Abidjan Weather in May

May: rain shapes the day

May feels warm, sticky and very cloudy in Abidjan. Highs reach 29°C, and rain falls on 30 days of the month. You'll get little sunshine, so keep outdoor plans flexible. A short visit to St Paul's Cathedral or the Musée des Civilisations de Côte d'Ivoire in Plateau works better than a long walk between sights. Save beach time for a break in the rain, and avoid relying on dry weather for a full day outdoors.

If you love city food, try attiéké with grilled fish at a covered spot in Treichville. A soggy afternoon is less of a problem when lunch is the main event.

Holidays and quieter streets

Labour Day on May 1 is a public holiday, so some offices and businesses may close. Africa Day on May 25 is also marked with events in some years, though the programme varies. May sits in the rainy season, so it's generally quieter than Abidjan's drier months. You may find better hotel rates than in busier periods, but don't expect every venue to be open on a holiday.

Travelling with kids? Keep an indoor stop in Plateau ready for wet afternoons.

Getting around in the rain

Rain can slow road journeys and leave pavements slick. Give yourself extra time to cross town, especially if you're heading between Plateau and Cocody. The Ébrié Lagoon's bateau-bus can be a useful way to cross, but check service conditions locally when heavy rain sets in.

May is wetter than April and June is wetter still, so this can be a quieter-value choice if you don't mind damp plans. For a more reliable outdoor visit, January is the best month overall.