Cayenne in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Cayenne
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak mango season - street vendors sell 15+ varieties for €1-2 each, including the prized cayenne rouge that's only ripe in May
- Kourou spaceport launches increase in May due to optimal weather windows - witness Ariane 6 launches from Plage des Roches Savanes 15km (9.3 miles) away
- River levels perfect for pirogue navigation - Oyapock and Approuague rivers accessible to remote Amerindian villages without dry season restrictions
- Tourist crowds 40% lower than July-August peak season, hotel rates drop 25-30% while weather remains excellent for outdoor activities
Considerations
- Afternoon thunderstorms arrive suddenly between 2-5pm on 60% of days - plan indoor activities or flexible schedules during these hours
- High humidity 70%+ makes midday outdoor activities feel exhausting - locals avoid strenuous activities between 11am-3pm
- Some butterfly species in Tresor Nature Reserve less active during wet season - prime viewing requires early morning visits before 9am
Best Activities in May
Devil's Island Historical Tours
May's moderate tourist numbers mean ferry boats are less crowded and you can explore the infamous prison ruins without fighting for photos. Morning departures (8am) avoid afternoon rain - perfect timing since tours return by 2pm. The 45-minute boat ride from Kourou is smoothest in May's calmer seas before hurricane season.
Amazonian Canopy Walks
May's consistent humidity keeps the rainforest canopy lush and wildlife active. Early morning walks (6-9am) offer the best animal sightings before afternoon rains. The 500m (1,640 ft) suspended bridges at Tresor Reserve are less slippery than during peak wet season but still offer that authentic jungle experience.
Kourou Space Center Visits
May coincides with increased launch activity as weather conditions optimize for Ariane missions. Even without launches, the visitor center and guided tours showcase Europe's spaceport during its most active period. Launch viewing from public beaches 15km (9.3 miles) away is spectacular when scheduled.
Marché de Cayenne Food Tours
May brings peak fruit season to Cayenne's central market - rambutan, corossol, and multiple mango varieties flood vendor stalls. Morning tours (7-10am) capture the market's energy before afternoon rains and offer tastings of seasonal specialties. Local guides explain Creole, Brazilian, and Hmong culinary influences.
Kaw Nature Reserve Caimaning
May's water levels in Kaw swamps are ideal - high enough for boat access but not so high that wildlife disperses. Night tours offer spectacular caiman spotting, and May's moderate crowds mean better wildlife encounters. The 2-hour journey from Cayenne traverses some of French Guiana's most pristine wetlands.
Saint-Laurent du Maroni Cultural Tours
May's pleasant weather makes the 250km (155 mile) journey to Saint-Laurent comfortable, and the former penal colony's museums and Maroon cultural sites are less crowded. River trips to traditional villages are possible due to optimal water levels, offering authentic encounters with Surinamese border culture.
May Events & Festivals
Fête de l'Abolition de l'Esclavage
May 27th commemorates slavery abolition with parades, traditional drumming, and Creole cultural performances throughout Cayenne. Local communities showcase bèlè dancing, Ti-punch tastings, and historical exhibitions at Place Victor Schœlcher.