South Africa in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in South Africa

25°C (77°F) High Temp

6°C (43°F) Low Temp

51mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect game viewing conditions - animals gather at water sources as vegetation thins out, with clear 20km+ (12+ mile) visibility across savannas
Ideal hiking weather in Drakensberg and Table Mountain - daytime temperatures of 20-25°C (68-77°F) with low humidity make 8+ hour treks comfortable
Whale season peaks along South Africa - Southern Right whales calve in Walker Bay with 90% sighting success rates from shore
School holidays haven't started - accommodation prices 30-40% lower than June-August peak season, major attractions have minimal queues

Considerations

Night temperatures drop to 6°C (43°F) in interior regions - budget accommodations without heating become uncomfortable, safari game drives require heavy jackets
Some coastal activities affected by winter swells - surf conditions become challenging for beginners along Atlantic coast, boat trips may cancel in rough seas
Vegetation browning reduces photographic appeal in some regions - lush green landscapes of summer fade to golden-brown, though this improves wildlife visibility

Best Activities in May

Kruger National Park Big Five Safari

May offers exceptional game viewing as the dry season begins. Animals concentrate around permanent water sources, grass becomes shorter, and crisp air provides crystal-clear visibility extending 20km+ (12+ miles). Morning game drives start at comfortable 12-15°C (54-59°F) warming to perfect 22°C (72°F) by midday. Malaria risk drops significantly in cooler weather.

Booking Tip: Book self-drive or guided safari packages 6-8 weeks ahead for best camp availability. Prices range R1,200-2,800 per person for day tours. Choose morning drives (6am-11am) for peak activity. Reference booking widget for current safari options.

Table Mountain and Cape Peninsula Tours

Perfect hiking conditions with comfortable 20°C (68°F) daytime temperatures and minimal wind. The famous tablecloth cloud formations are less common in May, providing clear summit views 80% of days. Sunset from this destination at 5:30pm offers golden-hour photography without summer's harsh glare.

Booking Tip: Cable car tickets cost R290-365 return. Book hiking guides R800-1,500 per group for routes like Platteklip Gorge. Check wind speeds below 35km/h (22mph) for cable car operations. See current mountain tour options in booking section below.

Hermanus Whale Watching

Peak Southern Right whale calving season with mothers and calves in Walker Bay. Shore-based viewing requires no boats - whales come within 50m (164ft) of cliff paths. Water temperature of 18°C (64°F) keeps whales close to shore for longer periods than warmer months.

Booking Tip: Shore viewing is free from cliff paths. Boat tours range R450-850 per person with 90%+ whale sighting guarantees. Book 3-5 days ahead as tours fill quickly during peak calving season. Current whale watching options available in booking widget.

Drakensberg Mountains Hiking

Optimal hiking weather with cool 18-23°C (64-73°F) days and clear mountain air. Amphitheatre hike and chain ladders become manageable without summer heat exhaustion. Rivers run clear but cold at 8-12°C (46-54°F). Sunrise over escarpment happens at perfect 6:45am timing.

Booking Tip: Multi-day guided hikes cost R1,800-3,200 per person including accommodation. Day hikes range R400-800 with guides. Book mountain lodges 4-6 weeks ahead for May availability. Essential to have guides for chain ladder routes above 2,800m (9,186ft).

Stellenbosch Wine Estate Tours

Harvest season brings estate activity with grape picking and early crush processes. Cooler temperatures make cycling between estates comfortable for 15-20km (9-12 mile) routes. Tasting rooms offer harvest-fresh grape juice alongside wine tastings. Golden-hour vineyard photography peaks at 4:30-6pm.

Booking Tip: Estate tours range R180-450 per person including 5-6 tastings. Cycling tours cost R350-650 including bike rental and cellar visits. Book harvest experience tours R500-1,200 to participate in picking. No advance booking needed for most estates.

Garden Route Coastal Drive

Perfect road trip weather with clear skies and comfortable driving temperatures. Ocean temperature of 19°C (66°F) allows swimming at protected beaches like South Africa Lagoon. Tsitsikamma Forest walks are ideal in cool, humid forest conditions without summer's oppressive heat.

Booking Tip: Self-drive car rental ranges R450-950 per day for suitable vehicles. Guided multi-day tours cost R2,800-5,500 per person. Book forest canopy tours R380-580 per person. South Africa Elephant Sanctuary visits R280-420. Weather rarely affects driving conditions in May.

May Events & Festivals

Late May

Hermanus Whale Festival

Annual celebration of whale calving season with shore-based whale watching, local Kampala, and marine conservation talks. Free cliff path guided walks with whale spotters using binoculars and marine biologist commentary.

Mid to Late May

Stellenbosch Harvest Festival

Working harvest celebration where visitors can participate in grape picking, crushing, and traditional harvest meals. Multiple estates host simultaneous events with wine makers explaining harvest decisions and weather impacts on vintage quality.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - t-shirts for 25°C (77°F) afternoons, fleece for 6°C (43°F) early mornings on safari

Waterproof hiking boots - trails can be muddy from 51mm (2.0 inches) monthly rainfall, essential for Drakensberg chain ladders

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 at altitude, reflection off Table Mountain's quartzite amplifies exposure

Warm sleeping gear - budget safari camps and mountain huts often lack heating, temperatures drop rapidly after sunset

Light rain jacket - afternoon showers last 15-30 minutes but can be heavy, especially in mountain regions

Binoculars 8x32 minimum - game viewing distances extend beyond 500m (1,640ft) in dry season, essential for whale watching from cliffs

Headlamp with red filter - safari camps have early 5:30am wake-ups, red light preserves night vision for star gazing

Thermal underwear - morning game drives start at 6°C (43°F), open safari vehicles feel 5-8°C colder with wind chill

Comfortable walking shoes - wine estate tours involve 2-3km (1.2-1.9 mile) walks on uneven vineyard terrain

Camera with extra batteries - cold weather drains battery life 30-40% faster, essential for extended outdoor photography

Insider Knowledge

Book safari camps in Greater Kruger private reserves instead of main park - same wildlife with 30% fewer vehicles, night drives allowed, prices only 15% higher in May

Drive Chapman's Peak between 4-6pm in May for optimal lighting - summer's harsh midday sun creates unflattering shadows, winter's lower angle provides perfect coastal photography

Visit Robben Island on weekday mornings - weekend tours fill with local school groups, weekday 9am departures have 50% fewer visitors and calmer seas

Shop for wine directly at estates in May - harvest season means winemakers are present for tastings, offering insights unavailable through retail channels, plus 20-30% savings on cellar door prices

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating temperature drops after sunset - 19°C (35°F) swings catch visitors unprepared, especially on safari where evening game drives require winter jackets

Booking coastal accommodation in Hermanus without whale-view rooms - prime whale watching spots fill early, non-ocean facing rooms miss the entire spectacle happening 50m offshore

Planning Table Mountain visits without checking wind forecasts - cable car closes frequently in May's variable weather, having hiking backup plans essential for summit access