May weather forecast
South Africa

May in South Africa marks the final stage of the autumn season, with temperatures continuing to decline and rainfall patterns shifting, depending on the region. Inland cities like Johannesburg and Pretoria experience an average temperature between 7°C (44.6°F) to 21°C (69.8°F). Meanwhile, coastal regions, such as Cape Town and Durban, maintain a mild and temperate climate, with temperatures ranging from 13°C (55.4°F) to 22°C (71.6°F).

Rainfall in May sees a divergence between the country's inland and coastal areas. Johannesburg, in the Highveld, records a substantial decrease in rainfall to approximately 20mm (0.79"), indicating the advent of the dry season. Conversely, the Western Cape, owing to its Mediterranean climate, sees an increase in rainfall to an average of 70mm (2.76"), signifying the onset of the winter rainy season.

Comparing May to April, the noticeable decrease in temperatures and regional shift in rainfall becomes evident. This trend continues into June as South Africa transitions into winter, with temperatures further decreasing, especially in inland regions. The rainfall increases in the Western Cape, while the rest of the country experiences drier conditions.

May's weather provides favourable conditions for outdoor activities. The combination of cooler temperatures and diminishing rainfall in most regions makes it an ideal time for hiking and sightseeing. For wildlife enthusiasts, the onset of the dry season starts to provide excellent viewing opportunities, as animals congregate around the dwindling water sources.

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• Johannesburg - May »
  In Johannesburg, South Africa, in May, it is raining for 2.9 days, with typically 13mm (0.51") of accumulated precipitation. An average low-temperature of 7.2°C (45°F) is noted in Johannesburg during the month of May.
• Cape Town - May »
  Cape Town transitions into May recording an average high-temperature of a comfortable 19.7°C (67.5°F), closely aligning with the preceding month's temperature. May through September, with an average maximum UV index of 4, are months with the lowest UV index in Cape Town, South Africa.
• Pretoria - May »
  On the last day of the month, in Pretoria sunrise is at 06:45 and sunset at 17:24 SAST. In Pretoria, during the entire year, the rain falls for 120.8 days and collects up to 421mm (16.57") of precipitation.
• Durban - May »
  In Durban, during May, the rain falls for 9.6 days and regularly aggregates up to 26mm (1.02") of precipitation. In Durban, during the entire year, the rain falls for 182.6 days and collects up to 597mm (23.5") of precipitation.
• Port Elizabeth - May »
  The month with the least rainfall in Port Elizabeth is May, when the rain falls for 8.4 days and typically collects 21mm (0.83") of precipitation. On the first day of May in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, sunrise is at 06:52 and sunset at 17:37.
• Bloemfontein - May »
  January through June, August through December are months without snowfall in Bloemfontein, South Africa. The months with the lowest UV index in Bloemfontein, South Africa, are May through July, with an average maximum UV index of 4.
• Nelspruit - May »
  In Nelspruit, South Africa, in May, it is raining for 4.8 days, with typically 6mm (0.24") of accumulated precipitation. In Nelspruit, in May, during 4.8 rainfall days, 6mm (0.24") of precipitation is typically accumulated.
• Kimberley - May »
  May through July, with an average maximum UV index of 4, are months with the lowest UV index in Kimberley, South Africa. In Kimberley, South Africa, the average sunshine duration in May is 7.6h.
• Polokwane - May »
  In Polokwane, South Africa, during the entire year, the rain falls for 47 days and collects up to 478mm (18.82") of precipitation. In Polokwane in May, during 2 rainfall days, 11mm (0.43") of precipitation is typically accumulated.
• Pietermaritzburg - May »
  January through May, September through December, with an average of 7h of sunshine, are months with the least sunshine in Pietermaritzburg. On the first day of May in Pietermaritzburg, sunrise is at 06:27 and sunset at 17:23.
• East London - May »
  The month with the least rainfall in East London is May, when the rain falls for 8.3 days and typically collects 14mm (0.55") of precipitation. The month with the least rainfall in East London is May, when the rain falls for 8.3 days and typically collects 14mm (0.55") of precipitation.
• Rustenburg - May »
  On the last day of the month, in Rustenburg sunrise is at 06:49 and sunset at 17:28 SAST. In Rustenburg, South Africa, the average relative humidity in May is 48%.