Dar es Salaam in May
In May, Dar es Salaam averages 28°C (83°F) during the day and 23°C (74°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 26 days of the month see precipitation (135 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
May offers comfortable temperatures in Dar es Salaam, with some rain to plan around.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Dar es Salaam
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Dar es Salaam (9th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (4th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C below the annual average (29°C). May runs 1°C cooler than April (29°C) and stays flat into June.
May sunrise & sunset in Dar es Salaam
Times shown for Dar es Salaam 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 Dar es Salaam — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Dar es Salaam's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Dar es Salaam 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 Dar es Salaam's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam 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.
Sun & mosquito risk — May in Dar es Salaam
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.
Sea temperature in Dar es Salaam — May
Across the year Dar es Salaam's sea swings from 26.5°C (August) to 30.3°C (December) — May sits at 28.4°C.
Dar es Salaam in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31°C / 87°F | 26°C / 78°F | 71 mm | 25 | — |
| February | 31°C / 88°F | 26°C / 78°F | 51 mm | 22 | — |
| March | 31°C / 87°F | 25°C / 77°F | 151 mm | 28 | — |
| April | 29°C / 84°F | 24°C / 75°F | 273 mm | 30 | — |
| May | 28°C / 83°F | 23°C / 74°F | 135 mm | 26 | — |
| June | 28°C / 83°F | 22°C / 72°F | 29 mm | 21 | — |
| July | 28°C / 83°F | 22°C / 71°F | 21 mm | 25 | — |
| August | 28°C / 83°F | 22°C / 71°F | 26 mm | 26 | — |
| September | 29°C / 84°F | 22°C / 72°F | 36 mm | 26 | — |
| October | 30°C / 85°F | 23°C / 74°F | 78 mm | 25 | — |
| November | 29°C / 85°F | 24°C / 75°F | 116 mm | 27 | — |
| December | 30°C / 86°F | 25°C / 77°F | 108 mm | 26 | — |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Dar es Salaam in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Dar es Salaam in May?
In May, Dar es Salaam averages a high of 28°C (83°F) and a low of 23°C (74°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Dar es Salaam in May?
May is quite rainy in Dar es Salaam, with about 26 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Dar es Salaam?
May is warm but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Dar es Salaam in May?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Dar es Salaam for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.