Last updated: August 27, 2025
In Port Harcourt, Nigeria, May marks a shift into the heart of the rainy season, characterized by maximum temperatures soaring to 34°C (93°F) and an average temperature of 27°C (81°F). The minimum temperature hovers around 23°C (74°F), providing a warm, humid backdrop with an average humidity level of 82%. Rainfall is prominent during this month, with a total precipitation of 284 mm (11.2 in) spread across 28 days, creating a lush landscape but also necessitating preparedness for frequent showers. Visitors and residents alike can expect a blend of heat and humidity, defining the vibrant atmosphere of Port Harcourt in May.
In May, Port Harcourt experiences a warm and inviting climate, with temperatures averaging around 27°C (81°F). The month typically begins with nighttime lows around 23°C (74°F), providing comfortable evenings, while daytime highs reach a maximum of 34°C (93°F). This pattern of relatively stable temperatures continues a trend established in previous months, where the city enjoys a blend of warmth and consistency. Compared to the preceding months, May maintains a tropical ambiance, with humidity levels beginning to rise, hinting at the onset of the rainy season. Overall, May serves as a charming gateway into the lush greenery that follows, making it an appealing time to explore the vibrant life and beauty of Port Harcourt.
In May, Port Harcourt experiences a significant uptick in precipitation, with 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain falling over 28 days. This marks a continuation of the wet season, following April's substantial rainfall of 241 mm. The persistently high number of rainy days indicates that May is firmly entrenched in the city's rainy period, as moisture-laden clouds dominate the skies. This pattern sets the stage for June's peak rainfall, which further escalates to 362 mm (14.2 in), showcasing a clear trend of increasing precipitation leading into the heart of the wet season. Port Harcourt's climate, characterized by its heavy downpours and high humidity, is vividly reflected in May's rainfall figures, positioning the month as a pivotal time in the region's hydrological cycle.
As the calendar turns to May, Port Harcourt experiences a noticeable uptick in humidity, reaching 82%—a significant rise from the 78% recorded in April. This increase is part of a broader trend observed as the region transitions from the drier months of early in the year to the more humid summer season. Following May, humidity levels climb even higher, peaking in the following months, particularly in August and September, where they soar to 89% and 91%, respectively. The city's climate becomes increasingly tropical, underscoring the intense heat and moisture that characterize this lush environment. It's clear that as the rainy season approaches, residents and visitors alike can expect a marked shift in the air's texture, heralding the vibrant life that flourishes in Port Harcourt.
In May, Port Harcourt experiences a UV Index of 12, falling into the extreme exposure category, which means you can get sunburned in just 10 minutes. This trend of high UV exposure continues from the previous months, with the index peaking at 14 in April and showing minimal fluctuation throughout the summer months. With the UV Index remaining consistently high, particularly between January and June, it's vital for residents and visitors to take precautions against harmful rays. For more information on UV levels throughout the year, check out the comprehensive details at Port Harcourt UV Index.
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May in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, welcomes a delightful 266 hours of sunshine, continuing the trend of bright days that has been building since the start of the year. Following a peak in March with 276 hours, sunlight hours experienced a slight dip in April but remained robust as May's warm rays beckon the transition into the wetter months. This stability creates a vibrant atmosphere perfect for outdoor activities, as residents enjoy the tail end of the dry season. As the year progresses, the sunshine hours fluctuate but generally maintain a steady rhythm, highlighting Port Harcourt's tropical charm and making each month a unique chapter in the city’s climatic story.
In Port Harcourt, Nigeria, the likelihood of sunny weather takes a noticeable dip in May, with only a 14% chance of sunshine, marking it as one of the cloudiest months of the year. This trend is part of a general decline in sunny days as the wet season approaches; April enjoys a slightly higher 19% chance, while the months that precede it—January through March—fare even better, boasting rates between 21% and 44%. As we move into the peak of the rainy season from May to August, the chances of sunshine continue to diminish, hitting a low of just 9% in August. This pattern underscores Port Harcourt's transition into the wetter months, where overcast skies become a regular feature, highlighting the need for sun-seekers to plan their visits accordingly.
In Port Harcourt, Nigeria, the daylight duration exhibits an intriguing pattern throughout the year. The year begins consistently with 11 hours of daylight in both January and February. As spring approaches in March, daylight increases to 12 hours, a trend that continues through the summer months. From April to September, the city enjoys a steady 12-hour daylight stretch, creating a perfect backdrop for outdoor activities and explorations. However, this abundance of sunlight starts to taper off in October, with daylight reducing back to 11 hours for the remainder of the year. This rhythmic ebb and flow of daylight not only highlights the region’s tropical climate but also presents a wonderful opportunity to experience nature's vibrant cycle throughout the seasons.
In May, the winds in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, gentle but noticeable, average a speed of 1.7 m/s (4 mph), marking a slight decrease from the preceding months. This gradual decline is part of a broader seasonal pattern, as the winds tend to be consistently milder during the late spring and early summer compared to earlier months like January through April, where speeds hover around 2.0 to 2.1 m/s (5 mph). The trend continues into June, with a further dip to 1.6 m/s (4 mph), providing a preview of the approaching calm that characterizes the region's weather. However, come July, winds pick up again, showcasing the dynamic nature of Port Harcourt’s climate and the subtle shifts that mark the transition into the summer months.
Weather in Port Harcourt varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Port Harcourt, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In comparing the weather between May and January, we see distinct differences in temperature and precipitation patterns. May experiences warmer temperatures with a minimum of 23°C (74°F) and an average of 27°C (81°F), peaking at a maximum of 34°C (93°F). In contrast, January has slightly cooler conditions, with a minimum of 18°C (65°F) and a maximum of 36°C (97°F).
However, January is notably drier, recording only 43 mm (1.7 in) of precipitation over 12 days, whereas May is much wetter, with 284 mm (11.2 in) spread across 28 days. Additionally, humidity is higher in May at 82%, compared to January's 67%. For more detailed information, you can check Port Harcourt weather in January.
May and February showcase contrasting weather patterns. In February, temperatures range from a minimum of 21°C (70°F) to a scorching maximum of 37°C (99°F), with an average of 28°C (83°F). The month experiences relatively low precipitation of 69 mm (2.7 in) over 14 days and lower humidity at 65%. In contrast, May brings warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 23°C (74°F), an average of 27°C (81°F), and a maximum of 34°C (93°F). However, it also sees significantly higher rainfall of 284 mm (11.2 in) across 28 days and increased humidity at 82%. For more detail about February's climate, you can view Port Harcourt weather in February.
In comparing the weather patterns of May and March, we find that both months exhibit warm temperatures, but with some notable differences. May generally experiences slightly lower average temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 23°C (74°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93°F), while March sees a higher average, peaking at 35°C (95°F). Precipitation levels in May are significantly higher, with 284 mm (11.2 inches) over 28 days compared to March's 186 mm (7.3 inches) over 27 days. Additionally, May has a higher humidity level at 82%, whereas March maintains a more comfortable 72%. For more detailed insights, you can check out Port Harcourt weather in March.
In comparing the weather between April and May, both months experience similar temperature ranges, with April maintaining a slightly higher average temperature of 28°C (82°F) compared to May's 27°C (81°F). However, May sees a significant increase in precipitation, totaling 284 mm (11.2 in) over 28 days, compared to April's 241 mm (9.5 in) over 25 days. Additionally, humidity levels rise a notch in May, reaching 82%, while April's humidity stands at 78%. For a more detailed look at April's weather patterns, you can refer to Port Harcourt weather in April.
In comparing the weather between May and June, we see a slight decrease in average temperatures, with May averaging 27°C (81°F) compared to June's 26°C (80°F). While both months experience similar minimum temperatures, June has a slightly cooler maximum temperature at 32°C (91°F) compared to May’s 34°C (93°F). However, June is characterized by greater precipitation, receiving 362 mm (14.2 in) of rainfall over 28 days, compared to May's 284 mm (11.2 in) during the same number of days. Humidity remains high in both months, with June at 83%, slightly above May's 82%. For more details, you can check Port Harcourt weather in June.
In comparing the weather of May and July, we see distinct differences in both temperature and precipitation. May experiences slightly warmer temperatures with a minimum of 23°C (74°F) and a maximum of 34°C (93°F), while July's temperatures are cooler, with a minimum of 22°C (73°F) and a maximum of 31°C (88°F). However, July sees increased precipitation, averaging 360 mm (14.2 in) over 29 days, compared to May's 284 mm (11.2 in) over 28 days. Additionally, July has a marginally higher humidity level at 84%, compared to 82% in May. For more detailed information, you can view the full analysis here: Port Harcourt weather in July.
In May, the weather experiences slightly warmer temperatures with a minimum of 23°C (74°F) and an average of 27°C (81°F), peaking at a maximum of 34°C (93°F). The month sees significant rainfall, totaling 284 mm (11.2 in) over 28 days, and maintains a high humidity level of 82%. In contrast, August features cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 22°C (72°F) and a slightly lower average of 26°C (78°F), peaking at 31°C (88°F). However, it surpasses May in precipitation, with 302 mm (11.9 in) spread over the same number of days, and a higher humidity level of 89%. For a more detailed look at August weather, you can check Port Harcourt weather in August.
May and September in Port Harcourt exhibit comparable temperatures, with May having a slightly higher average of 27°C (81°F) compared to September's 26°C (79°F). Both months start with a minimum temperature around 23°C (73°F), but May reaches a maximum of 34°C (93°F), while September peaks at 32°C (89°F). However, September experiences more precipitation, with 374 mm (14.7 in) over 30 days, compared to May's 284 mm (11.2 in) across 28 days. Additionally, September has a higher humidity level at 91%, in contrast to May's 82%. For more details, check out Port Harcourt weather in September.
May and October in Port Harcourt exhibit distinct climatic characteristics. In May, the weather features temperatures ranging from a minimum of 23°C (74°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93°F), with an average of 27°C (81°F). However, it also sees considerable rainfall, totaling 284 mm (11.2 in) over 28 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 82%. In contrast, October presents slightly lower temperatures, with a maximum of 32°C (90°F) and an average of 26°C (79°F), but it experiences an increase in precipitation, amounting to 343 mm (13.5 in) over 30 days, along with higher humidity at 90%. For a closer look at the specific weather conditions in October, you can refer to Port Harcourt weather in October.
In May, the weather is characterized by slightly higher temperatures, with a maximum reaching 34°C (93°F), while November sees a slightly lower maximum of 33°C (92°F). Both months have a similar minimum temperature of around 23°C (73°F), and their average temperatures are the same at 27°C (81°F). However, May experiences significantly more rainfall, with 284 mm (11.2 in) compared to November's 199 mm (7.8 in), despite both months seeing precipitation on 28 days. Humidity levels are also quite close, with May at 82% and November slightly higher at 84%. For more detailed information, you can check Port Harcourt weather in November.
When comparing the weather in May and December, both months feature similar average temperatures, hovering around 27°C (81°F). However, May is significantly wetter, with a high total precipitation of 284 mm (11.2 in) spread over 28 days, while December sees much less rain at just 52 mm (2.1 in) across 16 days. Additionally, the humidity tends to be higher in May at 82%, compared to 77% in December, making it feel a bit more oppressive during the early summer month. For a more detailed look at how December's weather compares in Port Harcourt, you can check out Port Harcourt weather in December.
As May unfolds in Port Harcourt, the weather becomes notably warm and humid, painting a stark contrast to the cooler months earlier in the year. With a high average temperature and persistent humidity at 82%, the atmosphere feels quite sultry. The month is characterized by heavy rainfall, with nearly every day seeing some precipitation, contributing to a total of 284 mm throughout May. This substantial rainfall not only marks May as one of the wettest months but also creates a lush, vibrant environment that differentiates it from the drier months preceding it. For more detailed insights into this tropical climate, check out Port Harcourt Climate.