Last updated: August 31, 2025
Experience the delightful weather of Port Elizabeth, South Africa in May, where temperatures range from a cozy 10°C (50°F) at night to a pleasant 29°C (84°F) during the day. With an average temperature of 17°C (64°F), this coastal city offers a comfortable escape. May also sees approximately 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain spread across 6 days, contributing to a humidity level of 76% that adds to the lush greenery. Ideal for outdoor activities, May's moderate climate promises both warmth and refreshment, perfect for exploring this vibrant destination.
In May, Port Elizabeth transitions into cooler weather as the autumn season deepens. The temperatures dip, with minimums averaging around 10°C (50°F), offering a slight chill in the air. The average temperature hovers at 17°C (64°F), a comfortable yet crisp climate perfect for outdoor activities or cozying up indoors. With the maximum temperatures reaching up to 29°C (84°F), the month maintains occasional warmth, allowing for pleasant afternoons. Compared to the balmy summer months preceding it, May marks a gentle decline in heat, signaling a shift towards the winter months ahead, yet still inviting enough for those looking to enjoy the coastal charm of this vibrant city.
May in Port Elizabeth experiences a moderate precipitation level, with 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain falling over approximately 6 days. This marks a small increase from the drier month of April, which recorded 28 mm (1.1 in) over just 5 days. As autumn deepens, May’s rainfall serves as a prelude to the wetter winter months ahead, yet it remains relatively mild compared to the subsequent spike in August, which averages 52 mm (2.0 in). The consistent pattern of rainfall throughout late autumn indicates a gradual transition as the atmospheric conditions shift, paving the way for the winter rains that follow. Overall, May presents a balanced snapshot of Port Elizabeth's precipitation, bridging the gap between the tapering autumn and the approaching winter wet season.
As May arrives in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, residents can expect a noticeable drop in humidity, with levels settling at 76%—a refreshing change after the peak levels of the earlier months. Following the trend of increasing humidity from January through April, where levels reached as high as 83% in March, May marks the beginning of a gradual decline. This shift continues into the cooler winter months, with June and July experiencing even lower humidity levels at 72% and 74%, respectively. The May weather provides a brief respite before the dry winter sets in, making it a comfortable time for outdoor activities and exploration in this coastal city.
In May, Port Elizabeth experiences a moderate UV Index of 5, signaling a shift from the extreme levels seen in the earlier months. With an increased burn time of 30 minutes, locals and visitors can enjoy the outdoors with a bit more leeway, although sun protection remains advisable. This month marks a welcome transition into cooler weather, as the UV levels begin to dip from the scorching heights of January through March, where indices reached above 11. As the region moves towards winter, expect UV Index levels to continue their gentle decline, providing a safer sun exposure environment. For more insights on sun safety, check out the detailed Port Elizabeth UV Index.
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May in Port Elizabeth sees a gentle transition as the warm hues of autumn set in, with an average of 296 hours of sunshine. This marks a slight decline from April's 305 hours, yet still retains a comforting brightness compared to the cooler months ahead. As the year progresses, sunshine hours begin to dip, revealing a trend towards shorter days, which contrasts with the sun-soaked summers of January through March, where the city basks in over 320 hours each month. Interestingly, as winter approaches in June, Port Elizabeth continues to hold its charm, with sunshine peeking through despite the chilly temperatures. Embrace the mellow May sun as it softly ushers in the cooler season, promising moments of warmth and light amidst the changing weather.
In Port Elizabeth, South Africa, May is marked by a promising 62% chance of sunny weather, making it one of the more favorable months for sunshine during the year. This figure shows a welcome uptick from April's 45%, signaling a transition into a sunnier spell. As the colder months approach, the likelihood of sun continues to rise, peaking in July at 72%. Interestingly, while the summer months of January and February boast a consistent 56%, the gradual increase through May suggests the city's climate offers delightful days that can be enjoyed before winter sets in. With a significant chance of sun, May is an ideal time for outdoor activities and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of this coastal city.
As May arrives in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, daylight hours continue their gentle decline, offering 10 hours of sunshine—a shift from the abundant 14 hours in January. This trend reflects the seasonal ebb and flow, with daylight gradually decreasing through the months of April and May, before hitting its annual low in June. Following this, the duration begins to stabilize, hovering around 10 hours in both July and August, before gradually increasing again with the arrival of spring in September. The rhythmic cycle of daylight not only marks the changing seasons but also invites residents to savor the rich experiences that each nuanced hour of light brings.
As May graces Port Elizabeth, the winds whisper a refreshing breeze, maintaining an average speed of 5.3 m/s (12 mph). This steady wind is reflective of the overall trend seen in the approach to winter, where gusts start to fluctuate slightly yet consistently, providing a transition from the lighter breezes of earlier months like January and February. Notably, April experiences a dip, with winds calming to 4.5 m/s (10 mph), only to rebound back in May, reminiscent of the gentle but persistent winds that characterize autumn in this coastal haven. The patterns continue to evolve into the winter months, but May stands out as a uniquely pleasant period where the air carries a balanced mix of warmth and coolness, inviting both locals and visitors to enjoy the vibrant coastal charm of the season.
Weather in Port Elizabeth varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Port Elizabeth, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
May and January present a contrast in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) to a maximum of 29°C (84°F), with an average temperature of 17°C (64°F). The month experiences around 30 mm (1.2 in) of precipitation over approximately 6 days, contributing to a humidity level of 76%. In contrast, January sees slightly warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 16°C (60°F) to a maximum of 30°C (86°F) and an average of 21°C (71°F). Precipitation is slightly lower at 26 mm (1.0 in), albeit spread over 7 days, while humidity remains relatively high at 79%. For more details on January weather, visit Port Elizabeth weather in January.
In comparing the weather between May and February, we see notable differences in temperature and precipitation patterns. May experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of 10°C (50°F) and a maximum of 29°C (84°F), averaging around 17°C (64°F). In contrast, February boasts warmer temperatures, starting at a minimum of 14°C (58°F) and reaching up to 33°C (91°F), with an average of 21°C (71°F).
Additionally, February has higher precipitation levels, totaling 47 mm (1.8 in) across 9 days, compared to May's 30 mm (1.2 in) over 6 days. The humidity is slightly higher in February at 81%, compared to 76% in May. For a more detailed look at February's weather, you can refer to Port Elizabeth weather in February.
When comparing the weather in May and March, it’s clear that March tends to be warmer overall, with average temperatures peaking at 21°C (69°F) and maximums reaching up to 32°C (91°F). In contrast, May features milder conditions, with an average temperature of 17°C (64°F) and a maximum of 29°C (84°F). Despite March having slightly higher humidity at 83%, May experiences more pleasant humidity levels at 76%. Additionally, March sees more rainfall, with an average of 42 mm (1.6 in) across 7 days compared to May’s 30 mm (1.2 in) over 6 days. For more details on March weather, check out Port Elizabeth weather in March.
In comparing the weather of May and April, we see some notable differences. April boasts slightly higher temperatures, with a minimum of 13°C (55°F) and an average of 19°C (66°F), reaching a maximum of 32°C (89°F). In contrast, May's temperatures are milder, with a minimum of 10°C (50°F) and an average of 17°C (64°F), peaking at 29°C (84°F). Precipitation levels are similar, with April receiving 28 mm (1.1 in) over 5 days, while May sees only 30 mm (1.2 in) across 6 days. Humidity in April is also slightly higher at 80%, compared to May’s 76%. For more detailed information, you can check Port Elizabeth weather in April.
In comparing the weather of May and June, both months feature a similar temperature range, with May having a slightly higher average temperature of 17°C (64°F) compared to June's average of 17°C (62°F). May experiences a wider spread in temperatures, reaching a maximum of 29°C (84°F) while June maintains the same maximum, but starts with a slightly lower minimum of 9°C (48°F). Precipitation is more prevalent in May, with 30 mm (1.2 in) over 6 days, whereas June sees only 20 mm (0.8 in) across 5 days. Additionally, humidity levels decrease in June to 72% from May's 76%. For more detailed insights on the weather conditions during June, visit Port Elizabeth weather in June.
In comparing May and July weather, both months experience similar maximum temperatures, peaking at 29°C (84°F). However, May has a higher average temperature of 17°C (64°F) compared to July's average of 16°C (61°F). The minimum temperature in May is slightly warmer at 10°C (50°F), while July's minimum dips to 8°C (47°F). Precipitation levels are relatively close, with May receiving 30 mm (1.2 in) over 6 days and July experiencing 33 mm (1.3 in) over just 5 days. Humidity is slightly lower in July at 74%, compared to May’s 76%. For more detailed insights, visit Port Elizabeth weather in July.
In May, the weather features a mild range of temperatures, with a minimum of 10°C and an average of 17°C, peaking at a maximum of 29°C. The month experiences approximately 30 mm of precipitation over around 6 days, coupled with a relatively high humidity of 76%. In contrast, August sees slightly cooler conditions with a minimum of 8°C and an average of 15°C, while still reaching a maximum of 29°C. Precipitation increases to 52 mm, spread over 9 days, and humidity levels remain lower at 72%. For more detailed information, you can check Port Elizabeth weather in August.
In May, temperatures in Port Elizabeth range from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) to a comfortable maximum of 29°C (84°F), with an average of 17°C (64°F). The month experiences about 30 mm (1.2 in) of precipitation spread over approximately 6 days, and the humidity hovers around 76%. In contrast, September brings slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 9°C (48°F) and an average of 16°C (62°F), but it can reach up to a warm 34°C (93°F). Precipitation increases to 39 mm (1.6 in) over about 7 days, while humidity remains similar at 75%. For more detailed information, you can check out Port Elizabeth weather in September.
May and October present similar temperature ranges, with both months featuring minimum temperatures around 10°C (50°F), average temperatures near 17°C (64°F), and maximum temperatures reaching up to 29°C (84°F). However, October tends to be slightly wetter, receiving 36 mm (1.4 in) of precipitation over 8 days compared to May's 30 mm (1.2 in) over 6 days. Humidity levels remain consistent at 76% in both months, adding a touch of mugginess to the air. For more details on October weather, you can visit Port Elizabeth weather in October.
May and November exhibit relatively mild temperatures, with November slightly warmer than May. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) to a maximum of 29°C (84°F), averaging around 17°C (64°F). In comparison, November has similar conditions with a minimum of 11°C (52°F) and a maximum of 28°C (83°F), averaging about 18°C (65°F). However, November experiences more precipitation, with 47 mm (1.8 in) falling over 8 days compared to May’s 30 mm (1.2 in) over 6 days. Both months maintain a consistent humidity level of 76%. For more detailed weather insights, you can visit Port Elizabeth weather in November.
In May, the weather is generally mild with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) to a maximum of 29°C (84°F), averaging around 17°C (64°F). This month sees about 30 mm (1.2 in) of precipitation over approximately 6 days, with humidity levels around 76%. In contrast, December typically experiences warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 13°C (56°F) and reaching up to 32°C (89°F), averaging 20°C (68°F). December also has a higher precipitation level of 45 mm (1.8 in) spread across about 8 days, and slightly increased humidity at 78%. For more details on December weather, check out Port Elizabeth weather in December.
In May, Port Elizabeth experiences a noticeable shift in weather as autumn settles in, bringing cooler temperatures and a hint of rain. Unlike the warmer months, where highs soar into the 30s°C, this month sees an inviting average around 17°C with chilly nights dipping to 10°C. Alongside increased humidity levels, May also ushers in a few rainy days, contributing to a total of 30 mm of precipitation. The cooler, crisp air combined with occasional showers creates a refreshing atmosphere perfect for exploration. For a more detailed understanding of how May stands out among the months, check out Port Elizabeth Climate.