Gabon in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Gabon

30°C (86°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

250 mm (9.8 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season remains - May is the last month of reliable clear skies before heavy rains arrive in June, perfect for accessing remote rainforest locations like Ivindo National Park
Wildlife viewing is exceptional - animals congregate around water sources as the dry season ends, making forest elephant and gorilla tracking significantly more successful with 70% higher sighting rates
River conditions are ideal - water levels in the Ogooué River system are perfect for navigation, allowing access to remote villages and fishing spots that become impassable during rainy months
Festival season peaks - May marks the end of the cultural celebration period with traditional ceremonies like Bwiti rituals more accessible to respectful visitors before communities prepare for agricultural season

Considerations

Last chance pricing - accommodation and guide costs are at their annual peak (30-40% higher than July-September) as this is the final month of prime visiting conditions
Afternoon humidity builds - temperatures feel like 35°C (95°F) with 85% humidity between 2-4pm, making midday activities uncomfortable and requiring strategic timing
Booking competition intensifies - limited eco-lodges and certified guides fill up 6-8 weeks ahead as international visitors maximize the dry season's end

Best Activities in May

Loango National Park Wildlife Safaris

May offers the year's best combination of accessible beaches and active wildlife. Forest elephants emerge from dense interior to feed on coastal vegetation, while leatherback turtles begin nesting season. The 30°C (86°F) temperatures and minimal rainfall create perfect conditions for multi-day camping expeditions. Water levels are ideal for both beach access and inland lagoon navigation.

Booking Tip: Reserve 8-10 weeks ahead through certified eco-operators. Expect to pay 15,000-25,000 CFA per person per day for guided camping safaris. Look for operators with WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society) partnerships. Check current availability in the booking section below.

Ivindo National Park Gorilla Trekking

The dry conditions make forest trails accessible while gorilla families are more predictable in their movements around permanent water sources. May temperatures of 28°C (82°F) in the forest canopy are comfortable for 4-6 hour treks. This is your last reliable month before July rains make some areas impassable until October.

Booking Tip: Book minimum 12 weeks ahead - only 24 permits issued daily. Costs range from 80,000-120,000 CFA per person including guides and camping. Requires moderate fitness for 8 km (5 mile) daily hikes. See current tour operators in booking section below.

Ogooué River Cultural Expeditions

Perfect water levels in May allow navigation to remote Fang and Bakota villages normally cut off during flood seasons. The 23°C (73°F) evening temperatures make river camping comfortable. Traditional fishing techniques and storytelling sessions are most active before June agricultural preparations begin.

Booking Tip: Multi-day expeditions cost 12,000-18,000 CFA per person per day including meals and camping equipment. Book through operators with village partnerships established. Reserve 4-6 weeks ahead as boat capacity is limited. Current options available in booking widget below.

Libreville Urban Cultural Tours

May's moderate humidity makes walking tours of Quartier Louis and the Banjul comfortable during morning hours. The city's art galleries showcase pre-rainy season exhibitions, and the Marché du Mont-Bouët is fully stocked with dry season produce. Evening temperatures of 25°C (77°F) are perfect for waterfront dining.

Booking Tip: Half-day walking tours typically cost 8,000-15,000 CFA per person. Book 1-2 weeks ahead through licensed cultural guides. Avoid midday tours due to heat - early morning (7-10am) or late afternoon (4-6pm) slots are most comfortable. See current guide availability below.

Crystal Mountains Hiking Expeditions

May offers the year's clearest mountain views with minimal cloud cover. Trails to the 600 m (1,968 ft) peaks are at their driest and most navigable. The cooler mountain temperatures of 22°C (72°F) provide relief from coastal humidity. Waterfalls are still flowing but not torrential, creating perfect swimming conditions.

Booking Tip: 2-3 day expeditions cost 20,000-35,000 CFA per person including camping gear and meals. Book 3-4 weeks ahead as mountain guides are limited. Requires good fitness for 12 km (7.5 mile) daily hikes with 400 m (1,312 ft) elevation gain. Current expedition options in booking section below.

May Events & Festivals

Mid May

Gabonese Independence Day Celebrations

While the main celebration is in August, May features preparatory cultural events and traditional music competitions in Libreville and Port-Gentil. Local communities practice traditional dances and crafts demonstrations occur at cultural centers.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight merino wool shirts - cotton becomes uncomfortable in 70% humidity and takes too long to dry during brief afternoon showers

Waterproof hiking boots rated for 15 km (9.3 miles) daily use - forest trails can be muddy even during dry season

SPF 50+ mineral sunscreen - UV index of 8 requires reapplication every 90 minutes, chemical sunscreens wash off in humidity

Quick-dry pants in neutral colors - bright clothing spooks wildlife during gorilla and elephant tracking

Compact umbrella rather than rain jacket - 10-minute downpours are intense but brief, umbrellas are more practical than heavy rain gear

Insect repellent with 25% DEET minimum - forest mosquitoes are active despite dry conditions, especially near water sources

Portable battery bank with 20,000mAh capacity - remote lodges have limited electricity and GPS devices drain quickly in heat

Lightweight sleeping bag rated to 18°C (64°F) - mountain camping temperatures drop significantly at night

Gaiters for lower legs - essential for forest trekking to prevent leeches and protect from thorns on narrow trails

Electrolyte powder sachets - dehydration happens quickly in 30°C (86°F) temperatures during multi-hour wildlife tracking

Insider Knowledge

Afternoon activities should end by 2pm - even locals take shelter during the 2-4pm humidity peak when it feels like 35°C (95°F), plan serious activities for 6-11am window

Village visits require gift protocol - bring small amounts of salt, soap, or school supplies rather than money, always present gifts to village elders first before interacting with families

Forest elephant tracking is most successful 5-7am when animals are actively feeding - afternoon tracking has 40% lower success rates as elephants retreat to dense cover

Book internal flights 72 hours before travel - Gabonese airlines often cancel or reschedule with short notice, especially flights to airstrips near national parks during weather transitions

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling gorilla treks after 10am - success rates drop dramatically as families move to cooler forest areas, morning treks have 75% higher encounter rates

Underestimating river journey times - what locals estimate as '3 hours' typically takes 5-6 hours for first-time visitors unfamiliar with river navigation and stops

Bringing too much camera equipment - humidity and dust damage electronics quickly, pack only essential gear in waterproof cases and bring extra silica gel packets