Pre-summer heat builds significantly, especially away from the coast. Travel comfort drops and outdoor activities should be scheduled for cooler parts of the day.
Arensond CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Average temperature across Mauritania in May.
Nouakchott, Nouadhibou, Banc d’Arguin
Coastal heat begins to creep up but is moderated by the cool Canary Current, so temperatures rarely become oppressive in May along Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. The sea water is still cool; swimmers find it brisk and winds can make small-boat excursions choppy. Birding on the tidal flats remains productive - bring binoculars - but expect fewer tourists and more local fishing activity than in the peak winter months.
Atar, Chinguetti
The pre-monsoon push in May brings very hot afternoons and increasingly frequent dust-laden winds that can limit visibility between oases. Night temperatures stay far more comfortable, providing respite for camping, but daytime activities should be scheduled for dawn and dusk. Travelers planning multi-day trips across the plateau should confirm vehicle condition and fuel supplies; the landscape is beautiful but harsh in the run-up to summer.
Tiris Zemmour, Zouérat, F’dérik
May’s increasing heat makes daytime exploration of mining infrastructure and surrounding plateaus tougher, and workers shift many tasks to early morning schedules to avoid peak sun. Dust storms become more common, occasionally spiking to levels that restrain outdoor work and travel. Travelers should plan early starts and avoid travel during afternoon gusts; carry water and ensure your vehicle’s air intakes and filters are in good order.
Néma, Bassikounou
May often brings the year’s most trying pre-monsoon heat in Hodh, with daytime highs that make midday travel uncomfortable and dusty winds that reduce visibility. Local rhythms shift to early-morning labor and late-evening social time to avoid the sun. For visitors, limit daytime outdoor plans and focus on cultural visits in the early hours or evenings when temperatures are bearable.
Rosso, Kaédi, Boghé
May intensifies pre-monsoon warmth and humidity rises noticeably along the river; afternoons become oppressively hot and thunderheads may form inland but heavy rain is still uncommon. Local farmers prepare for the upcoming rains and market activity reflects this agricultural rhythm. Travelers should limit strenuous daytime activity, keep hydrated, and anticipate that late-afternoon thunderstorms may begin to appear by month-end.
There are no major festivals or events in Mauritania during May to be aware of.
See how May compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.