Things to Do in Asmara in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Asmara
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
Is May Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
- + May lands in the sweet spot between the dusty harmattan winds and the proper rainy season - you'll wake to clear morning skies made for photographing Asmara's Italian-era cinemas and the 1938 Fiat Tagliero service station, all without the haze that ruins shots in March
- + Hotel availability improves in May - the Italian tour groups that pack the historic hotels in winter have gone home, meaning you're more likely to score a room at the Albergo Italia or Hamasien with its original 1930s terrazzo floors
- + The highland temperatures make walking comfortable - you'll want to tackle the steep climb from Harnet Avenue up to the Orthodox cathedral in the morning when it's still 59°F (15°C), but the afternoons warm up enough to sip macchiato at Bar Tre Stelle without needing a jacket
- + Local produce starts appearing - the first mangoes and papayas from the lowlands reach Asmara's markets in May, and the strawberries from the nearby village of Tsaeda Christian are at their sweetest
- − Afternoon thunderstorms roll in around 3pm about every third day - they only last 20 minutes but turn Asmara's steep cobblestone streets into miniature rivers, so you'll need to duck into the covered sections of the main market or one of the old Italian cafes
- − The UV index hits 8 at midday - at 2,300m (7,545 ft) altitude, sunburn happens faster than most visitors expect, when you're wandering around the art-deco neighborhoods of Liberation Avenue
- − Some of the outdoor cafes start closing their terraces earlier as evenings cool down - you might find Bar Impero's famous sidewalk seating packed up by 8pm instead of staying open late like in peak season
Best Activities in May
Top things to do during your visit
May's morning temperatures hover around 59°F (15°C) - good for the 3-hour circuit that takes you past 50+ buildings from the 1930s. The Cinema Impero still screens Italian films on weekends, and the morning light hits the curved concrete of the Fiat Tagliero building at exactly 10am for the best photos.
May marks the end of the harvest season - the coffee cherries are dried on raised beds at estates like Tsaeda Christian, 25km (15.5 miles) from Asmara. You'll see the entire process from cherry to bean, and the farmers will roast a batch over open fires while you taste it.
The covered sections of Asmara's main market are busiest in May mornings when temperatures stay cool. You'll find injera being made fresh on clay griddles, women selling berbere spice by the handful, and the seasonal appearance of highland honey from the village of Elabered.
May evenings cool to 64°F (18°C) - warm enough to sit outside at venues like Bar Zilli or the garden at Enda Mariam Cathedral, where traditional krar players perform. The music starts around 9pm when the day's heat has fully dissipated.
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Essential Tips
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