Weather in South Africa for May 2026
In general, the average temperature in South Africa at the beginning of May is 21.1 °C. As the month progressed, temperatures tended to noticeably cool down, reaching an average of 18.4 °C by the end of May.
The climate of South Africa in May is notably wet, with an average of 15 rainy days, and a total of 77.6 mm of precipitation.
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South Africa Weather May
What’s the Weather Like in South Africa This May?
Temperatures trend during May in South Africa
May weather in South Africa day by day
| Date | Weather | Temperatures | Rain | UV | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 May |  Sunny | 20° /12° | 1 mm | 6 | |
| 2 May | Sunny | 23° /12° | 0.2 mm | 7 | |
| 3 May | Sunny | 24° /13° | 0 mm | 7 | |
| 4 May |  Partly cloudy | 22° /13° | 2.7 mm | 6 | |
| 5 May | Sunny | 21° /12° | 0.6 mm | 7 | |
| 6 May |  Moderate or heavy rain shower | 19° /13° | 11.6 mm | 5 | |
| 7 May | Partly cloudy | 19° /13° | 2 mm | 6 | |
| 8 May | Sunny | 19° /12° | 0 mm | 6 | |
| 9 May | Sunny | 20° /12° | 0 mm | 6 | |
| 10 May |  Light rain shower | 19° /11° | 5.3 mm | 5 | |
| 11 May | Patchy rain possible | 18° /12° | 1.3 mm | 5 | |
| 12 May | Sunny | 19° /11° | 0 mm | 6 | |
| 13 May | Sunny | 21° /12° | 0.2 mm | 6 | |
| 14 May | Sunny | 21° /13° | 0.1 mm | 7 | |
| 15 May | Partly cloudy | 21° /12° | 5.7 mm | 7 | |
| 16 May | Partly cloudy | 23° /12° | 2.4 mm | 7 | |
| 17 May |  Overcast | 21° /13° | 0.5 mm | 6 | |
| 18 May | Sunny | 21° /13° | 0.8 mm | 6 | |
| 19 May | Overcast | 19° /11° | 0.6 mm | 5 | |
| 20 May | Moderate or heavy rain shower | 17° /11° | 11.9 mm | 5 | |
| 21 May | Patchy rain possible | 17° /11° | 2.4 mm | 4 | |
| 22 May | Sunny | 19° /11° | 0 mm | 6 | |
| 23 May | Sunny | 20° /11° | 0 mm | 6 | |
| 24 May | Sunny | 21° /12° | 0.3 mm | 6 | |
| 25 May | Patchy rain possible | 19° /12° | 13.2 mm | 5 | |
| 26 May | Sunny | 18° /11° | 0.4 mm | 5 | |
| 27 May | Sunny | 20° /11° | 0.1 mm | 6 | |
| 28 May | Sunny | 19° /11° | 2.8 mm | 5 | |
| 29 May | Moderate or heavy rain shower | 19° /12° | 4.4 mm | 5 | |
| 30 May | Light rain shower | 17° /10° | 5.9 mm | 5 | |
| 31 May | Patchy rain possible | 17° /11° | 1.3 mm | 5 | |
| Next | |||||
Guide for South Africa in May
In May, South Africa experiences a transition from autumn to winter, resulting in varied weather conditions across the country. At the beginning of the month, the southern regions, including Cape Town and the Garden Route, typically enjoy mild temperatures with occasional rainfall.
The average temperature in Cape Town hovers around 16°, while the Garden Route experiences slightly cooler temperatures around 14°. Further north, in cities like Johannesburg and Pretoria, the weather is generally cooler, with average temperatures ranging from 10° to 20°.
Towards the end of May, the weather in South Africa tends to become cooler as winter approaches. In Cape Town, temperatures may drop to around 13°, and the chance of rainfall increases. In contrast, Johannesburg and Pretoria experience cooler temperatures, with averages ranging from 8° to 18°.
The northern regions, such as Kruger National Park, also see cooler temperatures, making it an ideal time for wildlife viewing.
Overall, May in South Africa offers a diverse range of weather conditions, from mild and rainy in the south to cooler and drier in the north, providing travelers with various experiences depending on their chosen destination.
South Africa in May - FAQ
South Africa water temperatures in May
The average water temperature of the Atlantic Ocean near South Africa in May is 13.4 °C. Temperatures remain fairly consistent throughout the month.
- What is the water temperature in South Africa in May?
- The average water temperature in South Africa in May is 13.4 °C.
- Can you swim in South Africa in May?
- Cold enough that you lose heat fast. A full 4–5 mm wetsuit (plus hood/gloves for comfort) is advisable for anything beyond a brief plunge.
May rainfall patterns in South Africa
UV exposure in South Africa during May
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