Arusha in May
In May, Arusha averages 23°C (73°F) during the day and 16°C (61°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 18 days of the month see precipitation (135 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
May offers comfortable temperatures in Arusha, with some rain to plan around.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Arusha
May is one of the coolest months in Arusha (10th of 12) and one of the wettest months (2nd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C below the annual average (25°C). May runs 2°C cooler than April (24°C) and cools 1°C in June (22°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Arusha
Times shown for Arusha local time (Africa/Dar_es_Salaam), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Arusha — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Arusha's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Arusha in May
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on May's tier (Shoulder) and Arusha's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Arusha
Arusha is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — May in Arusha
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Arusha in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28°C / 82°F | 17°C / 62°F | 94 mm | 13 | — |
| February | 28°C / 83°F | 17°C / 62°F | 96 mm | 12 | — |
| March | 28°C / 82°F | 17°C / 63°F | 170 mm | 17 | — |
| April | 24°C / 76°F | 17°C / 63°F | 277 mm | 27 | — |
| May | 23°C / 73°F | 16°C / 61°F | 135 mm | 18 | — |
| June | 22°C / 71°F | 15°C / 58°F | 35 mm | 10 | — |
| July | 22°C / 71°F | 14°C / 57°F | 36 mm | 9 | — |
| August | 23°C / 74°F | 14°C / 57°F | 26 mm | 8 | — |
| September | 25°C / 77°F | 15°C / 59°F | 26 mm | 7 | — |
| October | 27°C / 80°F | 16°C / 61°F | 53 mm | 10 | — |
| November | 26°C / 79°F | 17°C / 62°F | 116 mm | 17 | — |
| December | 27°C / 80°F | 17°C / 62°F | 103 mm | 16 | — |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Arusha in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Arusha in May?
In May, Arusha averages a high of 23°C (73°F) and a low of 16°C (61°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Arusha in May?
May is quite rainy in Arusha, with about 18 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Arusha?
May is mild and pleasant but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Arusha in May?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Arusha for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.