Kigali in May
In May, Kigali averages 25°C (77°F) during the day and 16°C (60°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 22 days of the month see precipitation (55 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
May offers comfortable temperatures in Kigali, with some rain to plan around.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Kigali
May is one of the coolest months in Kigali (12th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (8th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C below the annual average (26°C). May runs roughly the same as April (25°C) and warms a further 1°C into June (26°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Kigali
Times shown for Kigali local time (Africa/Kigali), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Kigali — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Kigali's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Kigali 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 Kigali's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Kigali
Kigali 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 Kigali
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.
Kigali in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 27°C / 80°F | 15°C / 60°F | 62 mm | 23 | — |
| February | 27°C / 81°F | 16°C / 60°F | 72 mm | 23 | — |
| March | 26°C / 80°F | 16°C / 60°F | 99 mm | 28 | — |
| April | 25°C / 77°F | 16°C / 60°F | 128 mm | 29 | — |
| May | 25°C / 77°F | 16°C / 60°F | 55 mm | 22 | — |
| June | 26°C / 79°F | 15°C / 59°F | 10 mm | 7 | — |
| July | 27°C / 80°F | 15°C / 60°F | 5 mm | 4 | — |
| August | 28°C / 82°F | 16°C / 61°F | 29 mm | 10 | — |
| September | 27°C / 81°F | 16°C / 60°F | 54 mm | 20 | — |
| October | 27°C / 81°F | 16°C / 60°F | 115 mm | 25 | — |
| November | 26°C / 78°F | 15°C / 59°F | 112 mm | 28 | — |
| December | 26°C / 79°F | 15°C / 59°F | 95 mm | 25 | — |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Kigali in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Kigali in May?
In May, Kigali averages a high of 25°C (77°F) and a low of 16°C (60°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Kigali in May?
May is quite rainy in Kigali, with about 22 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Kigali?
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 Kigali 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 Kigali for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.