Weather by month
Timor-Leste in May: Weather and What to Expect
End of the rains · Good time to visit
Last verified: Climate normals from the national meteorological services; events from official sources
By David
Quick answer · as of October 2026
May is a good time to visit Timor-Leste: the rains ease to about 30 mm on three or four days in Dili, the countryside is still green and the coffee harvest begins. Restoration of Independence Day on 20 May is the biggest national celebration of the year, so book Dili rooms early.
- Dili high / low
- 31.8°C / 23.3°C
- Rainfall (Dili)
- 30 mm
- Rainy days
- 4
- Sea temperature
- About 29°C
- Sunshine
- 8.6 hours a day
- Season
- End of the rains
On this page
Weather in May
May in Dili averages highs of 31.8°C and lows of 23.3°C, with 30 mm of rain over about 4 rainy days. For comparison, the hottest month averages 32.7°C and the wettest, January, gets 175 mm. Dili is one of the driest places in the country; the mountains and the south coast get more rain, and above 1,000 metres nights are cool all year.
| Measure | May |
|---|---|
| Average high | 31.8°C |
| Average low | 23.3°C |
| Rainfall | 29.5 mm |
| Days with rain (1 mm or more) | 3.6 |
| Sunshine | 8.6 hours a day |
| Humidity | 75% |
| Sea temperature | About 29°C |
What May is good for
- Restoration of Independence Day (20 May)
- Green landscapes
- Start of the coffee harvest
- Road trips as roads dry out
What to watch out for
- Busy Dili around 20 May
- Occasional showers
Holidays and events in May
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| 1 May | World Labour Day |
| 20 May | Restoration of Independence Day |
| 27 May (2026) | Idul Adha |
| Date | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 20 May | Restoration of Independence Day celebrations | Dili and nationwide |
| 29–30 May (2026) | Tasifest music and cultural festival | Tasitolu, Dili |
See all public holidays and festivals.
What to pack
- Light, loose clothes that cover shoulders and knees, a hat and high-factor sunscreen.
- A warm layer for the mountains.
- Insect repellent: dengue occurs in Timor-Leste, most of all in the wet season.
See the full packing list and the best time to visit.
Frequently asked questions
Is May a good time to visit Timor-Leste?
Yes, mostly. May is a good month to visit, as the rains ease.
Does it rain in Timor-Leste in May?
Dili averages 30 mm of rain over about 4 rainy days in May. The mountains and the south coast are usually wetter than Dili.
How hot is Timor-Leste in May?
In Dili, average highs are 31.8°C and lows 23.3°C, with the sea at about 29°C. It is much cooler in the mountains, especially at night.
Sources
Official sites, operators and references we checked for this page.
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