Lome in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Lome

32°C (90°F) High Temp

24°C (76°F) Low Temp

150 mm (5.9 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Beginning of rainy season brings cooler temperatures and clears dust from dry season - air quality improves dramatically
Tourist crowds are minimal before June arrivals - beaches and markets feel authentically local
Traditional Ewe fishing season peaks in May - witness authentic net-pulling ceremonies at dawn on Togo Beach
West African mango season reaches perfection - street vendors sell premium Keitt and Kent varieties for 200-500 CFA francs

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms (2-4pm) can disrupt outdoor plans - storms are intense but brief, lasting 30-45 minutes
High humidity makes walking feel more strenuous - distances that seem short on maps require more time and water
Some beachfront restaurants close Tuesday-Wednesday during shoulder season - fewer dining options mid-week

Best Activities in May

Grand Marché du Lomé Morning Tours

May's cooler mornings (24-27°C/75-81°F until 10am) make exploring West Africa's largest market comfortable. Traditional Togolese textiles are in peak supply before June wedding season. Vendors are less hurried with fewer tourists, offering better haggling opportunities and cultural exchanges.

Booking Tip: Visit between 7-10am before heat peaks. Guided cultural tours typically cost 8,000-12,000 CFA francs. Look for guides certified by Togo Tourism Ministry. See current options in booking section below.

Lake Togo Traditional Stilt Village Excursions

May's variable weather creates dramatic photography opportunities with storm clouds reflecting on calm lake waters. Water levels are perfect for canoe access to Agbodrafo stilt villages. Local fishermen offer real feels before rainy season tourism peaks.

Booking Tip: Full-day trips typically cost 15,000-25,000 CFA francs including transport from Togo (32 km/20 miles). Book with operators who provide life jackets and experienced local guides. Best departure times are 8am to avoid afternoon storms.

Akodessewa Fetish Market Cultural Experiences

May's shoulder season allows for more intimate interactions with traditional healers who have more time for explanations. The world's largest voodoo market operates year-round, but tourist-free mornings in May offer authentic glimpses into West African spiritual practices.

Booking Tip: Guided visits cost 5,000-8,000 CFA francs for 90-minute tours. Essential to go with knowledgeable local guides who understand protocols and can facilitate respectful photography permissions. Independent visits strongly discouraged.

Cascade de Womé Waterfall Hiking

May's early rains boost waterfall flow without making trails treacherous. The 120 km (75 miles) drive to Togo region showcases Togo's lush transition from coast to mountains. Cooler highland temperatures (26-29°C/79-84°F) provide relief from coastal humidity.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically cost 25,000-40,000 CFA francs including 4WD transport and guide. Book 5-7 days ahead during May as local operators have limited vehicles. Departures must be 7am to return before evening storms.

Aneho Colonial Architecture Walking Tours

Former German colonial capital (45 km/28 miles east of Togo) benefits from May's lower temperatures for extended walking. Portuguese, German, and French architectural layers tell Togo's complete colonial story. Fewer tour groups mean better access to historic buildings.

Booking Tip: Half-day guided tours cost 10,000-15,000 CFA francs including transport. Local historians offer the most detailed cultural context. Combine with Togo royal palace visits for full historical experience.

Lomé Beach Horseback Riding

May's cooler early mornings and late afternoons provide ideal conditions for beach rides. Local stables offer well-trained horses for Atlantic coastline exploration. Storm-cleared skies create spectacular sunset opportunities.

Booking Tip: 90-minute beach rides typically cost 12,000-20,000 CFA francs. Book with stables that provide helmets and have insurance coverage. Best times are 7-9am or 5-7pm to avoid midday heat and afternoon storms.

May Events & Festivals

Mid to Late May

Evala Traditional Wrestling Initiation

Young Kabyè men in northern Togo undergo traditional wrestling ceremonies to prove adulthood. While centered in Togo region, celebrations extend to Togo's Kabyè community with cultural performances and traditional food preparation.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry hiking pants - afternoon storms create muddy conditions that cotton cannot handle in 70% humidity

Lightweight rain poncho rather than umbrella - sudden West African storms require hands-free protection while walking

SPF 50+ mineral sunscreen - UV index of 8 combined with Atlantic Ocean reflection intensifies exposure

Electrolyte tablets - 32°C (90°F) temperatures with high humidity cause rapid dehydration during market walks

Breathable cotton long-sleeves for mosque visits - many religious sites require arm coverage regardless of heat

Waterproof phone case - May storms are unpredictable and electronics are expensive to replace locally

Comfortable closed-toe shoes with good grip - wet streets and market floors become slippery during rain season

Small LED flashlight - afternoon storms can cause temporary power outages in some neighborhoods

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - increased rainfall brings mosquito activity, especially near Lake Togo areas

Insider Knowledge

Local buses (taxi-brousse) reduce frequency during afternoon storms 2-4pm - plan morning departures for reliable transport to surrounding attractions

Hotel rates drop 30-40% in May compared to dry season peaks - negotiate directly with accommodations for extended stay discounts

Traditional palm wine (sodabi) production peaks in May - visit Vogan village (35 km/22 miles north) for authentic distillery experiences with local families

French-speaking guides cost 20-30% less than English-speaking ones - basic French phrases significantly expand your cultural access and reduce costs

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities between 2-4pm when afternoon thunderstorms are most likely - plan indoor cultural sites or rest during this window

Bringing only summer clothes without rain protection - May storms are intense and can soak through regular clothing in minutes

Expecting Western-style punctuality during storm season - local businesses and transport adjust schedules around weather patterns, build flexibility into plans