When to go · Djibouti
Djibouti in May
Avoid month. Heat builds past 38 °C (100 °F); outdoor trips uncomfortable.Avoid month. Heat builds past 100 °F (38 °C); outdoor trips uncomfortable.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Avoid
- Crowds
- Low
- Djibouti
- Prices
- Medium
- Djibouti
Verdict
Heat builds past 38 °C (100 °F); outdoor trips uncomfortable.Heat builds past 100 °F (38 °C); outdoor trips uncomfortable.
Is another month better than May?
May is rated avoid. These months rate higher:
- NovemberGreatCool season starts; first whale sharks usually arrive.
- DecemberGreatPleasant and whale-shark season; French and expat holidays fill hotels.
- JanuaryGreatCool season peak and whale sharks in the Gulf of Tadjoura; book boats and 4x4s early.
- FebruaryGreatStill pleasant; whale sharks thin out towards the end of the month.
Weather in May
- Coast and gulf · Djibouti City, Tadjoura, Obock, Mouchahot
Warm and humid in winter (25–30 °C (77–86 °F)); summer highs of 40 °C (104 °F) and more with dust-laden khamsin winds.Warm and humid in winter (77–86 °F (25–30 °C)); summer highs of 104 °F (40 °C) and more with dust-laden khamsin winds.
- Inland depressions and desert · Lac Assal, Grand Bara, Lac Abbéhot
Even in winter, midday is hot on the salt; in summer Lac Assal can exceed 50 °C (122 °F).Even in winter, midday is hot on the salt; in summer Lac Assal can exceed 122 °F (50 °C).
- Goda and Mabla mountains · Day Forest, Randafine
Cooler at 1,000–1,500 m, with juniper forest and occasional winter showers.
- Djibouti City36 °C (97 °F) / 29 °C (84 °F), 0 rain days97 °F (36 °C) / 84 °F (29 °C), 0 rain days
- Moucha Island36 °C (97 °F) / 29 °C (84 °F), 1 rain days97 °F (36 °C) / 84 °F (29 °C), 1 rain days
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Labour Day
1 May
Public holiday.
Eid al-Adha
May–Jun (lunar — check)
Two-day holiday; livestock markets busy.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Djibouti
- Low
- Prices · Djibouti
- Medium
Compare two months
Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Djibouti, side by side.
Verdict
May: Avoid
Jan: Great (better)
Crowds
May: Low
Jan: Medium
Prices
May: Medium
Jan: High
Festivals listed
May: 2
Jan: 3
May: Heat builds past 38 °C; outdoor trips uncomfortable.
January: Cool season peak and whale sharks in the Gulf of Tadjoura; book boats and 4x4s early.
Djibouti: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen
Where to go in May
Rated best or good this month
Best months: Oct–May
Better another month
Very hot from mid-morning.