2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Arusha & Serengeti — May

Conditions are pleasant for sightseeing, though you might encounter occasional showers.

👍 Climate Overview

May is a good time to visit Arusha & Serengeti. Warm weather with highs of 24°C—great for outdoor activities. Rain is common, so pack an umbrella. Being off-peak, you'll find better deals and fewer crowds.

7.8
GoTripzi Score Great

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

24°C

Avg Low

16°C

Rainy days

11days

Daylight

12h

Rainfall

45mm

Sunshine

9.5h/day

Humidity

79%

Humid
Sun Strength

6.4

High
Wind

12 km/h (gusts 28)

Is May a good time to visit Arusha & Serengeti?

Conditions are pleasant for sightseeing, though you might encounter occasional showers.

Now

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Feels like --
Wind --
Humidity --
UV Index --
Local time —

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Moderate
  • Travel Costs Value Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

06:32

Sunset

18:29

12h daylight

Visiting Arusha & Serengeti in May: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Comfortable temperatures for sightseeing
  • Abundant sunshine for beach and outdoor fun
  • Fewer crowds and better hotel deals

Things to Do in May

Recommended for This Weather

🥾 Hiking & nature trails
🏛️ Museums & galleries
🍳 Cooking classes & food tours
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

Arusha & Serengeti Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 28°C 17°C 11d (91mm) 10.6h
66% Humid
8.5 Very High
Excellent
Feb 29°C 17°C 9d (72mm) 10.9h
64% Moderate
9.2 Very High
Excellent
Mar 28°C 17°C 15d (128mm) 10.5h
68% Humid
8.6 Very High
Wet
Apr 25°C 17°C 25d (150mm) 9.6h
80% Very Humid
6.9 High
Wet
May Current 24°C 16°C 11d (45mm) 9.5h
79% Humid
6.4 High
Good
Jun 22°C 13°C 6d (20mm) 9.7h
76% Humid
6.4 High
Excellent
Jul 22°C 13°C 5d (16mm) 9.6h
72% Humid
6.4 High
Excellent
Aug 24°C 13°C 3d (12mm) 9.8h
67% Humid
7.3 Very High
Excellent
Sep 26°C 14°C 2d (6mm) 10.4h
63% Moderate
8.4 Very High
Excellent
Oct 27°C 16°C 3d (15mm) 11h
61% Moderate
9.1 Very High
Excellent
Nov 27°C 17°C 12d (58mm) 10.8h
67% Humid
8.3 Very High
Good
Dec 27°C 17°C 10d (61mm) 10.8h
68% Humid
8.2 Very High
Good

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Your Best MonthMarScore: 8.5
1.Mar
8.52.Apr
8.53.Dec
7.44.May
75.Nov
76.Feb
5.67.Aug
5.68.Sep
5.69.Oct
5.610.Jan
5.211.Jul
5.212.Jun
4.7

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Arusha & Serengeti – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

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Arusha & Serengeti

Gateway to Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater with Big Five safaris, wildebeest migration, Maasai culture, and Mount Kilimanjaro views.

View Full Destination Guide

What to Pack for May

Summer clothing like shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses will be comfortable. Bring a light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces. A waterproof jacket and shoes are non-negotiable — showers are frequent. Don't forget a wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen — the sun is strong.

Warm Moderate

🎒Personalized Packing List

Tell us about your trip and we'll create a custom packing list based on the weather.

Your Packing List

📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to Arusha & Serengeti?

💰 Off-peak — great deals available now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is May a good time to visit Arusha & Serengeti?
May is typically good for visiting Arusha & Serengeti, with average highs of 24°C and around 11 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in Arusha & Serengeti in May?
Evenings in Arusha & Serengeti during May are mild at 16°C. A light cardigan or long sleeves for evenings is usually enough. Outdoor dining remains comfortable, making it a great time to enjoy rooftop bars and terrace restaurants.
What should I pack for Arusha & Serengeti in May?
With highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C in May, we recommend: Compact umbrella, Waterproof jacket/shell, Sunscreen SPF 30+, Sunglasses. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in Arusha & Serengeti in May?
Arusha & Serengeti typically sees around 11 rainy days in May. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
How many hours of daylight are there in Arusha & Serengeti in May?
In May, Arusha & Serengeti gets approximately 12 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is May peak season in Arusha & Serengeti?
No, May is not peak season in Arusha & Serengeti. Expect better value on accommodation, shorter queues at attractions, and fewer tourists at popular spots. This is an excellent time to experience the city like a local and enjoy a more authentic atmosphere.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: Africa/Dar_es_Salaam)

Last Updated: February 2026

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