Benin City Weather in May

May: warm, damp days

May scores just 2 out of 10 here, and rain is the main reason. With highs around 29°C and lows near 24°C, the days feel close and sticky, and sunshine is rare. Rain falls on 26 days, so expect showers to interrupt a walk around the city. April is a little drier, and June is wetter still, so May sits in the middle of the wet season. Keep outdoor plans flexible.

The Benin City National Museum is a good place to wait out a sudden downpour. Its galleries are dry and calm, and the Benin bronzes connect you with the city's history. Save longer outdoor visits for a spell of clearer weather. After heavy rain, streets get wet and trips across town can take longer than you expect.

May: public holidays

May Day, on 1 May, is a public holiday in Nigeria. Children's Day falls on 27 May, though events can vary from year to year. These dates may affect opening hours and local traffic, so check directly with any place you plan to visit.

If you prefer quieter streets, May is generally calmer than December and January, which are the best months overall. Visitor numbers tend to be lower, and accommodation may cost less than in that holiday period, though prices vary.

A useful local tip

Travelling with kids? The National Museum is a handy stop on a rainy day, but call ahead to confirm it's open, especially around public holidays. For a meal nearby, try banga soup, a palm-fruit soup associated with the Niger Delta and also eaten in Edo State. It's a good way to taste a local dish without needing a sunny afternoon.

May isn't the easiest month for long outdoor sightseeing. The high humidity and cloud can leave you feeling damp even between showers, so save the heavy walking for another time of year.