Things to Do in Mauritania in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Mauritania
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Chinguetti date harvest season - fresh dates at their peak and 30-40% lower prices than other months
- Minimal rainfall means reliable access to remote desert sites like Richat Structure without muddy 4WD tracks
- Traditional Mauritanian wedding season - authentic cultural experiences in villages outside tourist areas
- Clear night skies between sandstorms offer exceptional stargazing with Milky Way visible by 8:30 PM
Considerations
- Daytime temperatures reach 42°C (108°F) making midday outdoor activities dangerous - locals retreat indoors 11 AM-4 PM
- Frequent sandstorms reduce visibility to 100 m (328 ft) and can ground flights or delay desert excursions for 2-3 days
- Extreme UV index of 11 requires constant sun protection and limits photography during harsh midday light
Best Activities in May
Pre-dawn Sahara Desert Camping
May offers the most comfortable desert camping conditions with cool pre-dawn temperatures of 22°C (72°F). Sunrise camel treks start at 5:30 AM before dangerous heat builds. Traditional Berber camps are fully operational, and clear skies provide exceptional star photography opportunities. The dry season means no muddy access roads to remote dune sites.
Traditional Fish Market Tours
Nouakchott's fish markets operate 4:30-8:00 AM in May to avoid midday heat, showcasing Atlantic catches at their freshest. Local fishing communities welcome visitors during this shoulder season, and you'll witness traditional fish-drying techniques adapted for the hot, dry climate. Morning humidity is lowest in May, making the markets more comfortable than rainy season visits.
Ancient Library Exploration
Chinguetti's medieval manuscript libraries are most accessible in May's dry conditions - no humidity damage risk for ancient texts, and clear roads allow reliable access to remote manuscript holders. Local scholars offer extended sessions during the cooler morning hours from 7-10 AM. May coincides with Islamic scholarly traditions when libraries receive more visitors.
Coastal Dolphin Watching
Atlantic humpback dolphins migrate closer to Mauritanian shores in May, with sighting rates reaching 85% on morning excursions. Calm seas and minimal rainfall create ideal boat conditions. The fishing season peak means dolphin-following opportunities, and morning temperatures of 28°C (82°F) make boat trips comfortable before afternoon heat.
Iron Ore Railway Photography
The world's longest train runs most reliably in May's dry conditions with minimal sandstorm delays. Clear morning light at 6:30 AM provides dramatic photography opportunities of 2 km (1.2 mile) ore trains crossing desert landscapes. May's low humidity reduces dust haze for better long-distance shots of this engineering marvel.
Traditional Craft Workshop Tours
Leather workers, silversmiths, and carpet weavers in Nouakchott operate extended morning hours in May to avoid afternoon heat. This coincides with wedding season preparation, so artisans showcase premium techniques and accept custom orders. Workshops are comfortable 7:00-11:00 AM with traditional tea ceremonies included.
May Events & Festivals
Chinguetti Date Harvest Festival
Traditional celebration of palm date harvest with Berber music, poetry recitations, and community feasts featuring 12 varieties of fresh dates. Local families open courtyards to visitors and demonstrate traditional date processing techniques passed down for centuries.
Nouakchott International Fishing Competition
Atlantic fishing tournament attracting boats from Senegal and Morocco, with traditional boat races and seafood festivals along the coast. Local communities organize beach celebrations with traditional wrestling matches and Arabic music performances.