Bissau in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Bissau

34°C (94°F) High Temp

22°C (71°F) Low Temp

10 mm (0.4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season weather with minimal rainfall - only 10mm (0.4 inches) total, making it ideal for island exploration and outdoor dining
Mango season peak brings incredible local varieties like manga de Bissau at street markets for 200-500 CFA francs, plus traditional cashew wine festivals in surrounding villages
Optimal sea conditions with calm waters and 8-10m (26-33ft) visibility for exploring the Guineabissau - water temperature reaches comfortable 26°C (79°F)
Tourist season ends in April, meaning significantly lower accommodation rates (30-40% cheaper than January-March) and authentic local experiences without crowds

Considerations

Harmattan winds can create dusty conditions lasting 2-3 days, reducing air quality and requiring masks for those with respiratory sensitivities
Limited air conditioning in many guesthouses makes 34°C (94°F) afternoon temperatures uncomfortable - many locals take 2-4pm siestas
Some rural roads become impassable after the 10 rainy days, particularly routes to Guineabissau and Guineabissau requiring 4WD vehicles

Best Activities in May

Bijagós Archipelago Island Hopping

May offers the calmest seas of the year with minimal wind chop, perfect for traditional pirogue boats and modern speedboats. Water visibility reaches 8-10m (26-33ft) and hippo spotting is excellent as animals gather at water sources. The animist sacred sites on Guineabissau are most accessible during dry season.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through certified operators at the port - tours typically cost 25,000-40,000 CFA francs including lunch. Look for operators with life jackets and radio communication. See current island tour options in the booking section below.

Fortaleza d'Amura Historical Walking Tours

Comfortable 22-28°C (71-82°F) morning temperatures make exploring the Portuguese colonial fortress and slave trade museums ideal before 11am. May's low humidity compared to rainy season means less fog obscuring harbor views, and golden hour lighting at 6:30pm creates perfect photography conditions.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration costs 2,000 CFA francs entrance fee, or join cultural tours typically 8,000-15,000 CFA francs for 2-3 hour experiences. Book morning slots to avoid afternoon heat.

Cantanhez Forest Primate Tracking

Dry season means clearer forest paths and active wildlife gathering at permanent water sources. Colobus monkeys and chimpanzees are most vocal during 6-9am when temperatures are cool at 22-25°C (71-77°F). The 4-hour trek covers 8-12km (5-7.5 miles) through primary forest.

Booking Tip: Essential to book 10-14 days ahead through park authorities - permits cost 15,000 CFA francs plus guide fees of 20,000-30,000 CFA francs. Requires physical fitness for moderate hiking. See current eco-tour options in booking section below.

Bandim Market Food Discovery Tours

May brings peak mango season with over 15 local varieties, plus fresh cashew fruits and traditional wine tasting. Morning market tours (7-10am) avoid afternoon heat and offer the best selection. Learn to identify manga de Bissau, manga de Saotome, and rare indigenous varieties.

Booking Tip: Independent exploration requires 5,000-10,000 CFA francs for sampling, or join guided food tours typically 12,000-18,000 CFA francs including translations and cultural context. Bring cash in small denominations.

Traditional Pirogue Fishing Experiences

Calm May waters and optimal fish migration patterns make this the perfect month for authentic fishing with local Bijagó communities. Early morning departures (5:30am) return by 10am before heat peaks. Learn traditional net techniques and seasonal fish identification in mangrove channels.

Booking Tip: Arrange through community tourism cooperatives - experiences cost 18,000-25,000 CFA francs including equipment and fresh fish lunch. Book 5-7 days ahead and confirm tide schedules. Look for experiences that include cultural exchange components.

Cashew Plantation Cultural Visits

May marks cashew processing season when local communities demonstrate traditional nut roasting and oil extraction. Temperatures are perfect for 2-3 hour plantation walks, and visitors can participate in harvest activities while learning about Guinea-Bissau's main export crop.

Booking Tip: Village-based experiences typically cost 10,000-20,000 CFA francs including demonstrations and tastings. Book through local cultural centers or guesthouses - transport to plantations 15-25km (9-15 miles) outside Bissau adds 8,000-12,000 CFA francs.

May Events & Festivals

Mid to Late May

Festa da Manga (Mango Festival)

Local community celebrations of mango harvest season featuring traditional music, cashew wine tastings, and mango variety competitions. Experience authentic Creole culture with minimal tourist presence in neighborhood celebrations throughout the city.

Late May

Bijagó Sacred Ceremonies

Traditional animist ceremonies marking the end of dry season on various Bijagós islands. These authentic spiritual gatherings offer rare insight into indigenous beliefs, though respectful distance and cultural sensitivity are essential.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester in 70% humidity as it traps sweat and becomes uncomfortable during 34°C (94°F) afternoons

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 with intense equatorial sun reflecting off water during island activities

Light rain jacket or poncho - brief showers last 20-30 minutes but can be intense, especially during 10 rainy days expected

Dust masks for sensitive individuals - Harmattan winds can create dusty conditions lasting 2-3 consecutive days

Closed-toe shoes for forest walks - essential for 8-12km (5-7.5 miles) Cantanhez treks and protection from insects

Mosquito repellent with DEET - while dry season reduces mosquitoes, they're still active around water sources and at dawn/dusk

Cash in CFA francs small denominations - most activities cost 5,000-40,000 CFA francs and card acceptance is extremely limited

Portable fan or cooling towel - many guesthouses lack air conditioning making afternoon temperatures of 34°C (94°F) challenging

Waterproof bag for electronics - essential for pirogue trips and protection during brief but heavy rainfall

Comfortable walking sandals - perfect for 22-28°C (71-82°F) morning temperatures and quick-dry capability after rain

Insider Knowledge

Local siesta time runs 2-4pm during peak heat - plan indoor activities or rest during these hours as shops and offices close, following traditional Portuguese colonial patterns still observed

Mango etiquette matters - always ask before picking from trees, even if they appear wild, as most belong to specific families and have cultural significance beyond just food

CFA franc exchange works best at Lebanese-owned shops on Avenida Combatentes da Liberdade rather than official banks - rates are typically 2-3% better and no lengthy paperwork required

Portuguese phrases get better responses than French - while both are understood, Portuguese colonial history means locals appreciate attempts at 'obrigado' and 'bom dia' over French equivalents

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities during 2-4pm peak heat - this is traditional siesta time and temperatures reach uncomfortable 34°C (94°F) with high humidity

Bringing only euros or dollars without exchanging to CFA francs - most local experiences, markets, and transport require cash in local currency with very limited card acceptance

Underestimating travel times between attractions - roads can become difficult after rain days and distances that look short on maps take longer due to infrastructure conditions