Okavango Delta in May

In May, Okavango Delta averages 28°C (83°F) during the day and 13°C (55°F) at night, with only about 0 rainy days.

High season

Conditions are warm and beach-friendly. Skies are generally dry and clear.

May is a great month to visit Okavango Delta: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.

28°C
Avg high
13°C
Avg low
0
Rain days
0 mm
Rainfall

How May compares to the rest of the year in Okavango Delta

10th
warmest month of the 12
8th
wettest month of the 12
0%
of yearly rainfall falls in May
11 h 13 min
daylight on the 15th

May is one of the coolest months in Okavango Delta (10th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (8th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C below the annual average (31°C). May runs 1°C cooler than April (29°C) and cools 2°C in June (26°C).

May sunrise & sunset in Okavango Delta

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:48 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:01 PM
Day length
11 h 13 min

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

Photography light in Okavango Delta — May

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:48 AM – 6:28 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:28 AM – 7:28 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:21 PM – 6:21 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:21 PM – 7:01 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 — Okavango Delta 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 Okavango Delta'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 Okavango Delta

High season

This is a busy month in Okavango Delta — 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 Okavango Delta

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
9.5
Very high
Limit sun exposure between 11 AM and 3 PM; SPF 30-50, reapply every 90 minutes outdoors.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●○
High
Peak mosquito activity. DEET 30%+, long sleeves at dawn/dusk, sleep under nets if rural. Check current dengue/malaria advisories for the destination.

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.

Okavango Delta in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 31°C / 87°F 20°C / 68°F 168 mm 17
February 30°C / 86°F 20°C / 68°F 112 mm 16
March 30°C / 85°F 19°C / 67°F 102 mm 12
April 29°C / 84°F 17°C / 62°F 29 mm 3
May 28°C / 83°F 13°C / 55°F 0 mm 0
June 26°C / 78°F 10°C / 50°F 0 mm 0
July 26°C / 78°F 9°C / 49°F 0 mm 0
August 30°C / 86°F 13°C / 55°F 0 mm 0
September 34°C / 93°F 17°C / 62°F 0 mm 0
October 36°C / 98°F 20°C / 68°F 3 mm 1
November 35°C / 95°F 21°C / 70°F 30 mm 7
December 33°C / 91°F 21°C / 70°F 108 mm 13

Other cities with similar May weather

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

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Okavango Delta in May?

In May, Okavango Delta averages a high of 28°C (83°F) and a low of 13°C (55°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Okavango Delta in May?

May is generally dry in Okavango Delta, with about 0 rainy days on average.

Is May a good time to visit Okavango Delta?

May is warm and mostly dry. 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 Okavango Delta in May?

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen. See the full May packing list for Okavango Delta for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Okavango Delta on the interactive map

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