Last updated: August 31, 2025
In May, Butare, Rwanda, experiences a delightful climate characterized by a maximum temperature reaching 28°C (82°F) and a gentle average of 20°C (68°F). The cool evenings dip to a minimum of 11°C (52°F), creating a pleasant contrast. This month sees varying weather with precipitation amounting to 75 mm (2.9 in) over 17 days, contributing to the region's lush greenery. The humidity levels at 87% add a refreshing touch, making May a vibrant time to experience the natural beauty of Butare.
In May, Butare, Rwanda, experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with minimums dipping to 11°C (52°F), making it one of the cooler months of the year. The average temperature remains steady at 20°C (68°F), providing a comfortable climate for outdoor activities. Daily highs peak at around 28°C (82°F), mirroring the warmth of the preceding months but nudging slightly lower as the region transitions toward the cooler period. This month marks a subtle shift, as temperatures from January to April consistently hovered between 13°C (55°F) and 29°C (84°F). Overall, May’s mild conditions offer a refreshing balance between warmth and coolness, encouraging visitors to explore Butare's vibrant culture and stunning landscapes.
In May, Butare experiences a noticeable shift in precipitation, receiving 75 mm (2.9 in) of rainfall over 17 days. This marks a slight decrease compared to the preceding month of April, which recorded a significant 155 mm (6.1 in), highlighting a gradual transition into the drier months ahead. Following the bustling rains of March and April, May’s precipitation levels begin to settle, foreshadowing the much drier months of June and July, where rainfall plummets to a mere 8 mm (0.3 in) and 3 mm (0.1 in), respectively. This pattern indicates a clear seasonal trend, as Butare prepares for a drier phase after the lush and vibrant wet season.
In Butare, Rwanda, May marks a noticeable peak in humidity, reaching 87%, which is a significant rise from the preceding months. This elevation follows a slight dip in April, where humidity was at 81%, highlighting a transition into the wetter season. As the year progresses, the trend reveals a pattern of increasing humidity from the beginning of the year, peaking in May before gradually decreasing through the drier months of July and August, where levels drop to 70% and 66%, respectively. As the year continues, humidity levels again escalate, suggesting that Butare experiences a typical tropical climate with pronounced wet and dry seasons. This seasonal shift not only influences the local flora and fauna but also shapes the overall experience of residents and visitors alike.
In May, Butare, Rwanda continues to experience intense sun exposure with a UV Index of 14, categorizing it as extreme. This level of UV radiation maintains the consistent pattern established in the earlier months of the year, where the burn time remains a brisk 10 minutes. Following the peak in March with a UV Index of 17, May sees a slight decrease, yet still calls for caution and protection against sunburn. As the temperatures transition towards the cooler months of June and July, one can expect a gradual decline in the UV Index, but for now, residents and visitors should still prioritize sun safety. For more detailed information, you can check the Butare UV Index.
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In Butare, Rwanda, the arrival of May brings a delightful surge in sunshine, with 332 hours basking the region in warm light. This vibrant month stands out as a peak in sunshine hours, reflecting a steady increase from 257 hours in January to a stunning 314 hours in March. Following the consistent glow of April, May’s radiant days set the tone for the following months, as the sunshine continues to hover around the 320-hour mark in June and July. This upward trend in daylight not only brightens Butare's scenic landscapes but also signifies the heart of the dry season, allowing residents and visitors alike to fully embrace the beauty of Rwanda under its bright sky.
In Butare, Rwanda, the likelihood of sunny weather sees a noteworthy uptick in May, with a 28% chance of sunshine, marking a significant increase from the preceding months, where the figures dip as low as 15% in April. This upward trend not only highlights a favorable transition into the dryer seasons but also sets the stage for increased sunshine in the following months, especially as June and July boast probabilities of 42% and 39% respectively. As May approaches, residents and visitors alike can look forward to more pleasant, sunlit days, making it an ideal time to engage in outdoor activities and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
In Butare, Rwanda, the pattern of daylight duration reveals a consistent rhythm throughout the year. From January to April, residents enjoy a generous 12 hours of daylight daily, creating a feeling of stability and abundance. However, as May arrives, the daylight dips slightly to 11 hours, a trend that continues through June and July, suggesting a gradual retreat into the cooler months. Interestingly, daylight starts to lengthen again in August, returning to 12 hours and maintaining this balance from September through December. This cyclical pattern of 11 and 12 hours not only reflects the region's unique geographical positioning but also sets the stage for a vibrant culture that thrives in the richness of its natural light.
In May, Butare experiences a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 1.4 m/s (3 mph), maintaining the calm and tranquil atmosphere that characterizes the region during this time of year. Notably, the wind speeds in May slightly decrease from April's 1.4 m/s, suggesting a subtle shift as the dry season approaches. This trend of relatively low wind continues into the early months of the year, with consistent averages of 1.5 m/s before dipping. However, as the seasons transition towards mid-year, June and July see a slight increase, reaching 1.8 m/s (4 mph), hinting at the anticipation of more vigorous breezes ahead. Overall, May stands out as a serene period, perfect for enjoying the lush surroundings of this beautiful Rwandan setting.
Weather in Butare varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Butare, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
May and January have similar average temperatures, both hovering around 20°C (68°F), but May typically experiences slightly lower minimum temperatures and higher maximum temperatures. In May, temperatures range from 11°C (52°F) to 28°C (82°F), while January’s ranges from 13°C (56°F) to 29°C (84°F). Precipitation levels are comparable, with May receiving 75 mm (2.9 in) over 17 days and January slightly less at 73 mm (2.9 in) over 13 days. Additionally, May has higher humidity at 87%, compared to January's 84%. For more detailed information, check Butare weather in January.
May and February both experience mild temperatures, with average highs around 20°C (68°F). However, February tends to be slightly warmer with an average maximum of 29°C (85°F) compared to May’s 28°C (82°F). In terms of precipitation, February typically sees more rainfall at 80 mm (3.1 in) over 14 days, while May receives 75 mm (2.9 in) across 17 days. Interestingly, the humidity is a bit higher in May at 87%, compared to February’s 82%. For more detailed insights about February's weather, visit Butare weather in February.
In comparing the weather between March and May, both months exhibit similar average temperatures around 20°C (68°F), but with distinct variances in their extremes. March starts off slightly warmer, with a minimum temperature of 13°C (55°F) and a maximum of 29°C (85°F), while May has lower minimum temperatures of 11°C (52°F) and a maximum of 28°C (82°F). Additionally, March tends to be wetter, receiving 111 mm (4.4 in) of precipitation over 21 days, compared to May's 75 mm (2.9 in) over 17 days. Humidity is also higher in May at 87%, while March experiences a more moderate 78%. For a more detailed look at March weather specifics, you can refer to Butare weather in March.
In comparing the weather between April and May, both months experience similar average temperatures around 20°C (68°F), with May slightly cooler at its minimum temperature of 11°C (52°F) compared to April's 13°C (55°F). However, April is notably wetter, receiving 155 mm (6.1 in) of precipitation across 24 days, while May sees a decrease in rainfall to 75 mm (2.9 in) over 17 days. Humidity levels are higher in May at 87%, compared to 81% in April, contributing to a more humid feel despite the reduced rainfall. For more detailed insights, check Butare weather in April.
May and June exhibit some similarities in temperature, with both months seeing an average high of around 28°C (82°F) and a low of 11-12°C (52-54°F). However, June tends to be drier and less humid, with only 8 mm (0.3 in) of precipitation over just 2 days, compared to May's 75 mm (2.9 in) spread across 17 days. The humidity also decreases significantly from May's 87% to June's 78%, creating a more comfortable atmosphere. For more details on June's weather, you can visit Butare weather in June.
In comparing the weather between May and July, we see a notable shift in conditions. May experiences a wider range of temperatures, with a minimum of 11°C (52°F) and a maximum reaching 28°C (82°F), alongside a significant amount of precipitation at 75 mm (2.9 in) over 17 days and high humidity at 87%. In contrast, July offers a more stable and dry climate, with similar low temperatures but a slightly higher maximum of 30°C (86°F), minimal precipitation of just 3 mm (0.1 in), and lower humidity at 70%. This makes July a much drier and warmer month compared to May. For more detailed insights on July weather, you can refer to Butare weather in July.
In May, the weather is characterized by cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 11°C (52°F) and an average of 20°C (68°F), reaching a maximum of 28°C (82°F). This month also sees a significant amount of rainfall, totaling 75 mm (2.9 in) over 17 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 87%.
In contrast, August offers warmer conditions with minimum temperatures of 13°C (55°F) and an average of 21°C (71°F), peaking at 32°C (90°F). Rainfall is substantially lower, with only 23 mm (0.9 in) spread across just 3 days, and humidity drops to 66%. The significant difference in precipitation and humidity makes August a noticeably drier and warmer month compared to May. For more information on local climate specifics, check out Butare weather in August.
May and September both exhibit mild temperatures, but September tends to be slightly warmer overall. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 11°C (52°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F), with an average of 20°C (68°F). In contrast, September sees a minimum of 13°C (56°F) and a maximum of 31°C (87°F), averaging around 21°C (70°F). Additionally, May is wetter, experiencing 75 mm (2.9 in) of precipitation over 17 days, while September enjoys drier conditions with only 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain across just 8 days. The humidity is also higher in May at 87%, compared to September's more comfortable 70%. For a more detailed look at weather trends, visit Butare weather in September.
In comparing the weather of May and October, we see some notable similarities and differences. Both months feature an average temperature of around 20°C (68°F), but October tends to be slightly warmer with a maximum of 29°C (85°F), while May peaks at 28°C (82°F). Precipitation levels are comparable, with October receiving a total of 90 mm (3.5 in) compared to May's 75 mm (2.9 in), both occurring over 17 days. Humidity levels are also quite close, as May has an average of 87% while October is marginally lower at 83%. For more detailed insights into October weather, check out Butare weather in October.
In comparing the weather between May and November, both months exhibit similar average temperatures, hovering around 20°C (68°F). However, November experiences slightly higher minimum and maximum temperatures, with a range from 13°C (55°F) to 29°C (85°F), compared to May's 11°C (52°F) to 28°C (82°F). Precipitation levels are also greater in November, with 87 mm (3.4 in) over 19 days, while May sees 75 mm (2.9 in) across 17 days. Additionally, November's humidity is slightly elevated at 91%, compared to May’s 87%. For more detailed insights, you can check Butare weather in November.
In comparing the weather of May and December, we see that both months share similar average temperatures, with average highs reaching around 20°C (68°F). However, May tends to be slightly warmer at times, with maximum temperatures peaking at 28°C (82°F) compared to December's 28°C (83°F). Precipitation levels also differ, with December experiencing higher rainfall at 101 mm (4.0 in) over 19 days, compared to May's 75 mm (2.9 in) over 17 days. Additionally, December has a higher humidity level at 92%, compared to May's 87%. For more detailed information on December weather, you can visit Butare weather in December.
In May, Butare experiences a transition in weather, marked by a blend of warmth and moisture. With an average temperature hovering around 20°C (68°F), it feels noticeably cooler compared to the warmer months preceding it. However, the increased precipitation—spreading across 17 days—brings a lush vibrancy to the landscape that distinguishes this month from its drier counterparts. The high humidity often leaves the air feeling heavier, emphasizing the shift toward the wet season. For a complete understanding of how May's weather contrasts with other months in Butare, visit Butare Climate.