May marks the transition from late autumn to the beginning of winter in South Africa, offering moderate to warm temperatures and minimal rainfall. This makes it a fantastic time to explore various regions, from wildlife reserves to vibrant cities.
Weather in South Africa in May
May is when South Africa transitions from autumn into winter, with temperatures cooling throughout the country to mild/warm. South Africa's rainfall in May is very low, with an average of 3 cm (1 inch) falling in the month, and 6 rainy days (mostly in Cape Town).
May is the last month of fall in South Africa, and although generally warm by day and cool at night, it can be pretty wet and stormy in Cape Town and along the Garden Route. But this is also the dry season in Kruger and the northern game parks, where daytime temperatures can still hit 77°F (25°C). Expect average temperatures of 68°F (20°C) in Cape Town and Johannesburg and 80°F (27°C) in Kruger.
KwaZulu-Natal has a sub-tropical climate and remains warmer than southern regions during the winter months.
May is a shoulder season month when prices drop in Western Cape province, hotel availability increases, and traffic thins along the Garden Route and beyond.
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Here's a summary of what to expect:
| City/Region | Average Temperature | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Town | 68°F (20°C) | Moderate (some rainy days) |
| Johannesburg | 68°F (20°C) | Low |
| Kruger National Park | 80°F (27°C) | Very Low (dry season) |
| KwaZulu-Natal | Warmer than southern regions | Low |
Why Visit South Africa in May?
There are plenty of excellent times to visit South Africa, but May is high on the list. With the change in season from autumn to winter, the country offers pleasant weather conditions and world-class wildlife-spotting opportunities.
- A lively period: Thanks to it being a peak season in South Africa, there are loads of people around and tons of things to do, all of which give a vibrant, vacation-like feel to any traveler.
- Peak season for wildlife-spotting: If your main reason for visiting South Africa is safaris, then May is possibly the best month to do so.
- Learn to surf: May falls close to the start of the peak surfing season in South Africa and the water off the coast is great for both beginners and pros alike during this month.
Best Places to Visit in May
For visitors to South Africa in May, there are plenty of options of where to visit. Given that the weather is mild to warm and it's mostly dry throughout the country, you really can't go wrong.
Kruger National Park
No visit to South Africa is complete without going on a safari and seeing the wildlife, and Kruger National Park is the perfect place to do it. There you'll be able to see some incredible animals including elephants, rhinos, lions, giraffe, hippos, and more. While in Kruger National Park you can either go for a game drive, go on a bike safari route, or experience a walking safari.
Having been soaked throughout summer, South Africa's northern safari destinations are drying out quickly. Big game is on the move in search of water; large elephant herds are especially mobile. Winter's empty blue sky and the landscape are nearing optimum for wildlife sightings in the northern game parks as trees lose their leaves.
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May is a great time for safaris in Kruger and the KwaZulu-Natal reserves. Kruger is dry, and lodges may supply a blanket and a hot water bottle in the Jeep in the early morning; it will warm up later.
Wildlife viewing is concentrated on the dwindling water sources in South Africa in August, meaning that safari-goers have the chance to spot heaps of species in Kruger, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi and KwaZulu-Natals other reserves.
The best time to visit South Africa is from May to September, as the cooler winter months in the northern regions bring superb conditions for viewing big game.
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Cape Town
Cape Town is one of South Africa's most lively cities, with plenty of activities for every type of traveler.
There are still pleasant temperatures in Cape Town (20°C); its just a bit wetter.
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South Africa in January is great on the Cape. Its lovely (if breezy) in Cape Town and along the Garden Route, and a popular time of year to visit and find yourself among cuter arrivals: the Boulders Beach penguins might have little babies.
Its sunny on the Western Cape in South Africa in February, but a fresh breeze brings the temperatures to an average of 32°C in Cape Town. Still, this is the hottest month of the year for the cape, and its peak tourist season too.
March is pretty much the end of high season in the Western Cape. A few migratory birds start to return to South Africa in March it can be a good option if you want to hit the beach without the peak crowds.
April sees great temperatures and ideal hiking conditions in the Drakensberg Mountains, and decent wildlife viewing around the KwaZulu Natal region and Kruger National Park. On the Western Cape, its warm (23°C in Cape Town) and relatively dry. Its also time for the harvest in the wine regions.
South Africa in May finds itself at the start of the dry season and so the start of the best time for safaris in Kruger and the KwaZulu-Natal reserves. There are mid-range temperatures (in the 20°s) across much of the country. You could combine a safari with a few days hiking, as its a great time of year to visit the Drakensburg Mountains.
The start of South Africas winter sees the Western Cape get a bit cold and rainy, but winters are otherwise generally mild (Cape Town is around 18°C).
Its chilly on the Western Cape, but spring is in the air its flower season in West Coast National Park and you can see flowers in the fynbos from August to September in the Northern Cape and Western Cape.
Its the start of peak season in Cape Town, which is breezy and dry, and its about 30°C on the coast around Durban. You may still find some humpback whales heading along the coast from Hermanus if youre driving on the Garden Route.
January sees hot and dry weather in the Cape, making it an excellent time of year for trips to Cape Town and the Garden Route.
Kalahari Desert
Did you know that South Africa is also home to a huge, red desert? You can visit the Kalahari Desert, which spreads through Botswana and Namibia as well. Different types of vegetation grow in Kalahari as well as fruit! To learn more about this interesting natural landscape - home of the highly-adapted Bushmen people, we recommend visiting between May and July when the weather is less oppressive.
You can go on a hiking tour of the area, or it is also possible to go on a desert safari to see elephants and specialized black-maned lions.
For a remote wilderness, head to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Namaqua National Park, and other lesser-visited reserves of the Northern Cape.
Drakensberg Mountains
April sees great temperatures and ideal hiking conditions in the Drakensberg Mountains, and decent wildlife viewing around the KwaZulu Natal region and Kruger National Park.
South Africa in May finds itself at the start of the dry season and so the start of the best time for safaris in Kruger and the KwaZulu-Natal reserves. There are mid-range temperatures (in the 20°s) across much of the country. You could combine a safari with a few days hiking, as its a great time of year to visit the Drakensburg Mountains.
Other destinations
The Cape Winelands region is also at its most beautiful in May when the weather is delightful, and the vineyards are a blaze of flaming autumnal colors.
From here, hit cruise control and head along the verdant, unspoiled Indian Ocean coastline for Eastern Cape: you can easily check off the Big Five in a variety of small private game reserves.
Further north, May is a great time to visit Durban and the beaches, from the Wild Coast to iSimangaliso. The summer humidity has receded, days remain warm with cool evenings, the sea is still warm enough for swimming, and the seaside resorts are uncrowded.
The annual sardine run up the coast of Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal is the marine equivalent of the Great Migration, creating a feeding frenzy for sharks and dolphins.
Fly into Durban and go scuba diving or take a boat safari to get in on the action.
During the sardine run, anglers can also experience world-class fishing along the Transkei coast.
And diving with giant tiger sharks is at its prime in May in the Indian Ocean, with average sea temperatures around 77°F (24°C).
The adventure of the dry end of fall/ beginning of winter season is prime-time for hot-air ballooning.
For the best experience, head to the northern provinces of Limpopo and Gauteng, where Magaliesberg and the Magalies River Valley are among the main venues.
Choose wisely, and you can fly silently over the private game reserves adjoining Kruger National Park.
May is a great month to visit KZN because the South African school holidays are over.
With the annual cyclone season and the intense heat of summer now long past, the cooler weather and calmer water conditions means spectacular diving.
Spot the ‘Big 7' at Addo Elephant National Park. The Eastern Cape province is a great place to end a Garden Route self-drive or go on a ‘beginner's safari'.
May is a sweet spot - peak safari season is just starting, heralding cooler and drier weather.
Although the rainy season has largely passed by May, the Okavango Delta is slowly filling up with all the water that has fallen in the past few months, much of it trickling down from the Angolan highlands.
As the rest of the country starts drying up, the Delta's surging waters start plenty of game who will pass winter here, with ample water supply.
Botswana is almost always in demand because of its fantastic game viewing and premium lodges.
Events and Festivals in May
- Workers Day: Every year on May 1, Workers Day is celebrated to remember workers' rights and as a reminder of the role of trade unions and labor organizations in the fight against apartheid. This is a public holiday in the country, meaning that some smaller businesses might be closed.
- Groves & Vineyards Festival, Gauteng.
- Zoo Lake Family Braai Picnic & Color Festival, Johannesburg.
- Schulbasar, Johannesburg: Johannesburg has hosted this celebration of South Africa's German heritage for more than a century.
Tips for Travelers
- May is a little cooler throughout South Africa than preceding months, and we recommend packing a few layers to make sure you don't get cold in the mornings or in the evenings.
- We also recommend sunscreen throughout the day no matter where you are going, to protect against South Africa's bright, sunny days.
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