramatically to only 42 mm (1.7 in) across 14 days, and humidity is lower at 78%. For a more detailed look at December weather, visit Calabar weather in December.
As May arrives in Calabar, it marks a shift towards increased humidity and significant rainfall, setting it apart from the drier months earlier in the year. With temperatures averaging a steamy 27°C, the weather feels sultry, punctuated by an impressive 369 mm of precipitation over 29 days, transforming the landscape into a lush, vibrant scene. This combination of warmth and moisture creates a unique tropical ambiance, making it essential for visitors to prepare for the frequent showers that characterize this month. For a deeper dive into the overall climate of Calabar, check out Calabar Climate.