May weather forecastYaounde, Cameroon

Weather in May

As the month of May rolls in, Yaounde meets both temperature and rainfall in the high range. The showers peak for the year, hitting a record 199mm (7.83"), while temperatures persistently hover around the same scale. Despite the slight dip in temperature, May doesn’t quite let off its tropical tendencies. The higher rainfall days, matched equally by an increased count of daylight hours paint a vivid picture of this climatic transition period. The prevailing UV index enforces the need for habitual sunblock application and shade-seeking behaviours during peak daylight hours.

Temperature

Yaounde marks the start of May with an average high-temperature of a still warm 28.8°C (83.8°F), hinting at a slight fluctuation from April's 29.6°C (85.3°F). An average low-temperature of 20.2°C (68.4°F) marks the month of May.

Heat index

May's heat index is estimated at a sweltering 35°C (95°F). Adopt heightened preventive measures, heat exhaustion and heat cramps are probable. Persistent activity could lead to heatstroke.
Heat index evaluations are typically in the context of light winds and shaded environments. An exposure to direct sunlight may lift the heat index values by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees.
Note: The heat index, also known as 'apparent temperature' or 'feels like', offers an insight into how hot it feels when we factor in moisture content. The effect of weather is individual, with a variety of people experiencing it differently due to distinctions in body mass, height, and level of activity. Sunshine, when direct, has the potential to intensify weather effects, leading to an increase in the heat index by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees. Heat index values are largely significant for babies and toddlers. Young children typically face greater hazards than adults because they do not sweat as much. Their larger skin surface in comparison to their little bodies and the high heat production from their active nature compounds their vulnerability.
To achieve cooling, the human body employs perspiration, relying on the subsequent evaporation of sweat. In high relative humidity, the body's ability to evaporate heat is diminished, resulting in a heightened feeling of warmth. Overheating and potential dehydration arise when body heat gain eclipses its release capability.

Humidity

In Yaounde, the average relative humidity in May is 84%.

Rainfall

In Yaounde, during May, the rain falls for 17 days and regularly aggregates up to 199mm (7.83") of precipitation. Throughout the year, there are 144 rainfall days, and 1541mm (60.67") of precipitation is accumulated.

Daylight

In May, the average length of the day is 12h and 18min.
On the first day of May in Yaounde, sunrise is at 06:03 and sunset at 18:18. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 06:01 and sunset at 18:21 WAT.

Sunshine

In Yaounde, the average sunshine in May is 5.4h.

UV index

The months with the highest UV index are January through May, August through November, with an average maximum UV index of 12. A UV Index of 11, and more, symbolizes an ultimate health vulnerability from unprotected exposure to Sun's UV rays for average individuals.
Note: The daily maximum UV index of 12 in May interprets into the following advice:
Adopt every precaution of necessity, unprotected skin and eyes may suffer burns instantly. Avoid direct Sun exposure and seek shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV radiation is at its peak, but keep in mind that not all shade structures provide complete protection. Wearing sunglasses with both UVA and UVB protection effectively reduces sun-induced eye damage. Limiting time under the Sun is advisable, especially for individuals who tend to burn. Ensure using sunscreen with a 30 SPF or higher.