Guineabissau in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Guineabissau

31°C (88°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

180 mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Lush green landscapes from early rains - rice fields and mangroves are most busy in May before heavy wet season begins
Cooler mornings (24-26°C/75-79°F) perfect for exploring Bissau's markets and colonial architecture before heat peaks at midday
Cashew harvest season in full swing - fresh cashew fruit juice (suma) available everywhere at markets for 50-100 CFA francs per glass
Fewer international tourists than dry season months - you'll have beaches like Orango Island largely to yourself

Considerations

Unpredictable afternoon downpours lasting 1-3 hours can disrupt outdoor plans - no reliable weather apps for precise timing
Some remote Bijagós islands may have irregular boat schedules due to rough seas from increasing rainfall
Higher humidity (70%+) makes midday temperatures feel more intense than actual 31°C (88°F) reading

Best Activities in May

Bissau Colonial Walking Tours

May's cooler mornings (24-26°C/75-79°F) are ideal for exploring Portuguese colonial ruins and Amílcar Cabral monuments before afternoon heat. The brief rains actually enhance the atmosphere of crumbling facades and historic squares. Best time is 7-10am when humidity is lowest.

Booking Tip: Arrange through licensed local guides at tourist information centers. Typical cost 5,000-8,000 CFA francs for 3-4 hour tours. Book day before to secure early morning start times. Reference booking widget for current tour options.

Bijagós Islands Boat Excursions

May offers the last reliable boat access to outer islands before wet season disrupts schedules. Sea turtles begin nesting season on Orango beaches. Morning departures (8-9am) avoid afternoon storms, returning by 3pm before weather turns.

Booking Tip: Book through registered boat operators at Bissau port. Day trips typically 15,000-25,000 CFA francs including lunch. Reserve 3-4 days ahead as boat capacity limited during transitional weather. Check current options in booking section below.

Mangrove Kayaking Adventures

May's rising water levels create perfect conditions for navigating narrow mangrove channels impossible in dry season. Bird migration peaks with species returning for nesting. Early morning (6-9am) offers calm waters and active wildlife before afternoon rains.

Booking Tip: Arrange through eco-tourism operators in Cacheu or Bissau. Half-day excursions cost 8,000-12,000 CFA francs including equipment. Book 2-3 days ahead for equipment availability. See current tours in booking section.

Traditional Music and Dance Workshops

May's frequent afternoon rains make this perfect time for indoor cultural activities. Local communities offer gumbe music sessions and traditional dance lessons during 2-4pm rain periods. Air remains cool and comfortable inside traditional buildings.

Booking Tip: Connect with cultural centers in Bissau or village community leaders. Sessions typically 3,000-5,000 CFA francs for 2-3 hours. Arrange through local contacts day before. Reference booking widget for organized cultural tours.

Cashew Farm Visits

May is peak cashew harvest season - only time to see traditional processing methods and taste fresh cashew fruit. Many farms welcome visitors during morning harvest hours (6-11am) before midday heat. Combine with fresh suma juice tasting.

Booking Tip: Contact local agricultural cooperatives or arrange through hotels. Farm visits cost 2,000-4,000 CFA francs including fruit tasting. Best accessed via hired motorbike or local transport. Book current agricultural tours through booking section below.

Fortaleza de São José Beach Access

May's intermittent clouds provide natural sun protection for beach time at historic fort location. Afternoon rains cool temperatures for comfortable exploration of fort ruins. Beach largely empty during shoulder season with calm morning conditions for swimming.

Booking Tip: Independent access via local transport or arranged day trips from Bissau. Entry fees typically 1,000-2,000 CFA francs. Combine with packed lunch for full day. Check organized fort tours in booking section for guided options.

May Events & Festivals

Throughout May

Cashew Festival Celebrations

Local communities celebrate peak harvest season with traditional music, dance, and fresh cashew fruit preparations. Villages throughout Bissau region host informal gatherings featuring gumbe music and communal cashew processing demonstrations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof rain jacket - afternoon showers last 1-3 hours and come suddenly without warning

Quick-dry cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester which becomes uncomfortable in 70% humidity

Waterproof day pack cover - essential for protecting electronics and documents during unexpected downpours

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even through morning clouds, higher during brief sunny periods

Comfortable walking sandals with good grip - cobblestone streets in Bissau become slippery when wet

Insect repellent with DEET - increased moisture brings more mosquitoes, especially during evening hours

Ziplock bags for phone and documents - humidity and sudden rains pose constant moisture risk

Light long-sleeve shirt - protection from sun and insects during morning outdoor activities

Small umbrella - more practical than rain jacket for brief market visits and quick walks

Cash in small denominations - many vendors don't have change for large CFA franc notes, especially in rural areas

Insider Knowledge

Schedule flights to arrive morning hours - afternoon storms frequently delay or cancel domestic connections to Bissau airport

Carry plastic chair cover in markets - local vendors appreciate when tourists show this cultural awareness during rainy season prep

Bank ATMs often malfunction during power outages from storms - withdraw cash during sunny morning periods when electricity stable

Fresh suma (cashew fruit juice) spoils quickly in heat - drink immediately when purchased, best quality found at morning markets before 10am

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning full-day outdoor activities without 2-4pm indoor backup plans for afternoon rain periods

Wearing inappropriate footwear for wet cobblestones - many tourists slip on Bissau's historic center streets when wet

Not carrying cash reserves - card payments extremely limited outside Bissau city center, especially during storm-related power cuts