Mombasa in May
In May, Mombasa averages 28°C (82°F) during the day and 24°C (76°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 29 days of the month see precipitation (251 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
May offers comfortable temperatures in Mombasa, with some rain to plan around.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Mombasa
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Mombasa (8th of 12) and one of the wettest months (2nd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C below the annual average (29°C). May runs 2°C cooler than April (29°C) and cools 1°C in June (27°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Mombasa
Times shown for Mombasa 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 Mombasa — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Mombasa's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Mombasa 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 Mombasa's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Mombasa
Mombasa 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 Mombasa
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 Mombasa — May
Across the year Mombasa's sea swings from 26.3°C (August) to 29.5°C (March) — May sits at 28.4°C.
Mombasa in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°C / 87°F | 25°C / 77°F | 23 mm | 18 | — |
| February | 31°C / 87°F | 25°C / 77°F | 16 mm | 18 | — |
| March | 31°C / 87°F | 26°C / 78°F | 79 mm | 25 | — |
| April | 29°C / 85°F | 25°C / 77°F | 230 mm | 30 | — |
| May | 28°C / 82°F | 24°C / 76°F | 251 mm | 29 | — |
| June | 27°C / 80°F | 24°C / 75°F | 93 mm | 27 | — |
| July | 26°C / 79°F | 23°C / 73°F | 79 mm | 29 | — |
| August | 27°C / 80°F | 23°C / 73°F | 59 mm | 29 | — |
| September | 27°C / 81°F | 23°C / 74°F | 69 mm | 27 | — |
| October | 28°C / 83°F | 24°C / 75°F | 94 mm | 28 | — |
| November | 29°C / 84°F | 24°C / 76°F | 126 mm | 29 | — |
| December | 30°C / 86°F | 25°C / 77°F | 89 mm | 25 | — |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Mombasa in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Mombasa in May?
In May, Mombasa averages a high of 28°C (82°F) and a low of 24°C (76°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Mombasa in May?
May is quite rainy in Mombasa, with about 29 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Mombasa?
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 Mombasa in May?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Mombasa for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.