Last updated: August 28, 2025
May in Arusha, Tanzania is characterized by mild temperatures and a touch of humidity, making it a pleasant time to explore this vibrant region. With maximum temperatures reaching up to 26°C (78°F) and averages around 18°C (64°F), the days are comfortably warm, but the nights can cool down to a brisk 10°C (50°F). The month witnesses about 68 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over approximately 15 days, adding a lush vibrancy to the landscape, while humidity levels hover around 71%. This combination creates a refreshing atmosphere, perfect for outdoor activities amidst Arusha's stunning natural beauty.
In May, Arusha, Tanzania, experiences a notable transition in weather as temperatures dip slightly, offering a refreshing respite from the warmer months. With minimums settling at around 10°C (50°F) and an average of 18°C (64°F), the weather is comfortably mild, perfect for outdoor explorations. Although the maximum temperature reaches about 26°C (78°F), days become cooler compared to the earlier months, hinting at the approach of winter. This shift not only makes May an ideal time for trekking in the nearby mountains but also allows visitors to enjoy the city's vibrant culture without the sweltering heat. Overall, May captures a serene blend of warm days and cool nights, making it a delightful month in Arusha.
May in Arusha, Tanzania, experiences a noticeable decline in precipitation, with 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain over 15 days. This marks a shift from the heavier rains of April, which totaled 174 mm (6.9 in) across 26 days. After a month of significant rainfall, May serves as a transitional period, signaling the end of the peak rainy season while still maintaining moderate moisture levels. The drop in precipitation continues into June with just 11 mm (0.4 in), indicating the impending dry season. Overall, May reflects a gradual tapering of the rains, paving the way for Arusha's drier months ahead.
In May, Arusha, Tanzania, experiences a notable rise in humidity, peaking at 71%. This increase marks a transition from the drier months of March and April, which witnessed lower humidity levels of 55% and 58%, respectively. Following May, the humidity continues to climb further into June at 73%, indicating the onset of the wetter season. The pattern reveals a consistent trend of rising moisture levels as the year progresses, leading into the highly humid months of November and December, where humidity soars to 83% and 84%. This fluctuation from drier to more humid conditions highlights Arusha's dynamic climate, providing a lush backdrop for its stunning landscapes.
In May, Arusha, Tanzania continues to feel the effects of its strikingly high UV Index, registering at 14, which places it firmly within the extreme exposure category. This trend of intense UV radiation persists from the beginning of the year, where values hovered between 15 and 16 from January to April. Although there’s a slight dip in May, the burn time remains a swift 10 minutes, underscoring the need for protective measures. As the region transitions into the cooler months, the UV levels gradually decline, but caution is still advised to safeguard against potential skin damage. For more detailed information on the UV Index trends throughout the year, explore Arusha UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In May, Arusha, Tanzania basks in an impressive 330 hours of sunshine, continuing a delightful trend established in the preceding months. Following a vibrant March with 336 hours, the sun-soaked days of April hold steady, gifting the region 312 hours. As it transitions into May, the warmth persists, providing a perfect blend of sun and comfort. This period of delightful daylight not only highlights May's charm but also sets the stage for the sun-drenched months ahead, including June and July—both showcasing remarkable totals of 322 and 332 hours respectively. Overall, the sunshine trend in Arusha paints a picture of a consistently bright and inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and sun-seekers alike.
In Arusha, Tanzania, May marks one of the months with a relatively low chance of sunny weather, sitting at 20%. This trend emerges after a noticeable decline from April's 21%, indicating a transition into a period with fewer bright days. The likelihood of sun begins to pick up again in June with 32%, suggesting that while May may be less favorable for sun seekers, there’s hope just around the corner. Comparatively, the months preceding May, such as March and January, boast sunnier probabilities, reflecting the region's seasonal rhythm that favors clearer skies later in the year. Overall, if you're planning a visit in May, it might be wise to pack an umbrella along with your sunscreen!
In Arusha, Tanzania, daylight duration experiences a consistent rhythm throughout the year, with a notable shift in May. For the first four months, daylight stretches a generous 12 hours, creating an inviting atmosphere for outdoor activities and exploration. However, as May arrives, this duration decreases to 11 hours, signaling the onset of winter. This slight reduction in daylight continues through June, July, and August, before returning to 12 hours in September. The transition marks a subtle but significant change in the region's climatic landscape, allowing residents and visitors alike to enjoy a diverse array of experiences under the Tanzanian sun.
In May, Arusha experiences a gentle increase in wind speed, averaging 1.9 m/s (4 mph), a slight rise from the calmer breezes of April. This trend marks the beginning of a gradual escalation in winds leading into the mid-year months. As temperatures rise and the dry season approaches, the winds continue to strengthen, peaking in July at 2.5 m/s (6 mph). This steady progression not only enhances the region’s vibrant atmosphere but also signals the onset of more invigorating outdoor activities, making May an enjoyable precursor to Arusha's windier months. The transition from earlier months to May showcases how the local climate evolves, offering a refreshing change that locals and visitors alike can appreciate.
Weather in Arusha varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Arusha, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
When comparing the weather in May and January, we see some notable differences. May features a milder temperature range, with minimums around 10°C (50°F) and maximums reaching 26°C (78°F), while January boasts slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 11°C (53°F) and a maximum of 29°C (85°F). Additionally, January experiences more precipitation, totaling 91 mm (3.6 in) over approximately 11 days, compared to May’s 68 mm (2.7 in) across 15 days. Despite this, May's humidity is slightly higher at 71%, while January maintains a comfortable 68%. For more details, visit Arusha weather in January.
When comparing the weather in May and February, it's clear that both months have distinct characteristics. February tends to be warmer overall, with average temperatures reaching 20°C (68°F) and maximum highs of 30°C (86°F), while May has a cooler average of 18°C (64°F) and maximums of 26°C (78°F). February also experiences slightly more precipitation, totaling 75 mm (2.9 in) over 9 days, compared to May's 68 mm (2.7 in) spread across 15 days. Additionally, the humidity levels are different; May has a higher humidity at 71%, while February sits at a more comfortable 62%. For a more detailed look at February's weather, you can visit Arusha weather in February.
When comparing the weather in March and May, notable differences emerge. March typically boasts warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 12°C (53°F) and an average of 21°C (70°F), reaching highs of 31°C (87°F). However, this month also experiences significantly higher precipitation, totaling 201 mm (7.9 in) over 16 days, and a lower humidity level of 55%. In contrast, May presents a milder climate, with minimum temperatures around 10°C (50°F) and averages of 18°C (64°F), peaking at 26°C (78°F). The precipitation in May is less intense, at 68 mm (2.7 in) over 15 days, but the humidity is noticeably higher at 71%. For a more detailed look at March weather specifics, check out Arusha weather in March.
In comparing the weather between April and May, we see notable differences in temperature and precipitation patterns. April has a slightly warmer average temperature, ranging from a minimum of 14°C (57°F) to a maximum of 28°C (83°F). In contrast, May features cooler temperatures, with a range from 10°C (50°F) to 26°C (78°F).
However, April experiences significantly higher precipitation, with 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain over 26 days, compared to May's 68 mm (2.7 in) on just 15 days. Additionally, April's humidity is lower at 58%, while May tends to be more humid at 71%. For more specific details on the weather during April, you can visit Arusha weather in April.
In comparing the weather between May and June, May exhibits slightly warmer temperatures with a minimum of 10°C (50°F) and a maximum reaching 26°C (78°F), whereas June shows a slightly cooler range with a minimum of 8°C (47°F) and a maximum of 24°C (76°F). May also experiences significantly more precipitation, accumulating 68 mm (2.7 in) over about 15 days, compared to June's much lighter rainfall of only 11 mm (0.4 in) over just 3 days. Both months have comparable humidity levels, with May at 71% and June slightly higher at 73%. For further details, Arusha weather in June provides additional insights.
The weather in May and July showcases some interesting contrasts. In May, temperatures fluctuate between a minimum of 10°C (50°F) and a maximum of 26°C (78°F), with an average of 18°C (64°F). This month also experiences considerable precipitation, totaling 68 mm (2.7 in) over approximately 15 days, and maintaining a humidity level of 71%. In contrast, July is cooler, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 8°C (46°F) to a maximum of 24°C (76°F), and an average of 16°C (60°F). Notably, July sees significantly less rainfall, with only 10 mm (0.4 in) falling over just 2 days, contributing to a slightly lower humidity of 68%. For more detailed information on Arusha's July weather, you can visit Arusha weather in July.
May and August exhibit distinct weather patterns, each with its own characteristics. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) to a maximum of 26°C (78°F), with an average of 18°C (64°F). This month experiences considerable precipitation, totaling 68 mm (2.7 in) over about 15 days, contributing to a relatively high humidity level of 71%. In contrast, August is slightly cooler, with temperatures hovering between a minimum of 7°C (45°F) and a maximum of 27°C (81°F), averaging 17°C (62°F). Notably, August is much drier, with only 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain over just 2 days and lower humidity at 63%. For more insights on August weather, check out Arusha weather in August.
May and September both feature mild temperatures, but their weather conditions differ significantly. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) to a maximum of 26°C (78°F), with an average of 18°C (64°F). It is a wetter month, with 68 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation spread over 15 days, resulting in a humidity level of 71%. In contrast, September boasts slightly warmer temperatures, with a maximum of 27°C (82°F) and similar lows and averages as May. However, it is considerably drier, with only 8 mm (0.3 in) of precipitation occurring over just 1 day, leading to a lower humidity of 60%. For more detailed information, check Arusha weather in September.
In May, the weather tends to be cooler with daily temperatures ranging from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) to a maximum of 26°C (78°F), resulting in an average of 18°C (64°F). The month sees about 68 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over 15 days, contributing to a humidity level of 71%. In contrast, October offers slightly warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) to a maximum of 29°C (84°F), averaging 19°C (67°F). Additionally, October experiences less rainfall, with 51 mm (2.0 in) distributed over 12 days and a slightly lower humidity of 68%. For more detailed information, you can check Arusha weather in October.
May and November present distinct weather patterns, with November generally being warmer and more humid. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) to a maximum of 26°C (78°F), with an average of 18°C (64°F). This month experiences about 68 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over 15 days, alongside a humidity level of 71%. In contrast, November boasts slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 12°C (54°F) and a maximum of 30°C (86°F), resulting in an average of 20°C (68°F). However, it also sees increased rainfall, totaling 112 mm (4.4 in) spread across 18 days and higher humidity at 83%. For more detailed information, visit Arusha weather in November.
May and December in Arusha exhibit distinct weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) to a maximum of 26°C (78°F), with an average of 18°C (64°F). The month sees 68 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over approximately 15 days, contributing to a humidity level of 71%. In contrast, December experiences slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 12°C (54°F) and a maximum of 29°C (84°F), resulting in an average temperature of 20°C (67°F). However, it also presents more rainfall, totaling 112 mm (4.4 in) over about 20 days, leading to higher humidity at 84%. For a deeper understanding of December's weather patterns, check out Arusha weather in December.
As May unfolds in Arusha, the weather presents a notable shift, blending refreshing coolness with the gentle embrace of rain. Unlike the hotter months preceding it, May boasts a comfortable average temperature, making it an ideal time for exploration. However, travelers should be prepared for the increased chance of precipitation, with rain gracing the city on about half the days of the month. This seasonal transition enhances the lush greenery that the region is famed for, creating a vibrant backdrop for any adventure. The humidity level, while noticeable, complements the cooler temperatures to offer a distinct experience. For a deeper understanding of how May fits into Arusha's yearly weather pattern, explore more in Arusha Climate.