When to go · Nouakchott
Nouakchott in May
Mixed month. Hot and dusty.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Mixed
- Temperature
- 33°C91°F / 21°C70°F
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 0
- Crowds
- Low
- Mauritania overall
- Prices
- Low
- Mauritania overall
Verdict
Hot and dusty.
Weather in May
- NouakchottHighs around 33 °C, lows around 21 °C, rain on about 0 daysHighs around 91 °F, lows around 70 °F, rain on about 0 days
- Atlantic coast, Mauritania · Nouakchott, Nouadhibou, Banc d'Arguinfine
Trade winds keep the coast tolerable; Nouadhibou is cool and windy; humid heat Jul–Sep.
Hot dry season season
Dry with little rain; long light evenings.
Watch: Heat, dust and sandstorms; outdoor stops before 10:00.
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Labour Day and Africa Day
1 and 25 May · Citywide
Public holidays; offices closed.
Eid al-Adha (Tabaski) check
Islamic calendar, moves yearly · Citywide
Sheep markets, then a quiet, closed city; taxis are scarce.
Labour Day
1 May
Public holiday; offices and many shops close.
Africa Day
25 May
Public holiday; offices closed.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Mauritania overall
- Low
- Prices · Mauritania overall
- Low
Mauritania overall: 40 °C+ inland.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen