Last updated: August 28, 2025
Experience the enchanting May weather of Mbeya, Tanzania, where temperatures gracefully range from a comfortable 10°C (51°F) at night to a pleasant 26°C (79°F) during the day. With an average temperature of 17°C (63°F), this month offers a unique blend of warmth and coolness. While gentle showers are frequent, contributing to a total precipitation of 51 mm (2.0 in) over 11 days, the high humidity level of 84% adds a tropical touch to the atmosphere. Ideal for nature lovers and cultural explorers alike, May in Mbeya presents a vibrant backdrop for unforgettable experiences.
In May, Mbeya, Tanzania, experiences a noticeable shift in temperatures as the region transitions into cooler conditions following the warmer months. With minimum temperatures dropping to 10°C (51°F) and an average of 17°C (63°F), the climate becomes pleasantly mild, perfect for outdoor activities. Days remain comfortable, peaking at a maximum of 26°C (79°F), which is slightly less than in the preceding months, yet still inviting. As May unfolds, you can feel the hints of winter approaching, making this a delightful time for both locals and travelers to explore the charming landscapes of Mbeya without the sweltering heat.
In May, Mbeya, Tanzania experiences a significant drop in precipitation, receiving only 51 mm (2.0 in) over approximately 11 days. This sharp decline follows the heavier rains of March, which recorded a substantial 426 mm (16.8 in), and marks a transition as the region shifts towards drier conditions leading into winter. As the year progresses, rainfall decreases further, with June measuring a mere 3 mm (0.1 in), illustrating the stark contrast in weather patterns. Overall, the month of May serves as a critical turning point, bridging the wet season's abundant downpours with the arid spells ahead.
In Mbeya, Tanzania, May marks a noticeable shift in humidity levels, with an average of 84%—slightly lower than the preceding months of January through April, which hover around 88% to 89%. This decline signals the onset of the dry season, as humidity gradually decreases into the cooler months, with June dipping to 78% and continuing its descent through the year. After the humid peak of December at 91%, the yearly cycle highlights a clear trend: from the lush and moist beginnings of the year to the drier, more temperate conditions of mid-year, Mbeya experiences a dynamic climate that balances moisture with refreshing dry spells.
In May, Mbeya, Tanzania experiences a UV Index of 13, categorized as extreme, which means the risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure remains significant—especially with a burn time of just 10 minutes. This marks a slight decline from the previous months, where the UV Index consistently peaked at 16 from January to April. Despite the decrease, the UV levels in May still indicate a need for protection against harmful UV rays, a pattern that continues into the beginning of the dry season. As the months progress, the UV Index gradually eases, but it remains crucial to stay vigilant in sun safety practices. For more detailed information on UV levels throughout the year, check out Mbeya UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
As May unfolds in Mbeya, Tanzania, the region basks in a delightful 339 hours of sunshine, marking a peak in the upward trend of daylight that has been building since January. This month’s radiant weather is part of a broader pattern, with each consecutive month since February consistently delivering more sun than the last. With April transitioning to May, the sunshine hours increase, paving the way for the warmer, brighter days of late spring. As summer approaches, the warmth intensifies, culminating in October’s impressive 360 hours, solidifying Mbeya’s reputation for abundant sunshine. Each month presents a tapestry of brightness, illustrating a beautiful journey through the seasons.
In Mbeya, Tanzania, the likelihood of sunny weather sees a notable increase as the year progresses, with May standing out at a remarkable 44% chance of sunshine. This is a significant jump from the earlier months, where the chances remain quite low—only 9% in January and rising gradually to 16% in April. As summer approaches, the trend continues to improve, with June and July recording 47% and 59% respectively. By leveraging this upward trajectory, May marks a turning point, offering an enticing preview of the sunnier days ahead, which peak later in the year with August reaching 60%. This delightful shift not only enhances outdoor activities but also paints a vibrant picture for visitors and locals alike.
In Mbeya, Tanzania, the daylight duration showcases a distinct pattern throughout the year. From January to March, the region enjoys a consistent 12 hours of sunlight, perfect for outdoor activities and vibrant community life. As April arrives, daylight begins to taper off slightly, dropping to 11 hours and remaining steady through the cooler months of May to August. This brief reduction in daylight signals the onset of the cooler season, yet the variation is subtle. By September, daylight perks back up to 12 hours, heralding the return of longer days as the year wraps up. October and November maintain this brightness, ensuring a warm and inviting atmosphere that continues into December, completing the cycle of light in this picturesque locale.
In May, the winds in Mbeya, Tanzania begin to pick up, showcasing a noticeable increase in average wind speed, reaching 2.3 m/s (5 mph). This trend reflects a gradual escalation from the previous months, where winds were relatively gentle, hovering around 1.3 to 2.1 m/s. As the region transitions towards the cooler months, May signals the start of a consistent pattern of slightly stronger winds that continue into June and beyond. This shift not only marks a change in weather dynamics but also enhances the natural beauty of Mbeya, as the lush landscapes sway gracefully in the refreshing breeze. The steady rise in wind speed emphasizes the region's climatic shift, inviting locals and visitors alike to enjoy the invigorating atmosphere that May brings.
Weather in Mbeya varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Mbeya, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In comparing the weather of May and January, we see distinct differences in both temperature and precipitation. May typically experiences a mild temperature range, with minimums around 10°C (51°F) and maximums reaching 26°C (79°F), leading to an average of 17°C (63°F). The month sees moderate precipitation, totaling 51 mm (2.0 in) over 11 days, and a humidity level of 84%. In contrast, January is warmer with minimum temperatures of 14°C (57°F) and similar maximums of 26°C (80°F), resulting in a slightly higher average of 19°C (66°F). However, January is significantly wetter, receiving 359 mm (14.1 in) of rain over 24 days, along with a higher humidity rate of 89%. For more detailed insights into the January weather patterns, check out Mbeya weather in January.
When comparing the weather in May and February, a few notable differences stand out. May generally features a milder temperature range, with minimums around 10°C (51°F) and maximums reaching 26°C (79°F), while February tends to be warmer, with minimums at 14°C (58°F) and maximums peaking at 28°C (83°F). February also sees significantly higher precipitation, averaging 327 mm (12.9 in) over 22 days, compared to May's 51 mm (2.0 in) over just 11 days. Humidity levels are similar in both months, with May at 84% and February slightly higher at 88%. For more detailed insights, you can check Mbeya weather in February.
In comparing the weather between May and March, we see some notable differences. May tends to be milder, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 10°C (51°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F), while March offers slightly warmer temperatures, with averages from 14°C (58°F) to a peak of 27°C (81°F). However, March is significantly wetter, experiencing 426 mm (16.8 in) of precipitation over 28 days, compared to May's much drier climate with only 51 mm (2.0 in) across 11 days. Additionally, humidity levels are slightly higher in March at 87%, compared to May's 84%. For those interested in more details about March weather, refer to Mbeya weather in March.
In comparing the weather of April and May, we can see some notable differences. April tends to be slightly warmer overall, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 13°C (55°F) to a maximum of 27°C (81°F), while May cools down a bit with temperatures ranging from 10°C (51°F) to 26°C (79°F). Additionally, April experiences significantly more precipitation, with 251 mm (9.9 in) across 25 days compared to May's 51 mm (2.0 in) over just 11 days. Humidity levels are also higher in April at 89%, compared to 84% in May. For more details on April's weather patterns, you can visit Mbeya weather in April.
May and June exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 10°C (51°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F), with an average of 17°C (63°F). The month experiences more precipitation, averaging 51 mm (2.0 in) over 11 days, coupled with higher humidity levels at 84%. In contrast, June sees slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 8°C (46°F) and a maximum of 24°C (76°F), resulting in an average of 15°C (60°F). Notably, June is much drier, with only 3 mm (0.1 in) of precipitation and no rainy days, and humidity decreases to 78%. For more information, check out Mbeya weather in June.
The weather comparison between May and July reveals some notable differences. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 10°C (51°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F), with an average of 17°C (63°F). The month is characterized by higher humidity at 84% and more precipitation, averaging 51 mm (2.0 inches) over 11 days. In contrast, July experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 6°C (42°F), an average of 15°C (59°F), and a maximum of 25°C (77°F). July is much drier, with only 5 mm (0.2 inches) of rain recorded over just 1 day, and lower humidity at 71%. For more detailed insights into July's weather, you can check Mbeya weather in July.
May and August in Mbeya present distinct weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 10°C (51°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F), with an average of 17°C (63°F). This month also experiences significant precipitation, totaling 51 mm (2.0 in) over 11 days, and humidity levels are notably high at 84%. In contrast, August sees a shift with temperatures slightly cooler, featuring a minimum of 9°C (49°F) and a maximum of 27°C (82°F), while maintaining the same average of 17°C (63°F). August is much drier, with only 5 mm (0.2 in) of precipitation falling over just one day, and the humidity drops to a more comfortable 62%. For more details, you can check Mbeya weather in August.
May and September present quite different weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a cool 10°C (51°F) at night to a pleasant average of 17°C (63°F) during the day, peaking at 26°C (79°F). This month also sees more precipitation, with 51 mm (2.0 in) falling over 11 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 84%. In contrast, September enjoys warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 10°C (50°F) and an average of 19°C (66°F), reaching up to 29°C (85°F) on the hottest days. The month is drier, recording only 8 mm (0.3 in) of precipitation over just 2 days, and a significantly lower humidity of 53%. For more specific insights into September weather, you can check Mbeya weather in September.
May and October present distinct weather patterns, each with its own characteristics. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 10°C (51°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F), with an average of 17°C (63°F). The month experiences considerable humidity at 84% and sees about 51 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation spread over 11 days. In contrast, October enjoys warmer conditions with temperatures varying from 13°C (55°F) at night to a high of 30°C (87°F) during the day, averaging 20°C (69°F). Although October has slightly more rainfall at 59 mm (2.3 in) over 12 days, the humidity is significantly lower at 49%. For more specifics on October weather, visit Mbeya weather in October.
In May, the weather in Mbeya is characterized by moderate temperatures, with a minimum of 10°C (51°F) and an average of 17°C (63°F), reaching a maximum of 26°C (79°F). The month sees about 51 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation over 11 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 84%. In contrast, November experiences slightly warmer temperatures with a minimum of 13°C (56°F) and an average of 20°C (69°F), peaking at 29°C (85°F). However, it also brings significantly more rainfall, totaling 205 mm (8.1 in) across 20 days and lower humidity at 66%. For more details, you can check Mbeya weather in November.
May and December in Mbeya exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 10°C (51°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F), with an average of 17°C (63°F). The month sees moderate precipitation of 51 mm (2.0 in) over 11 days and humidity levels around 84%. In contrast, December experiences warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 14°C (58°F), an average of 19°C (67°F), and a maximum reaching 29°C (85°F). However, December is significantly wetter, receiving 399 mm (15.7 in) of rainfall across 26 days and a higher humidity level of 91%. For more detailed information, you can visit Mbeya weather in December.
As May unfolds in Mbeya, the weather begins to shift, offering a refreshing contrast to the hotter months prior. With milder temperatures settling into the region, daily highs hover around 26°C, while the nights can be quite cool, dropping to about 10°C. This month also brings an increase in humidity, creating a lush environment that complements the 51 mm of rainfall spread across approximately half the month. The frequent rains are a welcome change, enhancing the vibrant landscapes, making it a perfect time for nature lovers to explore. For a more detailed look at what to expect throughout the year, visit Mbeya Climate.