Last updated: August 31, 2025
In Graaff-Reinet, South Africa, May ushers in a transition from the heat of summer to the cooler chill of autumn. Daytime temperatures can peak at a warm 31°C (87°F), while average temperatures settle around a comfortable 15°C (59°F). However, night can bring a brisk drop to a minimum of 1°C (33°F), requiring warmer layers. Rainfall is modest, with 14 mm (0.6 in) measured across 3 days, contributing to the region's lush landscapes. Humidity levels hover around a high 83%, adding to the crispness of the air and enhancing the invigorating experience of this charming town in the heart of the Karoo.
In Graaff-Reinet, May marks a transition into cooler weather, with temperatures reflecting a significant shift from the warmth of the previous months. As the month unfolds, minimum temperatures drop to 1°C (33°F), providing a brisk start to the days. The average temperature settles at 15°C (59°F), creating a comfortable atmosphere for exploring the scenic surroundings. Although daytime highs can still reach 31°C (87°F), this is noticeably lower than the intense heat of earlier months, allowing for more pleasant outdoor activities. Overall, May serves as a gentle invitation to embrace the cooler climate, signaling the approach of winter while still offering glimpses of warm, sunny days.
In Graaff-Reinet, May marks a notable transition in precipitation patterns, with rainfall sharply declining to just 14 mm (0.6 in), the lowest monthly total since early summer. This dip contrasts significantly with earlier months, where January and February recorded over 68 mm of rain, accompanied by multiple rainy days. By May, rainfall is confined to only three days, signaling the onset of drier conditions that continue into the cooler winter months. This pattern indicates a retreat from the wetter summer season, as the area prepares for the aridity of June, which typically sees even less rain. Overall, May serves as a bridge between the lushness of spring and the dryness of winter in this arid region.
In Graaff-Reinet, South Africa, May brings a notable humidity level of 83%, continuing the trend of elevated moisture that has characterized the late summer and autumn months. This level is slightly lower than the 84% recorded in both March and April, yet it remains high compared to the drier months of August and September, where humidity dips to 68% and 77%, respectively. As the year progresses into winter, the humidity gradually decreases, but May's figures highlight the lingering warmth and moisture of the transitioning season, ensuring that the landscape remains vibrant and lush.
As the seasons shift in Graaff-Reinet, the UV Index in May reflects a notable decline compared to the scorching summer months, yet it still registers a high level at 6. This is a transition from the very high levels seen in April, where the burn time was a brisk 15 minutes. In May, residents and visitors alike can enjoy a more manageable burn time of 25 minutes, allowing for outdoor activities with a bit more leeway. The gradual decrease in the UV Index signifies the retreat of summer's intensity, hinting at cooler months ahead. However, caution is still advisable, as the sun's strength can be surprising even in late autumn. For more detailed insights, visit Graaff-Reinet UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
May in Graaff-Reinet, South Africa, offers a delightful tapestry of sunshine, with 304 hours of bright days that encourage outdoor exploration. While it may not match the peak summer months like December, which basks in a glorious 417 hours, May still stands out as a charming spring month. The sunshine begins to taper off from the more luminous April, yet it remains above the colder winter months of June, which has only 288 hours. This trend highlights a gradual transition, where the days may offer slightly less sun, but the ambiance of early winter brings a unique charm. As we approach mid-year, May's sun-soaked days pave the way for the crisp elegance of winter in this enchanting landscape.
In Graaff-Reinet, May marks a significant increase in the likelihood of sunny weather, boasting a 73% chance of clear skies. This trend reflects a gradual rise from the earlier months of the year; while January and February experience lower probabilities of sunshine at 64% and 65% respectively, April shows a dip at 61% before bouncing back in May. As the year progresses, the promise of sunny days continues to improve, culminating in July's peak at 79%. Thus, May serves as a delightful precursor to the sun-drenched months ahead, inviting residents and visitors alike to bask in the warmth of Graaff-Reinet’s springtime glow.
As May arrives in Graaff-Reinet, South Africa, the daylight hours gently recede, offering just 10 hours of sunlight each day. This transition marks a gradual shift with the longest days of January and February basking in 13 hours of light, while March experiences a slight reduction to 12 hours. April signals a further decline as daylight decreases to 11 hours. Following May, the daylight remains steady at 10 hours throughout June, July, and August, creating a consistent but shorter light experience during the Southern Hemisphere's winter months. With the approach of spring in September, daylight perks up again, increasing to 11 hours and continuing the cycle of light as the year progresses. This rhythmic ebb and flow of daylight reflects the natural cadence of the seasons, inviting both residents and visitors to savor the charm of Graaff-Reinet's changing skies.
In May, the winds in Graaff-Reinet begin to pick up, with an average speed of 3.0 m/s (7 mph), marking a slight increase from the preceding months. This trend of ascending wind speeds continues into June, which sees an average of 3.2 m/s (7 mph). Interestingly, prior to this rise, the wind speeds were generally mild, fluctuating between 2.4 m/s (5 mph) and 2.8 m/s (6 mph) from January through April. The transition into May heralds a refreshing breeze, establishing a pattern where late autumn brings notably stronger winds, peaking in July at 3.5 m/s (8 mph) before tapering down in the last few months of the year. This moderate increase in wind strength enhances the charm of Graaff-Reinet’s serene landscapes, inviting both outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers to embrace the crisp, invigorating air.
Weather in Graaff-Reinet varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Graaff-Reinet, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
When comparing the weather in May and January, notable differences emerge. May typically experiences a more moderate climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 1°C (33°F) to a maximum of 31°C (87°F) and an average of 15°C (59°F). The month sees limited precipitation, averaging only 14 mm (0.6 in) over 3 days, along with a relatively high humidity of 83%. In contrast, January is considerably warmer, boasting an impressive temperature range from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a scorching maximum of 40°C (104°F), with an average of 23°C (73°F). However, January also brings more rainfall, with 54 mm (2.1 in) spread over 8 days, and slightly lower humidity levels at 76%. For more detailed information on January weather specifically, visit Graaff-Reinet weather in January.
When comparing the weather in May and February, notable differences emerge. May typically experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of 1°C and an average of 15°C, peaking at 31°C. In contrast, February offers warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 8°C to a maximum of 40°C and an average of 22°C. Precipitation also varies significantly; May has only 14 mm of rain over 3 days, while February sees considerably more rainfall at 68 mm over 11 days, contributing to a higher humidity level of 75%. For a detailed look at February’s conditions, you can explore Graaff-Reinet weather in February.
In comparing the weather of May and March, we see notable differences in temperature and precipitation patterns. May experiences a broader temperature range with a minimum of 1°C (33°F) and a maximum of 31°C (87°F), leading to an average of 15°C (59°F). The month is relatively dry, with only 14 mm (0.6 in) of precipitation over just 3 days, and humidity levels around 83%. Conversely, March is significantly warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C (42°F) to a maximum of 40°C (104°F), resulting in a higher average of 21°C (70°F). However, it is also wetter, with 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain over 8 days, and slightly higher humidity at 84%. For more detailed information, check out Graaff-Reinet weather in March.
In comparing the weather between April and May, April tends to be warmer overall, with an average temperature of 17°C (63°F) and a maximum reaching as high as 37°C (99°F). May, on the other hand, has a lower temperature range, averaging 15°C (59°F) with a maximum temperature of 31°C (87°F). Additionally, April experiences significantly more precipitation, totaling 34 mm (1.3 in) over six days, compared to May's 14 mm (0.6 in) over just three days. Humidity levels remain fairly similar, with April at 84% and May at 83%. For more detailed insights on April weather, you can visit Graaff-Reinet weather in April.
May and June in Graaff-Reinet display notable differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 1°C (33°F) to a maximum of 31°C (87°F), with an average of 15°C (59°F) and a higher humidity level at 83%. This month experiences about 14 mm (0.6 in) of precipitation over three days, indicating a wetter climate. In contrast, June sees a drop in temperatures, with a minimum of -3°C (26°F) and a maximum of 29°C (84°F), resulting in a lower average of 12°C (55°F). The humidity decreases slightly to 79%, and the month is much drier, with only 3 mm (0.1 in) of precipitation over just one day. For a detailed look at the weather, you can visit Graaff-Reinet weather in June.
In May, the weather in Graaff-Reinet showcases a broader temperature range, with minimums reaching 1°C (33°F) and maximums soaring to 31°C (87°F), leading to an average of 15°C (59°F). This month also experiences relatively higher humidity at 83% despite receiving 14 mm (0.6 in) of precipitation over three days. In contrast, July brings cooler temperatures, with minimums dipping to -5°C (24°F) and an average of 12°C (53°F), although maximums remain comfortable at 28°C (83°F). The precipitation decreases slightly to 9 mm (0.4 in) over just two days, accompanied by a bit lower humidity at 77%. To explore more about the July weather specifics, you can check Graaff-Reinet weather in July.
May and August present quite different weather profiles, highlighting the transition from late spring to early winter. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of 1°C (33°F) to a comfortable average of 15°C (59°F), peaking at a warm 31°C (87°F). Humidity is relatively high at 83%, contributing to a feeling of warmth despite the cooler nights, with only 14 mm of precipitation over three days.
In contrast, August experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -2°C (29°F) and an average of 12°C (53°F). The maximum reaches 32°C (89°F), but the overall humidity drops to 68%, making the air feel drier. Precipitation increases slightly to 18 mm over four days. For a more detailed look at August weather, you can check Graaff-Reinet weather in August.
In May, temperatures range from a cool 1°C (33°F) at night to a comfortable average of 15°C (59°F), peaking at a warm 31°C (87°F) during the day. The month sees limited precipitation, with only 14 mm (0.6 in) spread over about 3 days, while humidity tends to be quite high at 83%. In contrast, September experiences colder nights with temperatures dipping to -2°C (29°F), yet the daytime warmth can rise dramatically to a maximum of 37°C (99°F) with the same average of 15°C (60°F). September is also wetter, recording 27 mm (1.1 in) of rainfall over about 4 days, and slightly lower humidity at 77%. For more specific details about September weather, visit Graaff-Reinet weather in September.
May and October present contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly 1°C (33°F) at night to a warm 31°C (87°F) during the day, with an average of 15°C (59°F). The month sees relatively low precipitation, totaling just 14 mm (0.6 in) over three days and a high humidity level of 83%. In contrast, October experiences a broader temperature range with minimums at 2°C (36°F) and scorching maximums reaching 39°C (102°F), averaging 18°C (64°F). Additionally, October is wetter, receiving 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain over six days, accompanied by decreased humidity at 72%. For more detailed weather insights, you can check Graaff-Reinet weather in October.
In comparison, May experiences a broader temperature range, with minimums dipping to 1°C (33°F) and maximums reaching up to 31°C (87°F), while November's temperatures are generally milder with a minimum of 4°C (39°F) and a maximum soaring to 40°C (104°F). May sees less precipitation at 14 mm (0.6 in) over about 3 days, compared to November's wetter conditions, which bring 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain over 6 days. Additionally, May's humidity is higher at 83%, whereas November's humidity is slightly lower at 73%. This difference in rainfall and humidity contributes to the distinct feel of each month. For more detailed weather information, check out Graaff-Reinet weather in November.
May and December display contrasting weather patterns in Graaff-Reinet. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 1°C (33°F) to a maximum of 31°C (87°F), with an average temperature of 15°C (59°F). The month experiences relatively low precipitation at 14 mm (0.6 in) over just 3 days, coupled with high humidity at 83%. In contrast, December boasts higher temperatures, with a minimum of 7°C (45°F), an average of 21°C (70°F), and a peak reaching 40°C (104°F). This month also sees increased rainfall at 59 mm (2.3 in) over 8 days, while humidity drops to 73%. For more details on December weather, you can visit Graaff-Reinet weather in December.
As May arrives in Graaff-Reinet, the weather transitions significantly, offering a unique blend of warmth and chill that contrasts with the preceding months. Daytime temperatures often reach a pleasant high of 31°C, while nights can dip to a brisk 1°C, making layering essential. With an average temperature around 15°C, the month sees refreshing cooler days and higher humidity levels at 83%. While precipitation is minimal, with just a few rainy days, the mild and varied conditions create an inviting atmosphere for visitors. Interested in more detailed insights? Explore the full weather statistics at Graaff-Reinet Climate.