Weather in Boa Vista in May

How May compares

May is the 8th warmest month of the year in Boa Vista and ranks 50th of 134 destinations we compare for May - see where else is hot in May. Within Cape Verde it is 1st of 2 (Cape Verde in May). Against London's average high of 16.6°C in May, Boa Vista is 9.1°C warmer by day and 12.5°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in May

The typical May day in Boa Vista peaks at 25.7°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 27.2°C or more. About 72% of days top 25°C and 1 in 333 pass 30°C. Nights average 20.8°C; one night in ten drops to 19.9°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest May day here reached 30.2°C (1996-05-03) and the coldest night 18.3°C (2018-05-13).

Rain in May

Dry (3 rainy days or fewer): about 0 days with 1 mm or more, 0 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest May was 1993 with 1 mm, the driest 1991 with 0 mm. Humidity averages 74%.

Sea temperature in May

The sea averages 22.5°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 21.8°C to 23.3°C. For the warmest sea here, come in September (26.6°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 8.0 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 12.8 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:02 and sets about 18:55 local time in mid-May. Average cloud cover is 37%.

Is May a good time to visit Boa Vista?

Yes - it is one of the better months: hot days, little rain and long sunny days. The best months for Boa Vista on our scoring are June, May, March; months averaging 25°C or more: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec.

Warm days without peak summer heat

Expect weather that suits light clothing during the day rather than a holiday built around extreme heat. Temperatures reach 25°C on 72% of days, so there is a strong chance of the warmth most UK travellers are looking for in May. The warmer days reach around 27°C or above, but temperatures around 30°C are not the usual pattern. Humidity averages 74%, which is a reason to keep active plans flexible and take breaks around midday. Evenings remain mild rather than cold, though a light layer is sensible if you tend to feel chilly when sitting outside after dark.

Very little rain, but not constant sunshine

Rain is unlikely to shape your holiday: May averages about 0 rainy days. That makes it a sensible choice if you would rather plan time outdoors than keep rearranging your day around showers. Dry does not mean cloudless, though. There are about 8.0 hours of sunshine within 12.8 hours of daylight, so expect a mix rather than uninterrupted blue sky. Take sun protection and give yourself the option of shade at midday, even when the heat feels manageable. May suits travellers who value a low risk of rain more than the highest temperatures Boa Vista can offer.

Swimming is realistic, with a cooler first dip

The sea averages 22.5°C in May, which puts it in swimming territory rather than making it something to admire from the shore. The year-to-year range is 22°C to 23°C, so the decision is more about your tolerance for cool water than expecting a much warmer sea in a different year. If you like a refreshing swim, May should suit you; if you want water that feels warm immediately, this is the main compromise. Pack swimwear, but plan some time out of the water too. Mild nights also mean you are not stepping out into a sharply cold evening.