Mombasa Weather in May
May in Mombasa brings high temperatures, with highs of 30°C (86°F) and nights dropping to 24°C (75°F). It's the rainiest month of the year, so come prepared with waterproof gear.
Rainfall in Mombasa in May
The month brings the heaviest rain of the year, often in intense bursts. Make sure to have a poncho to stay dry during the showers. On average, there are about 19 days with rain during this month, averaging 206 mm (8.1 in). Expect frequent rainfall this month, and not just light drizzle. When it rains, it tends to come down hard.
Temperature in Mombasa in May
In May, Mombasa sees high temperatures, with highs of 30°C (86°F). Nights drop to around 24°C (75°F). This gives the month a fairly typical daily rhythm, with warmer afternoons and more comfortable nights. With overnight lows of 24°C (75°F), evenings and nights remain warm. Light clothing and an open window or fan can help you sleep comfortably.
Sunshine in Mombasa in May
Enjoy a sunny month with about 202 hours of sunshine, the clear skies make Mombasa even more beautiful.
Wind Speed in Mombasa in May
Wind speeds average 5 m/s (10 knots) during May. At this speed, gentle to moderate breezes make small trees sway and the wind creates whitecaps on water bodies. Daily variations range from moderate winds to stronger breezes, creating excellent conditions for sailing, kite flying and wind sports.
Average water temperature in May
The water is 27°C (81°F) this month — warm enough that getting in requires no effort at all. Good conditions for swimming, snorkeling, or just floating around.If you're looking for dry conditions and comfortable temperatures, May may not be the ideal month to visit Mombasa. Our weather planner can help you explore destinations with more pleasant weather conditions.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Kenya, check out our Mombasa's climate page.
Mombasa Temperature in May
Min Temperature
24°C (75°F)
Max Temperature
30°C (86°F)
Water Temperature
27°C (81°F)
Chance of Rain
62%
Precipitation
206 mm (8.1 in)
Rainy days
19 days
Humidity
81%
Windspeed
5 m/s (10 knots)
Sunshine
202 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Daily Historical Temperatures
49-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Mombasa typically stay consistent throughout May, with daily highs averaging around 30°C (86°F). Nights are warm, with lows around 24°C (75°F).
Average temperatures in May
Daily Historical Precipitation
49-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in May
Historical weather for Mombasa in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Mombasa spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Mombasa historical weather extremes in May
Based on 24 years of weather observations (2002-2026), these are the most extreme conditions recorded in Mombasa.
- On May 13, 2003, temperatures climbed to 37°C (99°F), marking the warmest May day on record.
- Mombasa experienced its chilliest May day on May 23, 2019, reaching only 23°C (73°F).
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to 21°C (70°F) on May 23, 2019, marking the coldest May night on record.
Best Places in Kenya in May
Find out more about the weather in Kenya and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Kenya in May →
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What to Wear in Mombasa in May
Warm but pleasant conditions in Mombasa in May. Focus on lightweight, maybe with natural fabrics, cotton blend shirts, comfortable shorts, and breathable footwear. A light cover-up for sun protection is smart too. It's going to pour! Pack a good poncho and prepare for very wet conditions. With water temperatures around 27°C (81°F), swimming conditions are excellent. Pack your swimsuit, goggles, and maybe some water shoes. And with plenty of sunshine hours, don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and maybe a sun hat.What To Do in Mombasa in May
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Kenya, check out our Mombasa's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp
See the full Mombasa climate overview or explore weather in Kenya.
