Yaounde in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Yaounde

28°C (83°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

198 mm (7.8 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect transition weather - May bridges dry season into rainy season, giving you warm sunny mornings (ideal for outdoor activities) with refreshing afternoon showers that cool things down by 3-5°C (5-9°F)
Mango season peaks in May - local markets overflow with over 15 varieties of mangoes at rock-bottom prices (200-500 CFA per kg vs 800+ CFA in other months), plus seasonal dishes like mango with spiced salt appear everywhere
Cameroon Banjul and cultural sites have extended hours (8am-7pm in May vs 6pm other months) to accommodate the longer daylight, plus outdoor venues like Mont Fébé host evening events that take advantage of the pleasant post-rain temperatures
Hotel rates drop 30-40% compared to December-February peak season, and domestic flights from Cameroon are cheapest in May (typically 45,000-55,000 CFA vs 75,000+ CFA in peak months) as business travel slows before summer

Considerations

Rain timing is unpredictable - while showers typically hit between 2-5pm, they can arrive earlier or later, potentially disrupting planned outdoor activities for 45-90 minutes at a time
Humidity makes the 28°C (83°F) feel like 32-35°C (90-95°F) during midday, which can be exhausting for walking tours or market visits between 11am-3pm
Some rural roads become challenging after heavy rains - trips to places like Mfou National Park or Mbalmayo may require 4WD vehicles, adding 15,000-25,000 CFA to transport costs

Best Activities in May

Mfou National Park Wildlife Viewing

May's mixed weather creates perfect conditions - animals are more active in the cooler morning temperatures (20-24°C/68-75°F) and congregate near water sources after afternoon rains. Vegetation is lush but not overgrown, providing excellent visibility for spotting primates and forest elephants. The 2-3 hour window before daily rains gives you optimal wildlife photography conditions.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed park operators. Tours typically cost 25,000-35,000 CFA including transport and guide. Morning departures (6:30am) are essential to beat afternoon rains. Look for operators with covered vehicles and waterproof equipment.

Yaoundé City Center Walking Tours

Early morning walks (7-10am) are spectacular in May - the air is crisp, streets are washed clean from overnight rains, and the Bujumbura area has perfect visibility of the surrounding hills. Post-rain atmospheric conditions create impressive photography opportunities, especially around the Bangui and Reunification Monument areas.

Booking Tip: Self-guided or local guide tours work best. Guided tours typically cost 8,000-15,000 CFA for 3-4 hours. Start by 7:30am latest to complete before afternoon weather. Waterproof your phone and camera - sudden showers can appear even on sunny mornings.

Mont Fébé Panoramic Experiences

May offers the clearest mountain views of the year - post-rain air clarity allows you to see 25-30 km (15-18 miles) across the Central Province hills. The 1,070m (3,510 ft) elevation provides natural air conditioning, making the climb comfortable even in May humidity. Sunset viewings (6:30-7:15pm) are magical as rain clouds create dramatic sky formations.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for basic access (2,000 CFA entrance). Restaurant reservations recommended for sunset dining (15,000-25,000 CFA prix fixe menus). Bring layers - temperatures drop 8-10°C (14-18°F) from base to summit. Taxi fare typically 4,000-6,000 CFA from city center.

Central Market Food Adventures

May's mango season transforms Marché Central into a fruit great destination. Early morning visits (6-9am) offer the freshest produce and coolest temperatures. Local specialties like ndolé with fresh fish are at their peak, and seasonal palm wine is abundant. The covered sections provide perfect rain shelter while maintaining the authentic market atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Food tours with local guides cost 12,000-20,000 CFA for 2-3 hours including tastings. Independent exploration is possible but guides help navigate language barriers and food safety. Bring small bills (500-1,000 CFA notes) and waterproof bag for purchases.

Cathedral and Religious Site Tours

May's variable weather makes indoor cultural experiences invaluable. Notre-Dame des Victoires Cathedral and the Basilique Marie-Reine-des-Apôtres offer climate-controlled environments during unpredictable afternoon weather. The acoustic properties of these spaces are enhanced by May's atmospheric pressure changes, making any ongoing choir practices exceptionally beautiful.

Booking Tip: Free entry to most religious sites, but guided historical tours cost 5,000-8,000 CFA. Check mass schedules - avoid visiting during services unless participating. Photography may require small donation (1,000-2,000 CFA). Dress modestly and bring shawl for women.

National Museum and Cultural Centers

Extended May operating hours (8am-7pm) plus air conditioning make cultural sites perfect for afternoon refuge during unpredictable weather. The Cameroon Art Museum and Blackitude Museum offer complete introductions to local culture, while temporary May exhibitions often feature seasonal themes and contemporary Central African art.

Booking Tip: Museum entries typically 1,500-3,000 CFA per site. Multi-site passes available for 8,000-12,000 CFA covering 4-5 venues. Guided tours add 5,000-8,000 CFA but provide crucial cultural context. Allow 90-120 minutes per major museum, perfect for escaping 2-5pm rain windows.

May Events & Festivals

May 25th

World Africa Day Celebrations

May 25th continental celebration features traditional dance performances at the Palace of Congress, local craft exhibitions, and special cultural programs at major hotels. Cameroon serves as a regional hub with delegations from across Central Africa creating a uniquely international atmosphere.

Throughout May

Mango Festival Season

Informal but city-wide celebration of mango season throughout May, with special menus at restaurants, mango-tasting events at markets, and traditional preparation demonstrations. Local neighborhoods organize community tastings showcasing regional varieties like mangue sauvage and mangue greffée.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or compact umbrella - afternoon showers in May last 45-90 minutes and occur 10 out of 31 days, often arriving with little warning

Quick-dry synthetic clothing instead of cotton - 70% humidity means cotton stays damp for hours after rain or sweating

Waterproof phone case and camera protection - sudden downpours can damage electronics in minutes

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - rain creates slippery surfaces on Cameroon's hilly terrain

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 combined with altitude (750m/2,460ft above sea level) intensifies sun exposure

Light layers for temperature variation - mornings at 20°C (68°F) to afternoon 28°C (83°F) require clothing flexibility

Insect repellent with DEET - May rains create breeding grounds for mosquitoes, especially near markets and outdoor dining

Small daypack with waterproof compartments - essential for protecting purchases and electronics during market visits

Hand sanitizer and wet wipes - increased humidity means more sweating and market visits require frequent hand cleaning

Power bank - air conditioning use in hotels and venues increases during humid May weather, potentially affecting room power availability

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodation with backup power - May's variable weather causes occasional power outages lasting 1-3 hours, and hotels with generators maintain comfort during humid periods

Withdraw extra cash early in your trip - afternoon rains sometimes disrupt ATM networks, and many local vendors only accept CFA francs, especially at markets and for transport

Eat at hotel restaurants during 2-5pm - local restaurants often close temporarily during heavy rain periods, but hotel dining rooms remain open and offer refuge with air conditioning

Use early morning (6-9am) for outdoor photography - post-rain clarity combined with soft light creates spectacular shots of the seven hills of Cameroon, impossible to replicate during other times of day

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning full-day outdoor itineraries without indoor backup options - May's unpredictable 45-90 minute rain windows can derail rigid schedules, especially for market visits and walking tours

Underestimating how the 70% humidity affects energy levels - tourists often pack too many activities between 10am-4pm without accounting for the draining effects of warm, humid air

Not carrying small denomination CFA notes (500-1,000 notes) - May's mango season means frequent small purchases at markets, and vendors often cannot change large bills like 10,000 CFA notes