West Africa in May: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect

Senegal & The Gambia (Dakar, Saint‑Louis, Casamance & Banjul)

The rains start in earnest in May across the southern coast and Casamance - Ziguinchor and nearby islands grow very green and slippery tracks become common. Northern Senegal (Saint‑Louis, Dakar) usually remains mostly dry early in the month, making it a good time for coastal touring. Expect fewer international tourists in Casamance as the wet season begins; bring good rain gear, waterproof bags and flexible schedules for ferry or dirt‑road travel.

Upper Guinea / Monsoon Coast (Guinea‑Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone & Liberia)

May is the normal start of the big rains in this region - torrential, sustained downpours become common through June-September, especially around Freetown and Monrovia where some months are among West Africa’s wettest. Roads outside capital cities frequently deteriorate and short riverine crossings may be suspended. If you travel now, expect dramatic green landscapes but also flight delays, muddy tracks and increased risk of localized flooding.

Gulf of Guinea (Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo & Benin)

May sees the rains strengthening across much of the Gulf coast, with consistent afternoon and evening downpours especially in the western half of the region. Accra often experiences the longer rainy season starting around this time, and Abidjan gets regular heavy storms. For travellers, urban traffic becomes trickier and beach resorts fill more on brief dry spells; waterproofs, good footwear and a patient itinerary help.

Nigeria (Coastal south, Lagos, Niger Delta & Jos Plateau)

May is firmly into the rainy season across southern Nigeria - regular heavy downpours, strong winds and occasional urban flooding become common in Lagos and Port Harcourt. The Niger Delta’s waterways are lively but can interrupt small boat travel during storms. For travelers, flexible plans are essential and choose accommodations with good drainage and backup power.

The Sahel & Inland Plains (Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger & northern Senegal)

May is the build‑up to the short rainy season: heat remains strong but the first thunderstorms and scattered showers start to appear in southern Sahel zones, making roads quickly turn tacky. Rivers and wadis are largely dry early in the month but rise later. For travelers, this month is risky for unpaved routes; arrange flexible plans and check local advisories for road conditions.