Serengeti in May
In May, Serengeti averages 28°C (82°F) during the day and 16°C (62°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 15 days of the month see precipitation (29 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
May offers comfortable temperatures in Serengeti, with some rain to plan around.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Serengeti
May is one of the coolest months in Serengeti (10th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (7th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C below the annual average (29°C). May runs roughly the same as April (28°C) and stays flat into June.
May sunrise & sunset in Serengeti
Times shown for Serengeti local time (Africa/Dar_es_Salaam), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Serengeti — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Serengeti's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Serengeti 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 Serengeti's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Serengeti
Serengeti 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 Serengeti
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.
Serengeti in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28°C / 83°F | 17°C / 62°F | 65 mm | 19 | — |
| February | 29°C / 85°F | 17°C / 63°F | 55 mm | 16 | — |
| March | 29°C / 85°F | 17°C / 63°F | 85 mm | 19 | — |
| April | 28°C / 82°F | 17°C / 62°F | 125 mm | 23 | — |
| May | 28°C / 82°F | 16°C / 62°F | 29 mm | 15 | — |
| June | 28°C / 82°F | 16°C / 61°F | 14 mm | 9 | — |
| July | 28°C / 83°F | 15°C / 60°F | 5 mm | 5 | — |
| August | 29°C / 84°F | 16°C / 61°F | 12 mm | 9 | — |
| September | 30°C / 86°F | 17°C / 62°F | 24 mm | 10 | — |
| October | 31°C / 87°F | 17°C / 63°F | 44 mm | 14 | — |
| November | 29°C / 84°F | 17°C / 62°F | 121 mm | 21 | — |
| December | 28°C / 82°F | 16°C / 62°F | 102 mm | 20 | — |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Serengeti in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Serengeti in May?
In May, Serengeti averages a high of 28°C (82°F) and a low of 16°C (62°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Serengeti in May?
May is quite rainy in Serengeti, with about 15 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Serengeti?
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 Serengeti in May?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Serengeti for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.