Lalibela in May

In May, Lalibela averages 23°C (74°F) during the day and 12°C (54°F) at night, with around 12 days of rain (142 mm total).

High season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.

May offers comfortable temperatures in Lalibela, with some rain to plan around.

23°C
Avg high
12°C
Avg low
12
Rain days
142 mm
Rainfall

How May compares to the rest of the year in Lalibela

4th
warmest month of the 12
5th
wettest month of the 12
6%
of yearly rainfall falls in May
12 h 40 min
daylight on the 15th

May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Lalibela (4th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C above the annual average (22°C). May runs 1°C cooler than April (24°C) and stays flat into June.

May sunrise & sunset in Lalibela

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
5:59 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:40 PM
Day length
12 h 40 min

Times shown for Lalibela local time (Africa/Addis_Ababa), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Lalibela — May

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Lalibela's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
4:59 AM – 5:39 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:39 AM – 6:39 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
7:00 PM – 7:40 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Good
Galactic core is up but lower on the horizon; head well outside city limits for a clean view.

📅 When to book — Lalibela 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 (High season) and Lalibela's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
2-3 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-3 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.

Crowds & pricing — May in Lalibela

High season

This is a busy month in Lalibela — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.

Why this tier: excellent tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — May in Lalibela

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
12.9
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●○○
Moderate
Active mosquito season. DEET 25-30% repellent recommended, especially at dawn/dusk.

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.

Lalibela in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 22°C / 72°F 9°C / 49°F 4 mm 1
February 23°C / 74°F 11°C / 51°F 17 mm 4
March 24°C / 76°F 12°C / 53°F 21 mm 5
April 24°C / 76°F 12°C / 54°F 56 mm 8
May 23°C / 74°F 12°C / 54°F 142 mm 12
June 23°C / 73°F 12°C / 53°F 179 mm 13
July 19°C / 66°F 11°C / 51°F 641 mm 29
August 18°C / 65°F 10°C / 51°F 774 mm 31
September 19°C / 67°F 10°C / 50°F 541 mm 25
October 21°C / 70°F 9°C / 49°F 60 mm 8
November 21°C / 71°F 9°C / 49°F 14 mm 3
December 22°C / 71°F 9°C / 48°F 5 mm 1

Other cities with similar May weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Lalibela in May →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Lalibela in May?

In May, Lalibela averages a high of 23°C (74°F) and a low of 12°C (54°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in Lalibela in May?

May can be fairly wet in Lalibela, with about 12 rainy days on average.

Is May a good time to visit Lalibela?

May is mild and pleasant. 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 Lalibela 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 Lalibela for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Lalibela on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.