Maasai Mara in May

In May, Maasai Mara averages 27°C (81°F) during the day and 15°C (59°F) at night, with around 10 days of rain (58 mm total).

Shoulder

Conditions are warm and beach-friendly. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.

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

27°C
Avg high
15°C
Avg low
10
Rain days
58 mm
Rainfall

How May compares to the rest of the year in Maasai Mara

10th
warmest month of the 12
6th
wettest month of the 12
7%
of yearly rainfall falls in May
12 h 3 min
daylight on the 15th

May is one of the coolest months in Maasai Mara (10th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (6th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C below the annual average (28°C). May runs roughly the same as April (28°C) and stays flat into June.

May sunrise & sunset in Maasai Mara

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:34 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:37 PM
Day length
12 h 3 min

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

Photography light in Maasai Mara — May

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:34 AM – 6:14 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:14 AM – 7:14 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:57 PM – 6:57 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:57 PM – 7:37 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 — Maasai Mara 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 Maasai Mara's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
6-10 weeks
Sweet spot for value. Major fare-sales (US: Black Friday, EU: post-Easter) hit hardest in shoulder months for shoulder travel.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
4-8 weeks
Lots of selection. Look for shoulder-season packages — many hotels add value (free breakfast, spa credit) to fill rooms.

Crowds & pricing — May in Maasai Mara

Shoulder

Maasai Mara 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 Maasai Mara

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
11.9
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●●
Severe
Severe mosquito season with active disease transmission risk. DEET 30%+, picaridin 20%, long sleeves day and night, treated nets, and check CDC/WHO travel advisories before going.

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.

Maasai Mara in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 28°C / 83°F 15°C / 59°F 73 mm 11
February 30°C / 85°F 16°C / 60°F 46 mm 8
March 29°C / 85°F 16°C / 61°F 81 mm 11
April 28°C / 82°F 16°C / 60°F 134 mm 16
May 27°C / 81°F 15°C / 59°F 58 mm 10
June 27°C / 80°F 15°C / 59°F 49 mm 8
July 27°C / 81°F 15°C / 58°F 12 mm 4
August 28°C / 83°F 15°C / 59°F 23 mm 5
September 29°C / 84°F 15°C / 60°F 34 mm 7
October 30°C / 86°F 16°C / 61°F 54 mm 9
November 28°C / 83°F 16°C / 60°F 127 mm 14
December 28°C / 82°F 15°C / 59°F 89 mm 14

Other cities with similar May weather

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

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Maasai Mara in May?

In May, Maasai Mara averages a high of 27°C (81°F) and a low of 15°C (59°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Maasai Mara in May?

May can be fairly wet in Maasai Mara, with about 10 rainy days on average.

Is May a good time to visit Maasai Mara?

May is warm. 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 Maasai Mara in May?

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Maasai Mara for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Maasai Mara on the interactive map

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