Things to Do in Guinea-Bissau in May

May delivers the archipelago's famous saltwater hippos at their most active in Orango National Park, they'll swim right past your pirogue. The storms blow through fast, leaving mirror-calm waters good for spotting bottlenose dolphins around Bolama Island. Island guesthouses cut their rates while keeping full service.

The central market floods with cashew products in May, from fresh juice to roasted nuts still warm from street-side ovens. The pre-storm humidity makes cold palm wine taste even better under the market's corrugated tin roofs. Wander between spice stalls where dried fish scent mixes with fermented palm oil.

May's thin crowds mean you'll probably be the only visitor watching fishermen haul in barracuda with traditional hand-woven nets. The beach runs 12 km (7.5 miles) of empty sand where you can walk between baobab trees and freshwater lagoons. Afternoon storms paint dramatic skies for photography.

The river level sits good for cruising to Cacheu's 16th-century fort without battling seasonal currents. Pause at riverside villages where women pound rice to the rhythm of afternoon storms on corrugated roofs. May's humidity turns the river breeze into natural air conditioning.

May's humidity drives chimpanzees lower in the forest canopy at Cantanhez National Park, putting them in easier view during morning treks. The forest floor steams after overnight rains, building an otherworldly atmosphere among ancient kapok trees. Local guides know which trails hold firm in post-storm conditions.