The month in detail
What to expect in May
May falls in the wet season in French Guiana. Showers are often brief but intense. With 86% of rainy days, always have indoor alternatives planned.
May ranks 12 out of 12 months in French Guiana. Compared to April: 12 pts more rainy days, −0.7h of sun per day.
This month's conditions
What it's like in May
UV index
7 · high
sunscreen and hat advised
Feels like
very humid
24°
Sea
29°C
warm, ideal
Daylight
12.2h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 21
Compare
Is May the right month?
The best month in French Guiana is September (5.8/10), 1.5 pt higher than May.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · French Guiana
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
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Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · French Guiana
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a tropical stay.
Country · French Guiana
🗣️LanguageFrench
💶CurrencyEuro (€)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘExpensive · 4/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeEquatorial tropical
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthAugust · 30°C
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 28°C
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘMay · 86%
🏝️ Tropical stay
🌞Dry season ⓘMay → Sep
🌧️Wet season ⓘDec → Mar
🌀Cyclones ⓘNone (equator)
🛂VisaSchengen · 90 days
Explore
Other destinations in May
If May doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Location
Where is French Guiana ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
French GuianaEquatorial tropical climate with a 5.8 → 4.3 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
4.94°N · 52.33°W
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit French Guiana?
September is the best month with 30.0°C highs, 25.0°C lows, 7.5h of sunshine and 21.0% rainy days.
How many hours of sunshine does French Guiana get in September?
French Guiana averages 7.5 sunshine hours per day in September. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 5.6/10.
What is the rainiest month in French Guiana?
May is the most unfavourable month with May has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in French Guiana in September?
In September, overnight lows reach 25.0°C, while afternoon highs average 30.0°C.
Is French Guiana good in winter?
In winter (December-February), French Guiana scores 4.5/10 on average — Difficult period — prefer the peak season.. The best month overall remains September with a score of 5.6/10.
When should you avoid French Guiana?
May is the most difficult month to visit French Guiana, with May has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in French Guiana in May?
In May, the sea averages 29°C in French Guiana: warm, ideal. Ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling.
Do you need sun protection in French Guiana in May?
The average UV index reaches 7 in May in French Guiana (high), with about 12.2h of daylight. Sunscreen and hat advised.