Somaliland in May

18 May national day in Hargeisa; the coast is very hot.

May is rated mixed. These months rate higher:

• NovemberGreatCool season begins; good for Laas Geel and Berbera.
• DecemberGreatDry and mild; diaspora visitors fill some flights.
• JanuaryGreatCool, dry highlands and a warm coast; the best month overall.
• FebruaryGreatStill pleasant everywhere.

• Highlands · Hargeisa, Borama, Sheikhrainy

  Mild at 1,000–1,500 m; gu rains around April–May and a second rainy spell roughly August–October; windy and dusty in summer.

• Gulf of Aden coast · Berbera, Zeilahot

  Among the hottest coasts in Africa from May to September; winter is warm and pleasant.

• Awdal: Borama highlands · Western highlandsbest weather

  Cooler than the coast; best Nov–Mar.

• Awdal: Zeila coast · Gulf of Aden coasthot

  Hot Apr–Sep; best Nov–Feb.

• Togdheer: Burao · Central Togdheerhot

  Hot and dry most of the year; the coolest months are Nov–Feb. Rain is scarce and irregular.

• Woqooyi Galbeed: Hargeisa (highland) · Capital area ~1,300 mbest weather

  Nov–Mar are the coolest and driest months; Apr–Oct hotter with occasional rain.

• Woqooyi Galbeed: Berbera (coast) · Gulf of Aden coasthot

  Nov–Feb are the most comfortable; Jun–Sep very hot and humid.

• Hargeisa29 °C (84 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 6 rain days84 °F (29 °C) / 63 °F (17 °C), 6 rain days
• Berbera36 °C (97 °F) / 28 °C (82 °F), 1 rain days97 °F (36 °C) / 82 °F (28 °C), 1 rain days
• Borama29 °C (84 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 5 rain days84 °F (29 °C) / 64 °F (18 °C), 5 rain days
• Burao33 °C (91 °F) / 20 °C (68 °F), 4 rain days91 °F (33 °C) / 68 °F (20 °C), 4 rain days
• Zeila36 °C (97 °F) / 28 °C (82 °F), 3 rain days97 °F (36 °C) / 82 °F (28 °C), 3 rain days

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.

• Restoration of Sovereignty (National Day)

  18 May

  Parades and celebrations in Hargeisa.

• Eid al-Adha

  May 2027 (lunar — check)

  Holiday; livestock markets busy beforehand.

• Independence Day (declaration of 1991)

  18 May · Hargeisa

  Public holiday with ceremonies and processions; roads near the centre close.

• Eid al-Fitr check

  Islamic calendar, moves yearly · Hargeisa

  Public holiday; shops close for days.

• Somaliland Independence Day (declaration of 1991)

  18 May · Hargeisa

  A public holiday with ceremonies and processions; roads near the centre close and services are limited.

Crowds · Somaliland

Medium

Prices · Somaliland

Medium

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

• Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen
• A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast

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