When to go · Eritrea
Eritrea in May
Mixed month. Independence Day (24 May) fills Asmara; the coast is very hot.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Mixed
- Crowds
- Medium
- Eritrea
- Prices
- High
- Eritrea
Verdict
Independence Day (24 May) fills Asmara; the coast is very hot.
Is another month better than May?
May is rated mixed. These months rate higher:
- OctoberGoodClear skies in the highlands; the coast begins to cool late in the month.
- NovemberGoodGood everywhere; the best time to add the Dahlak islands.
- DecemberGoodDry and pleasant; Christmas and diaspora visits fill a few flights.
- JanuaryGoodDry and sunny in Asmara, warm and pleasant in Massawa. Genna and Timkat bring church festivals.
Weather in May
- Central highlands · Asmara, Keren, Mendefera, Dekemharefine
Spring-like days (20–25 °C (68–77 °F)) and cold nights; short rains around April and the main rains in July–August.Spring-like days (68–77 °F (20–25 °C)) and cold nights; short rains around April and the main rains in July–August.
- Red Sea coast · Massawa, Dahlak islands, Assabhot
Rain falls in winter on the coast; from May to September temperatures pass 40 °C (104 °F) with heavy humidity.Rain falls in winter on the coast; from May to September temperatures pass 104 °F (40 °C) with heavy humidity.
- Eastern escarpment · Filfil, Nefasit, Ghindafine
Catches both rains: green and misty in winter when the plateau is dry.
- Western lowlands · Barentu, Agordat, Tesseneyhot
Hot savannah; near the Sudan border and mostly under advice against travel.
- Asmara26 °C (79 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 4 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 4 rain days
- Keren32 °C (90 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 21 rain days90 °F (32 °C) / 64 °F (18 °C), 21 rain days
- Massawa36 °C (97 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 2 rain days97 °F (36 °C) / 77 °F (25 °C), 2 rain days
- Nakfa33 °C (91 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 1 rain days91 °F (33 °C) / 72 °F (22 °C), 1 rain days
- Senafe27 °C (81 °F) / 13 °C (55 °F), 5 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 55 °F (13 °C), 5 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.
Orthodox Good Friday and Easter (Fasika)
Apr–May (moves yearly — check)
End of the long fast; offices close.
Independence Day big impact
24 May
Parades, concerts and a week of celebration in Asmara; hotels and flights fill.
Eid al-Adha
May–Jun (lunar — check)
Public holiday.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Eritrea
- Medium
- Prices · Eritrea
- High
High-price month: see what to book ahead.
Compare two months
Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Eritrea, side by side.
Verdict
May: Mixed
Jan: Good (better)
Crowds
May: Medium
Jan: Low
Prices
May: High
Jan: Medium
Festivals listed
May: 3
Jan: 3
May: Independence Day (24 May) fills Asmara; the coast is very hot.
January: Dry and sunny in Asmara, warm and pleasant in Massawa. Genna and Timkat bring church festivals.
Eritrea: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen