Last updated: August 27, 2025
May in Benin City, Nigeria presents a vibrant yet challenging climate characterized by warm temperatures and significant rainfall. With maximum temperatures peaking at 34°C (94°F) and an average temperature of 27°C (80°F), the heat can be quite intense, tempered by an average minimum of 22°C (71°F) during the cooler nights. This month marks the onset of the rainy season, bringing a substantial precipitation amount of 236 mm (9.3 in) spread over 27 days, creating a lush, green landscape but also leading to high humidity levels of 84%. Visitors and locals alike should prepare for frequent showers and high moisture in the air, making light, breathable clothing essential for comfort.
In May, Benin City experiences a warm transition as temperatures settle into a comfortable range, with nighttime lows around 22°C (71°F) and daytime highs peaking at 34°C (94°F). This month showcases a consistent average temperature of 27°C (80°F), mirroring the trends of the preceding months. Notably, while April saw slightly higher maximum temperatures, May marks a gentle decline, offering a perfect blend of warmth without the sweltering extremes. As the city moves toward the rainy season, the atmosphere is increasingly humid, providing lush greenery and vibrant scenery, making it an appealing time for both residents and visitors to explore the surroundings.
In May, Benin City experiences a significant surge in precipitation, totaling 236 mm (9.3 in), marking it as one of the rainiest months of the year. This increase coincides with a rise in precipitation days, reaching 27 days, as the region transitions deeper into the rainy season. Following a steady buildup from the beginning of the year, where rainfall gradually climbed from a mere 23 mm in January to 180 mm in April, May’s downpour sets the stage for even heavier rains in June. This trend underscores the dynamic nature of Benin City's climate, where each month brings a dramatic shift, leading to the peak rainfall intensities from May through September. As a result, the lush landscape and vibrant ecosystem flourish, creating a striking contrast to the drier months earlier in the year.
As May arrives in Benin City, Nigeria, the weather transforms into a notably humid environment, with humidity soaring to 84%. This shift marks a significant increase from the more comfortable levels of earlier months, such as January at 31% and February at 36%. The gradual rise in humidity becomes particularly pronounced from March onwards, starting at 60% and accelerating rapidly by April. Following May, the city experiences its peak humidity in the summer months, reaching 90% in both August and September. This upward trend emphasizes the transition to a tropical climate, where the air grows heavier and the atmosphere becomes increasingly warm and moist. As the year progresses, the gradual decline in humidity begins in November, but the sultry sensation of May remains a vivid reminder of the region's humid climate.
In May, Benin City experiences a notably high UV Index of 12, classified as extreme, indicating that sun exposure poses a significant risk of skin damage. With a burn time of just 10 minutes, residents and visitors alike should take precautions to safeguard their skin from harmful UV rays. This month is part of a trend that sees consistently high UV levels from January through June, with peaks in April and May, signaling a critical period for sun safety. As the UV Index slightly decreases to 11 in June, the imperative to protect oneself remains. For detailed insights on UV levels throughout the year, visit Benin City UV Index.
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In Benin City, Nigeria, the month of May shines with an impressive 273 hours of sunshine, continuing the upward trend that begins in March. This month stands out as one of the sunniest, nestled between the dwindling rays of April's 266 hours and the slightly less sunny June with 251 hours. As the rainy season approaches, sunlight gradually decreases from May into the mid-year months, yet May’s warmth and brightness create a delightful golden interlude. Notably, this spring month outshines its neighbors, indicating that May is a true gem in the sunshine calendar, celebrated for its vibrant days and lush surroundings.
As May approaches in Benin City, Nigeria, the likelihood of sunny weather remains relatively low, with only a 21% chance of sunshine. This trend reflects a slight dip from the previous months, particularly from the sunnier January (41%) and December (43%). Interestingly, May's sunshine probabilities are similar to those in April and June, both at 21%. This indicates a transitional period in the region's weather pattern, where the dry season begins to wane, paving the way for increased rainfall and cloud cover. As the months unfold into the heavier wet season, expectations of clear skies become less frequent, creating a stark contrast with the sunny spells observed earlier in the year.
In Benin City, Nigeria, the daylight duration exhibits a notable pattern throughout the year. Most striking is the steady 12 hours of daylight from March through August, providing a balanced exposure to the sun during the vibrant mid-year months. As the year transitions, January and February offer slightly shorter days at 11 hours, but as March arrives, daylight begins to extend, giving way to the consistently longer 12-hour periods. Following this peak, daylight gradually decreases again in October and returns to 11 hours by November and December, creating a rhythmic cycle of light that reflects the region's tropical climate. This variation not only influences daily life but also enhances the rich cultural practices tied to the seasons.
In Benin City, Nigeria, the month of May sees an average wind speed of 1.7 m/s (4 mph), maintaining a comfortable breeze that accompanies the transition into the rainy season. This slight dip from April's consistent 1.9 m/s reflects a trend of variable winds leading into the June rains, where speeds gradually decrease to 1.5 m/s. Interestingly, the wind patterns throughout the earlier months of the year range from a gentle 1.5 m/s in January to a peak of 1.9 m/s in March and April, illustrating a moderate increase in wind activity before the humidity rises. As the year progresses, the consistent wind patterns hint at a refreshing symmetry, with speeds predominantly hovering around the 3-4 mph mark, creating a delightful balance for residents and visitors alike.
Weather in Benin City varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Benin City, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In May, the weather in Benin City is characterized by higher humidity and substantial rainfall, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 22°C (71°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F). The month sees an average of 27°C (80°F) with precipitation occurring on about 27 days, resulting in 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain. In contrast, January offers a drier experience with a lower humidity level of 31%. Temperatures in January range from a minimum of 16°C (61°F) to a peak of 37°C (99°F), with an average of 27°C (82°F) and only 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain over just 6 days. For more details, you can check Benin City weather in January.
When comparing the weather in May and February, significant differences emerge. May tends to be warmer with an average temperature of 27°C (80°F) and maximums reaching up to 34°C (94°F), while February boasts a higher average of 28°C (84°F) but can peak at an extreme 39°C (102°F). In terms of rainfall, May is much wetter, receiving 236 mm (9.3 in) of precipitation over 27 days, compared to February's 50 mm (2.0 in) over just 12 days. Additionally, May's humidity is notably higher at 84%, while February maintains a more comfortable 36%. For more details, check out Benin City weather in February.
In comparing the weather of May and March, both months feature warm temperatures, but March tends to be hotter, with an average high of 38°C (101°F) compared to May's maximum of 34°C (94°F). Interestingly, March has a slightly lower average temperature of 28°C (82°F) but also records higher humidity at 60%, while May experiences a much higher humidity level of 84%. Precipitation also differs significantly; May has 236 mm (9.3 in) of rainfall spread over 27 days, while March sees only 142 mm (5.6 in) across 24 days. For a more detailed look at March weather, visit Benin City weather in March.
In comparing the weather of May and April, both months exhibit warm temperatures with minimum averages around 22°C (71°F). However, May tends to be slightly cooler with a maximum of 34°C (94°F), whereas April reaches a peak of 36°C (98°F). Precipitation is significantly higher in May, totaling 236 mm (9.3 in) over 27 days, compared to April's 180 mm (7.1 in) over 22 days. Additionally, May experiences a higher humidity level at 84%, while April's humidity is lower at 73%. For more detailed insights on April's weather, you can visit Benin City weather in April.
In comparing the weather between May and June, we see that temperatures remain relatively stable, with May having slightly warmer averages (min 22°C, avg 27°C, max 34°C) compared to June's temperatures (min 21°C, avg 26°C, max 33°C). However, June sees an increase in precipitation, with 301 mm (11.9 in) falling over 28 days compared to May's 236 mm (9.3 in) over 27 days. Additionally, the humidity rises just a bit from 84% in May to 86% in June, suggesting a slightly more muggy atmosphere. For more detailed insights about June's weather, you can refer to Benin City weather in June.
May and July present distinct weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a warm minimum of 22°C (71°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F), with an average temperature of 27°C (80°F). This month also experiences significant rainfall, totaling 236 mm (9.3 in) across 27 days, along with a high humidity level of 84%.
In contrast, July witnesses slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 21°C (70°F), an average of 25°C (77°F), and a maximum of 31°C (89°F). However, it experiences even more rain, with precipitation reaching 294 mm (11.6 in) over 30 days and a humidity of 87%. For a detailed look at July weather, you can follow this link: Benin City weather in July.
In comparing the weather between May and August, you'll notice some distinct differences. May typically boasts warmer temperatures with a minimum of 22°C (71°F) and an average of 27°C (80°F), peaking at 34°C (94°F). This month, however, is also marked by significant rainfall, accumulating 236 mm (9.3 in) over 27 days and featuring high humidity levels at 84%.
In contrast, August experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 21°C (69°F) and an average of 25°C (77°F), reaching a maximum of 31°C (89°F). This month sees increased precipitation, totaling 292 mm (11.5 in) over the same 27 days, and even higher humidity at 90%.
For a more detailed look at what to expect during this time, you can check out Benin City weather in August.
May and September feature similar minimum temperatures, both starting at around 22°C (71°F), but September tends to be slightly cooler on average with a mean temperature of 25°C (78°F) compared to May's 27°C (80°F). While May experiences a maximum temperature of 34°C (94°F), September's highs are more moderate, peaking at 32°C (90°F). Rainfall is significantly higher in September, with 413 mm (16.3 in) falling over 29 days, compared to May's 236 mm (9.3 in) over 27 days. Additionally, September is marked by increased humidity at 91% compared to May's 84%. For a detailed look at September's weather, check out Benin City weather in September.
In comparing May and October weather, both months experience warm temperatures, with May having slightly higher averages—ranging from a minimum of 22°C to a maximum of 34°C—compared to October's range of 22°C to 33°C. However, October sees an increase in precipitation, with 271 mm over 29 days, compared to May's 236 mm over 27 days, making October the wetter month. Additionally, October has higher humidity at 90%, compared to May's 84%. For a closer look at conditions during October, you can refer to Benin City weather in October.
May and November in Benin City exhibit similar temperature ranges, with both months averaging around 27°C (80°F) and reaching maximums of 34°C (94°F). However, May is significantly wetter, receiving 236 mm (9.3 in) of rainfall across 27 days, while November sees much less precipitation at 104 mm (4.1 in) over 22 days. Humidity levels are also slightly different, with May at 84% and November at 82%. For a detailed look at what to expect in November, you can check Benin City weather in November.
May and December showcase contrasting weather patterns in Benin City. May experiences higher humidity at 84% and significant rainfall, accumulating 236 mm over 27 days, while temperatures range from a minimum of 22°C to a maximum of 34°C. In contrast, December enjoys a drier climate with only 31 mm of precipitation over 10 days and lower humidity at 63%. The temperature range in December is slightly broader, with a minimum of 18°C and a maximum reaching 36°C, resulting in an average temperature of 27°C. For more detailed information, you can check the Benin City weather in December.
As May settles into Benin City, the weather showcases its unique character with warm temperatures averaging around 27°C and peak highs reaching up to 34°C. Unlike the cooler months, May brings a significant increase in humidity, giving the air a w humid feel that can be quite palpable. However, it's also the rainiest month of the year, with a staggering 27 rainy days contributing to a total precipitation of 236 mm. This combination of warmth and frequent showers distinguishes May from the rest of the year, creating a lush, vibrant environment that's ideal for growth. For those interested in a deeper dive into the city's climate patterns, check out Benin City Climate.