Weather in May
May is wet, especially early in the month. Rainfall tapers from mid-May onwards, and by month-end most of northern Tanzania is approaching dry-season conditions. Temperatures are mild — 22–26°C (72–79°F) — and skies can be dramatic with stormy afternoon light.
The south (Ruaha, Nyerere) dries out earlier than the north. Coastal areas including Zanzibar are often wet through May.
Wildlife in May
The Great Migration is moving through the central and western Serengeti. Bull wildebeest concentrate ahead of the female herds. Predator action remains strong on short grass.
Late May (after 20 May) is when many travellers consider the green-season risk worthwhile — the rains taper, the parks remain near-empty, and lodge prices haven't yet jumped to dry-season rates.
Birding is at its absolute peak. Lake Manyara's flamingos are at maximum numbers. Tarangire's bird life is exceptional.
Best parks for May
- Lake Manyara — birds, flamingos, dramatic green scenery
- Tarangire — birding peak, fewer elephants than dry season but still active
- Mahale Mountains — chimps in green forest, near-empty
- Ruaha — drying out, excellent late-May game
- Ngorongoro Crater — productive year-round
Crowds and costs
May is the second-cheapest month after April. Prices are 40–50% below peak August. Some lodges run stay-and-pay promotions; others remain closed for the long rains.
Crowds are minimal. The Serengeti's central and western corridors see very few vehicles. This is the closest Tanzania comes to feeling like a private reserve.
What to pack
Standard safari kit plus full rain protection: waterproof jacket and pants, dry-bags, quick-dry clothing. Light fleece for cooler evenings. Insect repellent.
When does May become "worth it"?
Travellers who book the last 10 days of May often catch the transition into dry season — rains tapering, herds moving toward the Western Corridor, and significantly cheaper prices than June equivalents. For travellers who can be flexible by 2–3 weeks, late May can outperform early June on value.