May weather forecast
Sierra Leone

The onset of May in Sierra Leone heralds the commencement of the rainy season. There is a significant rise in precipitation compared to April, with rainfall averages typically falling between 120mm (4.72") and 170mm (6.69"). The frequency of showers increases, often leading to heavy downpours, although these are predominantly concentrated in the late afternoon and evening.

Temperatures in May remain relatively steady, fluctuating between 24°C (75.2°F) to 31°C (87.8°F). The coastal regions, including Freetown, experience these temperatures alongside cooling sea breezes. In contrast, the higher altitude regions in central and eastern Sierra Leone observe similar daytime temperatures but slightly cooler nights.

Compared to April, May experiences a considerable uptick in rainfall, indicating the transition from the pre-monsoon phase to the full rainy season. The ensuing months, including June, July, and August, will continue this trend of heavy rainfall, marking the height of the rainy season.

The start of the rainy season in May brings about a transformation in Sierra Leone's landscapes. The increased rainfall prompts a lush, green growth across the country, contributing to an explosion of flora and fauna. Despite the increased rainfall, the beauty of the rain-soaked landscapes and the chance to witness this seasonal transformation can be a unique experience for visitors. However, travellers are advised to be prepared for potential travel disruptions due to heavy rains.

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• Freetown - May »
  January through June, September through December, with an average maximum UV index of 7, are months with the highest UV index in Freetown, Sierra Leone. In Freetown, Sierra Leone, during the entire year, the rain falls for 205.9 days and collects up to 1507mm (59.33") of precipitation.
• Koidu - May »
  In Koidu, in May, during 28.8 rainfall days, 166mm (6.54") of precipitation is typically accumulated. On the last day of May, in Koidu, sunrise is at 06:23 and sunset at 18:59 GMT.
• Makeni - May »
  In Makeni, during May, the rain falls for 24.9 days and regularly aggregates up to 112mm (4.41") of precipitation. In Makeni, during May, the rain falls for 24.9 days and regularly aggregates up to 112mm (4.41") of precipitation.
• Waterloo - May »
  In Waterloo in May, it is raining for 19.6 days, with typically 66mm (2.6") of accumulated precipitation. In Waterloo, Sierra Leone, the average relative humidity in May is 78%.
• Kabala - May »
  In Kabala, Sierra Leone, during May, the rain falls for 24.3 days and regularly aggregates up to 139mm (5.47") of precipitation. In Kabala the average relative humidity in May is 77%.
• Kambia - May »
  January through June, September through December, with an average maximum UV index of 7, are months with the highest UV index in Kambia, Sierra Leone. In Kambia, in May, during 19.6 rainfall days, 66mm (2.6") of precipitation is typically accumulated.
• Magburaka - May »
  Increased relative humidity interferes with body cooling by slowing the rate of evaporation, resulting in a slower body cooling rate and a heightened feeling of heat. In May, the average heat index, which represents the influence of relative humidity on air temperature, is estimated at 52°C (125.6°F).
• Moyamba - May »
  On the first day of May in Moyamba sunrise is at 06:34 and sunset at 18:59. In Moyamba, during May, the rain falls for 26.7 days and regularly aggregates up to 131mm (5.16") of precipitation.
• Kailahun - May »
  On the first day of May in Kailahun, Sierra Leone, sunrise is at 06:26 and sunset at 18:52. On the last day of the month, in Kailahun, sunrise is at 06:22 and sunset at 18:57 GMT.
• Bonthe - May »
  In Bonthe, during the entire year, the rain falls for 168 days and collects up to 3665mm (144.29") of precipitation. May, November and December, with an average sea temperature of 28.8°C (83.8°F), are months with the warmest seawater in Bonthe.