The month in detail
What to expect in May
In May, Socotra sees 86°F during the day with 7.6h of sunshine per day. Rain risk remains low (21% of days), leaving good room for outdoor activities. Not the best window, but acceptable if dates are constrained. February (9.2/10) is significantly better if possible.
May ranks 12 out of 12 months in Socotra. Compared to April: −2°F daytime, 16 pts more rainy days, −1.4h of sun per day.
This month's conditions
What it's like in May
UV index
8 · very high
protection essential
Feels like
very humid
21°
Sea
31°C
warm, ideal
Daylight
12.6h of daylight
Air quality
excellent
AQI 19
Compare
Is May the right month?
The best month in Socotra is February (9.2/10), 3.4 pts 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 · Socotra
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
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Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · Socotra
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 · Yemen
🗣️LanguageArabic
💶CurrencyRial yéménite (﷼)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘAt risk · 4/5
💰Cost of living ⓘModerate · 3/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeTropical
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthApril · 88°F
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 77°F
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘMay · 21%
🏝️ Tropical stay
🌞Dry season ⓘMay → Sep
🌧️Wet season ⓘDec → Mar
🌀Cyclones ⓘSeason Nov-Apr
Explore
Other destinations in May
If May doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Location
Where is Socotra ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
YemenTropical climate with a 9.2 → 5.8 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
12.47°N · 53.87°E
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Socotra?
February is the best month with 81°F highs, 61°F lows, 8.6h of sunshine and 3.0% rainy days. The months of February & March offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does Socotra get in February?
Socotra averages 8.6 sunshine hours per day in February. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 8.9/10.
What is the rainiest month in Socotra?
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 Socotra in February?
In February, overnight lows reach 61°F, while afternoon highs average 81°F.
Is Socotra good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Socotra scores 8.6/10 on average — Acceptable conditions for cultural visits.. The best month overall remains February with a score of 8.9/10.
When should you avoid Socotra?
May is the most difficult month to visit Socotra, 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 Socotra in May?
In May, the sea averages 88°F in Socotra: warm, ideal. Ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling.
Do you need sun protection in Socotra in May?
The average UV index reaches 8 in May in Socotra (very high), with about 12.6h of daylight. Protection essential.