Bamako in May
In May, Bamako averages 38°C (100°F) during the day and 27°C (80°F) at night, with around 13 days of rain (37 mm total).
Off-peakConditions are very hot — early-morning and evening sightseeing recommended. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
May in Bamako is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How May compares to the rest of the year in Bamako
May is one of the warmest months in Bamako (3rd of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (6th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 4°C above the annual average (34°C). May runs 2°C cooler than April (39°C) and cools 3°C in June (34°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Bamako
Times shown for Bamako local time (Africa/Bamako), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Bamako — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Bamako's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Bamako 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 (Off-peak) and Bamako's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Bamako
This is off-peak for Bamako — the lowest prices of the year and the fewest crowds, but with real trade-offs: some restaurants, hotels, and beach businesses may close for the season; weather conditions can make outdoor activities unpredictable; and a handful of seasonal sights run reduced hours or close entirely. Great if you prefer a quiet local rhythm and don't mind the climate giving you reasons to choose indoor activities.
Why this tier: challenging tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — May in Bamako
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.
Bamako in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 33°C / 91°F | 18°C / 65°F | 1 mm | 1 | — |
| February | 36°C / 96°F | 21°C / 70°F | 0 mm | 1 | — |
| March | 38°C / 100°F | 24°C / 76°F | 1 mm | 1 | — |
| April | 39°C / 103°F | 27°C / 80°F | 3 mm | 4 | — |
| May | 38°C / 100°F | 27°C / 80°F | 37 mm | 13 | — |
| June | 34°C / 94°F | 25°C / 77°F | 82 mm | 20 | — |
| July | 30°C / 87°F | 23°C / 74°F | 184 mm | 27 | — |
| August | 29°C / 84°F | 23°C / 73°F | 214 mm | 29 | — |
| September | 30°C / 86°F | 23°C / 73°F | 144 mm | 25 | — |
| October | 33°C / 91°F | 23°C / 74°F | 36 mm | 15 | — |
| November | 35°C / 94°F | 21°C / 71°F | 1 mm | 1 | — |
| December | 33°C / 91°F | 19°C / 66°F | 0 mm | 0 | — |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Bamako in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Bamako in May?
In May, Bamako averages a high of 38°C (100°F) and a low of 27°C (80°F) — generally hot.
Does it rain a lot in Bamako in May?
May can be fairly wet in Bamako, with about 13 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Bamako?
May is hot. It suits travelers who are comfortable with hot weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Bamako in May?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Bamako for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.