Things to Do in Mauritania in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Mauritania
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Absolute low season means you'll have archaeological sites like ancient Chinguetti and the Richat Structure practically to yourself - no tour groups competing for photographs at sunrise
- Hotel rates drop 30-40% compared to winter months, and you can negotiate walk-in rates in Nouakchott and Atar that would be impossible during November-March
- The Banc d'Arguin National Park bird migration is still active in early May, with flamingos and pelicans feeding in the coastal shallows before temperatures peak mid-month
- Desert photography conditions are exceptional - the extreme heat creates dramatic mirages and the low humidity means crystal-clear visibility stretching 50 km (31 miles) or more across the Adrar plateau
Considerations
- Daytime temperatures regularly exceed 40°C (104°F) across most of the country, making outdoor exploration between 11am-5pm genuinely dangerous without serious preparation - this isn't just uncomfortable, it's a legitimate health risk
- The harmattan winds pick up in May, creating sandstorms that can ground flights in Nouakchott and make driving the Route de l'Espoir treacherous with visibility dropping to 20 m (65 ft)
- Many desert camps and tour operators in the Adrar region either close completely or run skeleton operations in May, limiting your options for experiencing the Sahara properly
Best Activities in May
Nouakchott Coastal Exploration
The Atlantic coast around Nouakchott stays relatively cooler in May, typically 10-15°C (18-27°F) below inland temperatures thanks to ocean breezes. Early morning walks along the fishing port (5am-8am) let you watch the pirogues return with catches while temperatures are still manageable at 25-28°C (77-82°F). The low tourist season means you can interact with fishermen without crowds, and the light at dawn is spectacular for photography. Worth noting that the beach areas are genuinely pleasant before 9am, which you wouldn't expect given how brutal the inland heat becomes.
Banc d'Arguin National Park Bird Watching
Early May catches the tail end of the spring migration before it gets too hot even for the birds. Flamingos, pelicans, and terns are still feeding in massive numbers, though they start thinning out after mid-May. The park's coastal location keeps temperatures around 32-35°C (90-95°F) rather than the 42°C (108°F) you'll find inland. Tours run at dawn and late afternoon to avoid midday heat. The low season means permits are easier to arrange and you won't have multiple boats disturbing the same feeding grounds.
Chinguetti Manuscript Libraries
The ancient libraries are indoors, making them perfect for the hottest part of the day when outdoor exploration is impossible. May's low tourist numbers mean private viewings of medieval Qurans and scientific texts are easier to arrange - the families who maintain these collections have more time for detailed explanations. The town itself is best explored before 9am or after 6pm when temperatures drop from unbearable to merely very hot. The desert clarity in May makes the surrounding dunes particularly photogenic at sunrise.
Nouakchott Market and Cultural Tours
The capital's markets operate early morning (6am-11am) and late afternoon (5pm-8pm) to avoid peak heat. May is when you'll find seasonal dates from the first harvests and fresh camel milk is abundant. The Cinquième Marché and Capitale Market are genuinely interesting for watching daily Mauritanian life, and the low tourist season means you're not dodging tour groups. Indoor craft centers provide air-conditioned respite while you browse traditional textiles and silverwork. The evening fish market along the beach comes alive after 6pm when temperatures become tolerable.
Richat Structure Scenic Flights
May's crystal-clear air and low humidity create exceptional visibility for viewing the Eye of the Sahara from above. The dramatic heat creates interesting atmospheric effects and mirages visible from altitude. Since you're in an aircraft, the ground temperature is irrelevant, making this one activity where May's heat is actually advantageous - you get better photographic conditions than cooler months when dust and humidity reduce clarity. Flights typically run early morning when winds are calmest.
Indoor Museum and Cultural Center Visits
Nouakchott's National Museum and cultural centers become strategic midday refuges when outdoor exploration is impossible. May's low visitor numbers mean you can spend quality time with exhibits on Mauritanian history, traditional nomadic culture, and archaeological finds without crowds. The air conditioning alone makes these worthwhile during the 11am-5pm danger zone. Several cultural centers screen documentaries about desert life and host occasional music performances - worth checking schedules as these happen more frequently during low season when locals have more availability.
May Events & Festivals
Early Date Harvest Season
While the main date harvest comes later, early May sees the first pickings from certain palm varieties around oases like Atar and Chinguetti. Markets start featuring fresh dates rather than stored ones from previous seasons. Not a formal festival, but you'll notice increased activity around palm groves and better selection in markets. Locals tend to be generous about offering samples if you show genuine interest.