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When to go · Mafia Island

Mafia Island in May

Avoid month. Listed as a month to avoid: Mar–May (long rains, rough seas, some lodges close).

Key facts

Verdict
Avoid
Temperature
27°C (81°F) / 21°C (70°F)
average high / low
Rain days
14
Crowds
Low
Tanzania overall
Prices
Low
Tanzania overall

Verdict

AvoidBest and avoid months for Mafia Island

Listed as a month to avoid: Mar–May (long rains, rough seas, some lodges close).

Is another month better than May?

May is rated avoid. These months rate higher:

Weather in May

Long-term averages
  • Mafia IslandHighs around 27 °C (81 °F), lows around 21 °C (70 °F), rain on about 14 days

Crowds and prices

Crowds · Tanzania overall
Low
Prices · Tanzania overall
Low

Tanzania overall: Rains ease; herds move through the central and western Serengeti; green-season rates.

Compare two months

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Mafia Island, side by side.

  • Verdict

    May: Avoid

    Jan: Great (better)

  • Daytime high

    May: 27 °C (81 °F)

    Jan: 31 °C (88 °F)

  • Night low

    May: 21 °C (70 °F)

    Jan: 24 °C (75 °F)

  • Rain days

    May: 14

    Jan: 6 (better)

  • Crowds

    May: Low

    Jan: Medium

  • Prices

    May: Low

    Jan: Medium

  • Festivals listed

    May: 0

    Jan: 0

May: Listed as a month to avoid: Mar–May (long rains, rough seas, some lodges close).

January: Inside Mafia Island's best window: Jun–Oct (dry, calm) and Dec–Feb (hot, clear water).

Mafia Island: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.

What to pack

  • A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast

Build the full packing list for your trip →

Across Tanzania in May →