Ouagadougou in May

In May, Ouagadougou averages 38°C (100°F) during the day and 27°C (81°F) at night, with around 13 days of rain (22 mm total).

Off-peak

Conditions are very hot — early-morning and evening sightseeing recommended. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.

May in Ouagadougou is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).

38°C
Avg high
27°C
Avg low
13
Rain days
22 mm
Rainfall

How May compares to the rest of the year in Ouagadougou

3rd
warmest month of the 12
5th
wettest month of the 12
4%
of yearly rainfall falls in May
12 h 42 min
daylight on the 15th

May is one of the warmest months in Ouagadougou (3rd of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C above the annual average (35°C). May runs 1°C cooler than April (39°C) and cools 3°C in June (35°C).

May sunrise & sunset in Ouagadougou

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
5:41 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:23 PM
Day length
12 h 42 min

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

Photography light in Ouagadougou — May

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
4:41 AM – 5:21 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:21 AM – 6:21 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:43 PM – 6:43 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:43 PM – 7:23 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 — Ouagadougou 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 (Off-peak) and Ouagadougou's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
3-6 weeks
Cheapest flights of the year. Last-minute deals are real if you can be flexible.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-4 weeks
Last-minute bookings work fine. Some seasonal properties close — call ahead if it's a small boutique or beach resort.

Crowds & pricing — May in Ouagadougou

Off-peak

This is off-peak for Ouagadougou — the lowest prices of the year and the fewest crowds, but with real trade-offs: some restaurants, hotels, and beach businesses may close for the season; weather conditions can make outdoor activities unpredictable; and a handful of seasonal sights run reduced hours or close entirely. Great if you prefer a quiet local rhythm and don't mind the climate giving you reasons to choose indoor activities.

Why this tier: challenging tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — May in Ouagadougou

☀️ 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
●●●●●
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.

Ouagadougou in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 33°C / 91°F 18°C / 64°F 0 mm 0
February 36°C / 96°F 20°C / 68°F 1 mm 1
March 39°C / 101°F 24°C / 75°F 2 mm 1
April 39°C / 103°F 27°C / 80°F 5 mm 4
May 38°C / 100°F 27°C / 81°F 22 mm 13
June 35°C / 94°F 26°C / 78°F 53 mm 20
July 32°C / 89°F 24°C / 75°F 156 mm 27
August 30°C / 86°F 23°C / 73°F 238 mm 29
September 31°C / 89°F 23°C / 74°F 117 mm 24
October 34°C / 94°F 23°C / 74°F 33 mm 13
November 36°C / 96°F 21°C / 69°F 0 mm 0
December 33°C / 92°F 18°C / 64°F 0 mm 0

Other cities with similar May weather

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

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Ouagadougou in May?

In May, Ouagadougou averages a high of 38°C (100°F) and a low of 27°C (81°F) — generally hot.

Does it rain a lot in Ouagadougou in May?

May can be fairly wet in Ouagadougou, with about 13 rainy days on average.

Is May a good time to visit Ouagadougou?

May is hot. It suits travelers who are comfortable with hot weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Ouagadougou in May?

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

Open Ouagadougou on the interactive map

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