Last updated: August 31, 2025
In May, Grahamstown, South Africa, experiences a delightful transition into cooler weather, with maximum temperatures reaching 32°C (90°F) and an average of 16°C (61°F). The minimum temperatures can dip to 4°C (39°F), creating a diverse range of weather conditions throughout the month. With 22 mm (0.9 in) of precipitation spread over 5 days, May's moisture contributes to the lush greenery of the region. The high humidity level of 84% enhances the refreshing atmosphere, making it an ideal time for enjoying the scenic beauty and vibrant culture of this historic town.
May in Grahamstown, South Africa, ushers in the crisp embrace of autumn, with temperatures reflecting a noticeable drop from the warmer months. The month starts with a minimum of 4°C (39°F), making it one of the cooler periods, while the average temperature settles around 16°C (61°F), providing a pleasant yet brisk atmosphere for outdoor activities. With maximum temperatures peaking at 32°C (90°F), May offers a comfortable range that encourages exploration of the region's vibrant landscapes before winter sets in. This transitional month showcases a shift from the scorch of summer—evident in the high averages of earlier months—toward the cooler, more temperate climate that characterizes the following winter. As the month progresses, the gradual decline in temperature becomes apparent, hinting at the chilly days ahead while still allowing for enjoyable warmth during the afternoons.
May marks a notable shift in precipitation in Grahamstown, South Africa, with only 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain falling over just 5 days. This continues a declining trend from April's 45 mm (1.8 in), reflecting the transition into winter, where the region typically experiences a significant drop in rainfall. The dry conditions of May set the stage for June, which sees an even sharper decrease with a mere 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain. In comparison to the wetter months earlier in the year, such as February with 73 mm (2.9 in) and January at 50 mm (2.0 in), this reduction indicates a shift toward drier weather patterns that characterize the winter months ahead.
In Grahamstown, South Africa, May ushers in a humid atmosphere with an average humidity level of 84%. This slightly decrease from the previous month continues the trend of high humidity that characterizes the late summer and early autumn months, with March peaking at a notable 86%. After enjoying relatively mild humidity in the dry winter months of June and July, which plummet to 79% and 77% respectively, residents can expect May's pervasive moisture to linger, creating a lush environment before the drier winter season sets in. Overall, the humidity in May reflects a transition, maintaining a comfortable yet damp climate as the year moves towards colder temperatures.
As May rolls into Grahamstown, South Africa, the UV Index dips to a moderate level of 5, significantly lower than the extreme values seen in the peak summer months. This reduction allows for a more leisurely outdoor experience, with a burn time of 30 minutes before protection is necessary. While the UV levels in January through April reached alarming highs, May marks a transition towards milder conditions, offering relief for sun seekers and encouraging outdoor activities without the immediate risks of sunburn. As the season shifts, it's essential to stay informed about changing UV conditions; you can find more details at Grahamstown UV Index.
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In Grahamstown, South Africa, the months leading into winter reveal a gradual fluctuation in sunshine hours, highlighting the transition from the vibrant summer days to the cooler season. Starting strong in January with 308 hours of sunlight, the days gradually lengthen through February and March, peaking at an impressive 335 hours. However, as the year progresses into April and May, sunshine hours dip slightly to 296 and 297 hours, respectively, marking the onset of cooler weather. Notably, this trend continues until June, which sees the least sunlight at 279 hours. The region then experiences a resurgence, with sunshine hours steadily increasing once again from July through October, culminating in a dazzling 354 hours in October. The year wraps up with November and December basking in the glory of 359 and 380 hours, respectively, underscoring the robust sunshine that characterizes Grahamstown's summer months. Overall, the ebb and flow of sunlight throughout the year creates a distinctive rhythm, offering residents and visitors alike a diverse experience of each season.
In Grahamstown, South Africa, May marks a notable shift toward sunnier days, boasting a 66% chance of sunshine—a significant increase compared to the preceding months where probabilities linger around 41% to 45%. This trend not only signals the onset of brighter weather but also sets the stage for an even sunnier June and July, with chances climbing to 68% and 76% respectively. As the year progresses, sunshine becomes ever more abundant, making May an ideal time for outdoor activities and enjoying the blossoming landscape.
In Grahamstown, South Africa, May signals the transition into winter as daylight hours dwindle to just 10 hours. This decrease follows a gradual decline that starts in January, where daylight lasts a generous 14 hours, then gently slides down to 13 in February and 12 in March. As spring fades into autumn, April witnesses a further reduction to 11 hours, indicating the shift in seasons. Interestingly, despite the chilling descent into winter, daylight hours stabilize at 10 hours from July to August, before resuming a gradual ascent in September. This rhythmic pattern of daylight serves as a reminder of the dynamic interplay between seasons, illuminating the unique beauty of life in Grahamstown throughout the year.
In May in Grahamstown, South Africa, the average wind speed is 3.2 m/s (7 mph), marking a slight resurgence from the calmer breezes of April. While May's winds are generally gentle, they set the stage for the increasing gusts of the winter months ahead. As the seasons shift, the trend reveals a gradual uptick, with July peaking at 4.0 m/s (9 mph) before settling into a more consistent rhythm in the spring. This transition through the year indicates a dynamic atmosphere, where the typical trend showcases milder winds from late summer into early autumn, followed by a noticeable intensification as winter approaches. Embrace the refreshing May winds as they herald the seasonal changes in this charming region.
Weather in Grahamstown varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Grahamstown, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
May and January present contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 4°C (39°F) to a maximum of 32°C (90°F), with an average of 16°C (61°F). The month experiences lower precipitation, at 22 mm (0.9 in) over about 5 days, and the humidity tends to be quite high at 84%. In contrast, January boasts significantly warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a scorching maximum of 41°C (107°F) and an average of 21°C (71°F). However, it also sees higher precipitation levels at 50 mm (2.0 in) spread across 9 days, maintaining a slightly lower humidity of 80%. For more detailed information, check out Grahamstown weather in January.
When comparing the weather in May and February, notable differences emerge. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 4°C (39°F) to a maximum of 32°C (90°F), with an average of 16°C (61°F). The month experiences relatively low precipitation of 22 mm (0.9 in) over about 5 days, coupled with high humidity at 84%. In contrast, February boasts warmer temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) to a scorching maximum of 40°C (104°F), with an average of 21°C (71°F). February also sees higher precipitation, measuring 73 mm (2.9 in) across 11 days, with slightly lower humidity at 79%. For a more detailed overview, you can check Grahamstown weather in February.
When comparing the weather of May and March, we notice a distinct difference in temperature and precipitation patterns. May generally experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of 4°C and an average of 16°C, while March has warmer conditions, characterized by a minimum temperature of 8°C and an average of 20°C. March also stands out with its maximum temperature reaching up to 41°C, compared to May's maximum of 32°C. In terms of precipitation, May has less rain, averaging 22 mm over 5 days, whereas March sees a higher total of 52 mm spread across 8 days. Both months have relatively high humidity, with May at 84% and March slightly higher at 86%. For more insights, check out Grahamstown weather in March.
In comparing the weather between April and May, we see notable differences in temperature and precipitation patterns. April features a slightly higher minimum temperature of 6°C (44°F) and an average of 17°C (64°F), with a maximum reaching a sweltering 37°C (98°F). However, it also has increased rainfall, totaling 45 mm (1.8 in) over 8 days, alongside a humidity level of 85%. In contrast, May offers a more moderate climate with a minimum temperature of 4°C (39°F) and an average of 16°C (61°F), although maximum temperatures can still reach up to 32°C (90°F). Precipitation decreases to 22 mm (0.9 in) occurring over 5 days, while humidity remains fairly high at 84%. For more detailed insights, you can check Grahamstown weather in April.
May and June present distinct weather characteristics, with May generally feeling warmer. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 4°C (39°F) to a maximum of 32°C (90°F), averaging around 16°C (61°F). The month sees about 22 mm (0.9 in) of precipitation over five days and has a humidity level of 84%. In contrast, June’s temperatures are slightly cooler, with a minimum of 1°C (34°F) and an average of 14°C (58°F), while still reaching a maximum of 32°C (89°F). The overall precipitation decreases to just 5 mm (0.2 in) over two days, and humidity drops to 79%. For more detailed insights, you can check out Grahamstown weather in June.
May and July present distinct weather patterns, even though their maximum temperatures peak at an identical 32°C (90°F). In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 4°C (39°F) to an average of 16°C (61°F), accompanied by higher humidity levels at 84% and more precipitation totaling 22 mm (0.9 in) over approximately five days. In contrast, July experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with minimums dropping to 0°C (32°F) and an average of 14°C (57°F). Additionally, July brings less rainfall, with only 11 mm (0.4 in) across three days and lower humidity at 77%. For a more detailed overview of July weather, refer to Grahamstown weather in July.
In comparing the weather of May and August, we see distinct differences in temperature and humidity. May experiences a wider temperature range with a minimum of 4°C (39°F) and an average of 16°C (61°F), while August features slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 1°C (34°F) and an average of 13°C (56°F). Both months share a maximum temperature of 32°C (90°F), but May is characterized by higher humidity at 84%, compared to August's more moderate 72%. Additionally, May has less precipitation at 22 mm (0.9 in) over 5 days, while August sees slightly more rainfall at 28 mm (1.1 in) over the same number of days. For more specific details on August weather, you can visit Grahamstown weather in August.
May and September present contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 4°C (39°F) to a maximum of 32°C (90°F), with an average of 16°C (61°F), accompanied by 22 mm of precipitation over five days and high humidity at 84%. In comparison, September sees slightly cooler average temperatures, with a minimum of 1°C (34°F) and a maximum rising to 39°C (102°F), while the average temperature is slightly lower at 15°C (60°F). The precipitation increases to 36 mm, falling over four days, and humidity levels are marginally lower at 79%. For more insights into the specific weather conditions, you can check Grahamstown weather in September.
In May, the weather features a moderate temperature range, with minimums around 4°C (39°F) and daily averages reaching up to 16°C (61°F), while maximum temperatures can soar to 32°C (90°F). This month also experiences relatively low precipitation, averaging about 22 mm (0.9 in) over roughly 5 rainy days, accompanied by high humidity at 84%.
In contrast, October has a slightly warmer average with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 4°C (40°F) to an impressive maximum of 42°C (108°F). However, October sees increased rainfall, totaling around 53 mm (2.1 in) across 8 days, along with moderately lower humidity at 77%. For more detailed insights, check Grahamstown weather in October.
May and November feature distinct weather patterns, with May typically experiencing cooler temperatures and lower humidity. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 4°C (39°F) to a maximum of 32°C (90°F), averaging around 16°C (61°F), alongside relatively light precipitation of 22 mm (0.9 in) over about 5 days. In contrast, November sees slightly warmer temperatures, with minimums around 5°C (42°F) and maximums reaching 40°C (104°F), yielding an average of 18°C (64°F). Rainfall increases in November to 53 mm (2.1 in) over 8 days, though humidity remains lower at 78%. For more details on November's conditions, check out Grahamstown weather in November.
In May, temperatures in Grahamstown range from a minimum of 4°C (39°F) to a maximum of 32°C (90°F), with an average of 16°C (61°F) and relatively low humidity at 84%. The month sees about 22 mm (0.9 in) of precipitation over approximately 5 days. On the other hand, December brings warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from 7°C (46°F) to a scorching 40°C (104°F) and an average of 20°C (68°F). However, it experiences more rainfall, totaling 64 mm (2.5 in) over about 11 days, with humidity slightly lower at 80%. For more details about December weather, you can explore Grahamstown weather in December.
As May arrives in Grahamstown, the weather transitions into a milder phase, characterized by a significant drop in temperatures compared to the warmer summer months. This month's average temperature of 16°C brings a refreshing chill, with minimums dipping to around 4°C, making evenings particularly cool. With higher humidity at 84% and some precipitation on about five days, May can feel quite damp. However, the landscape transforms beautifully, as the cooler temperatures encourage cozy gatherings, warm sweaters, and the vibrant greenery that thrives with the increased moisture. For more detailed insights into the climate trends, visit Grahamstown Climate.