Things to Do in Nouakchott in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Nouakchott

High Temp

Low Temp

Rainfall

% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season comfort - Zero rainfall averages make May perfect for exploring Nouakchott's sprawling neighborhoods and coastal areas without mud or flooding concerns
Optimal fishing season - Atlantic waters reach ideal temperatures (22-24°C/72-75°F) and winds calm down, making boat trips to Banc d'Arguin more comfortable and wildlife viewing exceptional
Pre-Ramadan cultural immersion - May typically falls before Ramadan, meaning full restaurant hours, vibrant evening markets, and complete access to cultural sites without religious observance restrictions
Festival season peaks - May hosts major cultural celebrations including traditional wrestling tournaments and the annual Moorish poetry competitions that rarely appear in tourist calendars

Considerations

Harmattan dust intensifies - Desert winds carry fine sand particles that reduce visibility to 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 miles) on worst days, affecting photography and respiratory comfort
Extreme UV exposure - With 8+ UV index and minimal cloud cover, even 15 minutes of midday sun (11am-3pm) without SPF 50+ causes burns; locals retreat indoors during these hours
Infrastructure strain begins - Pre-summer maintenance means occasional power outages lasting 2-4 hours and water pressure issues in outlying hotel areas as the city prepares systems for peak heat

Best Activities in May

Banc d'Arguin National Park Boat Expeditions

May offers the year's best conditions for exploring this UNESCO World Heritage marine park. Calm Atlantic waters (average 1.2m/4ft swells versus 2.5m/8ft in winter) and clear skies create perfect conditions for spotting flamingos, pelicans, and migrating terns. Morning temperatures of 26-28°C (79-82°F) make the 2-3 hour boat journey comfortable.

Booking Tip: Reserve 14-21 days ahead through certified park operators. Full-day expeditions cost 25,000-35,000 MRU ($65-90 USD) including permits and guide. Morning departures (7am-8am) avoid afternoon winds and heat. Look for operators with GPS navigation and life jackets.

Traditional Fishing Village Immersion

May coincides with the peak artisanal fishing season when traditional pirogues return with large catches. Villages like N'Diago and Tanit offer authentic experiences watching net repairs, fish processing, and traditional boat building. The dry weather means easier access via unpaved roads and comfortable outdoor activities.

Booking Tip: Community-based tourism experiences cost 8,000-15,000 MRU ($20-40 USD) for half-day visits. Book through local cultural associations rather than hotels for authentic experiences. Include lunch with fishing families for additional 3,000-5,000 MRU ($8-13 USD).

Sahara Desert Edge Camel Trekking

May temperatures make multi-hour camel journeys manageable before summer heat arrives. The landscape 50-80 km (31-50 miles) east of Nouakchott offers classic Saharan dunes and nomadic encounters. Early morning starts at 6am avoid peak heat while evening returns showcase stunning desert sunsets around 7:15pm.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost 20,000-30,000 MRU ($50-75 USD) including transport, guide, and traditional tea ceremony. Overnight experiences add 15,000-20,000 MRU ($40-50 USD). Book with Bedouin guides who own their camels rather than tourism middlemen for better prices and authenticity.

Nouakchott Cultural Market Photography Tours

May's stable weather creates ideal lighting conditions for capturing the vivid colors of Marché Capitale and surrounding artisan quarters. The 70% humidity prevents dust from settling on camera equipment, while variable cloud cover provides natural diffusion for portrait photography of local craftspeople and traders.

Booking Tip: Guided photography walks cost 6,000-12,000 MRU ($15-30 USD) for 3-4 hours. Early morning (7am-10am) or late afternoon (4pm-6pm) provide best light and cooler temperatures. Local photographer guides help navigate cultural sensitivities and secure permissions for portraits.

Atlantic Coast Kitesurfing Lessons

May delivers consistent 15-20 knot (28-37 km/h) trade winds and calm morning waters perfect for beginners. The 22°C (72°F) water temperature allows comfortable sessions without thick wetsuits. Plage de Nouakchott offers 8 km (5 miles) of sandy beach with reliable wind patterns and minimal crowds.

Booking Tip: Beginner packages cost 18,000-25,000 MRU ($45-65 USD) for 3-hour sessions including equipment and instruction. Advanced riders can rent gear for 8,000-12,000 MRU ($20-30 USD) daily. Book through beach-based schools rather than hotel concierges for better prices and local knowledge.

Traditional Iron Ore Railway Experience

May offers the most comfortable conditions for experiencing the legendary iron ore train between Nouadhibou and the interior. Clear weather provides unobstructed Saharan views during the 700 km (435 mile) journey, while moderate temperatures make the 12-hour trip manageable for adventurous travelers seeking an authentic Mauritanian transport experience.

Booking Tip: Passenger car tickets cost 5,000-8,000 MRU ($13-20 USD) one-way. Adventure travelers often ride freight cars free but this requires local connections and carries risks. Coordinate through local transport agencies 5-7 days ahead as schedules change frequently based on mining operations.

May Events & Festivals

Mid May

Mauritanian Traditional Wrestling Championship

Annual competition featuring wrestlers from across West Africa, held in Nouakchott's stadium district. Combines athletic competition with traditional music, dance, and ceremonial dress. Evening matches avoid daytime heat while showcasing cultural traditions rarely seen by tourists.

Late May

Festival of Moorish Poetry

Week-long celebration of traditional Hassaniya poetry and storytelling held in various venues across the capital. Features master poets, traditional musicians, and cultural workshops. Provides unique insight into Mauritanian literary traditions and Arabic cultural heritage.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

High-SPF mineral sunscreen (SPF 50+) - UV index reaches 8-9 daily with minimal cloud cover and desert reflection intensifies exposure

Lightweight long-sleeved cotton shirts - Protects against both UV exposure and cultural modesty requirements while remaining cool in 34°C (93°F) heat

Dust-proof camera bag or sealed storage - Harmattan winds carry fine sand particles that damage electronics and obscure lenses within hours

Electrolyte tablets or powder - 70% humidity plus desert heat increases dehydration risk; local bottled water lacks minerals lost through sweating

Closed-toe walking shoes with ankle protection - Sandy streets and unpaved areas hide sharp objects; sandals inadequate for most exploration

Portable phone charger/power bank - Infrastructure strain causes 2-4 hour power outages; charging opportunities limited in remote fishing villages

Prescription eye drops - Desert dust and dry air cause irritation even for those without usual eye sensitivity

Lightweight rain jacket - Despite low averages, sudden coastal showers occur on 10+ days and provide no warning

Cash in small denominations (MRU notes) - Credit cards rarely accepted outside major hotels; ATMs frequently empty or non-functional

Insect repellent for coastal areas - Atlantic moisture creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes and biting flies especially at fishing villages

Insider Knowledge

Time restaurant meals before 1pm or after 4pm - Many local establishments close during peak heat hours when temperatures exceed 32°C (90°F), unlike tourist restaurants that stay open but serve reheated food

Book accommodations in Tevragh-Zeina or Ksar districts - These areas have more reliable power grids and water pressure during May infrastructure maintenance; outlying hotel areas experience frequent service interruptions

Carry wet wipes and hand sanitizer constantly - Desert dust combines with humidity to create gritty film on everything; public facilities rarely have soap or clean towels

Learn basic Hassaniya Arabic greetings beyond French - While French works for tourism, Arabic phrases open doors to authentic cultural experiences and better prices in markets, especially during poetry festival season