Last updated: August 31, 2025
May in Durban, South Africa offers a delightful climate marked by warm temperatures and refreshing humidity. With maximum highs soaring to 31°C (89°F) and an average of 20°C (68°F), outdoor activities are particularly enjoyable. The evenings cool down to a minimum of 10°C (50°F), providing a comfortable atmosphere for relaxation. However, expect a touch of rain, as 86 mm (3.4 in) of precipitation falls across about 6 days, contributing to the region's lush landscapes. The humidity sits at a notable 86%, adding to the vibrant and tropical feel of this coastal gem.
As May rolls into Durban, South Africa, the city experiences a noticeable shift in its temperatures, heralding the transition into cooler winter months. With minimum temperatures dipping to a refreshing 10°C (50°F), the days begin to cool down, showcasing an average of 20°C (68°F). Despite this slight chill, the maximum temperature can still reach a warm 31°C (89°F), keeping the spirit lively. This pattern indicates a trend towards cooler evenings and comfortable days, making May an ideal month for outdoor activities and sightseeing without the sweltering heat of the preceding summer months. As the weather transitions, Durban's vibrant atmosphere remains inviting, with plenty of sunshine and pleasant breezes, perfect for both residents and visitors alike.
In May, Durban experiences a significant dip in precipitation, with an average of 86 mm (3.4 in) spread across six days of rain. This decline follows a wet April, emphasizing a transition into the drier months ahead. While May's precipitation remains comparable to the previous month, the number of rainy days reduces notably, signaling a shift towards winter. The trend indicates a gradual easing of rainfall as the region approaches June, where totals drop sharply to just 24 mm (0.9 in), reflecting a dry season that characterizes the South African winter. As such, May serves as a bridge, blending the remnants of autumn's rains with the impending dry spell, making it a pivotal month in Durban’s climatological calendar.
In May, Durban, South Africa maintains its typical high humidity levels, averaging a notable 86%. This consistent figure mirrors the preceding months of March and April, which also recorded an 86% humidity, indicating a stable climatic pattern as the region transitions into winter. As the year progresses, the humidity begins to taper off slightly in June and July, dropping to 80%. Interestingly, Durban's weather is characterized by a cycle of elevated humidity, peaking in the summer months from November through February, before settling into a lower range during the mid-year. Overall, May serves as a bridge in Durban's climate, connecting the sultry warmth of summer with the cooler, drier spells of winter.
As May arrives in Durban, South Africa, the UV Index takes a noticeable dip, settling at 6—classified as high—which allows for a more moderate exposure time of 25 minutes before sunburn risks increase. This shift from the preceding months, where UV levels soared to extreme categories, signals a welcome change for those enjoying outdoor activities. While still crucial to stay sun-smart, this monthly trend indicates that May offers a brief respite from the intense UV conditions characteristic of the summer months. Embrace the sun, but remember that even with a lower index, protection is key. For more detailed UV forecasts, check out Durban UV Index.
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May in Durban, South Africa, shines brightly with 298 hours of sunshine, marking a delightful interlude as autumn transitions into winter. This month showcases a slight dip from the peaks of March and April, which boasted 338 and 308 hours respectively, yet remains a beautiful time of year for outdoor activities. The sunshine hours tend to stabilize around the mid-290s, with June showing a slight decline to 285 hours. As the months progress towards spring, sunshine rates appear to pick up again, hinting at the region's vibrant climate that keeps spirits high. Overall, May offers a warm embrace of sun, perfect for enjoying Durban's stunning coastal beauty.
As May rolls into Durban, South Africa, the chances of basking in the sun significantly improve, peaking at an impressive 67%. This marks a noticeable rise from the previous months; April's 54% and March's 50% offer a clear trend towards sunnier skies. Following May, the likelihood of sunshine continues to ascend, reaching 71% in June and soaring to a remarkable 86% by July. This period heralds the start of winter, which paradoxically brings some of the sunniest days of the year. Overall, May serves as an inviting transition into Durban's sun-kissed winter, setting the stage for outdoor adventures and warmth before the chill sets in.
As the seasons change in Durban, South Africa, so too does the daylight duration experienced by its residents. Starting the year with a generous 13 hours of sunlight in both January and February, the days gradually shorten through the autumn months. By April, daylight dwindles to 11 hours, marking a transition into the cooler seasons. May settles in with a consistent 10 hours of daylight, a trend that continues into June and July. However, as winter gives way to spring, daylight hours slowly begin to revive; by August, they creep back up to 11 hours. The return of longer days is welcomed in late spring and early summer, with daylight peaking at an impressive 14 hours in December. This rhythmic ebb and flow not only punctuates the year but also shapes the lifestyle and activities of Durban's vibrant community.
As May arrives in Durban, South Africa, the winds begin to soften, averaging 3.2 m/s (7 mph), marking a slight dip from the previous months. This gentle breeze is characteristic of late autumn, following a consistent pattern seen from January through April where wind speeds hovered around 3.6 to 4.0 m/s (8 to 9 mph). Interestingly, compared to the brisk gusts of late spring, which reach over 4.4 m/s (10 mph) in November, May offers a more tranquil atmosphere, setting the stage for a calm transition into the winter months. Although the winds taper off slightly in May, the upcoming June, July, and August will bring a resurgence with speeds returning to the 3.5 to 4.0 m/s range, ensuring the coastal charm of Durban remains vibrant.
Weather in Durban varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Durban, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In comparing the weather between May and January, we notice distinct differences in temperature and precipitation patterns. May experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of 10°C (50°F) and an average of 20°C (68°F), while January is warmer, with a minimum of 17°C (63°F) and an average of 24°C (75°F). Although January has higher maximum temperatures reaching up to 33°C (92°F), May's peak, at 31°C (89°F), is not far behind. Additionally, May sees more precipitation, totaling 86 mm (3.4 in) over about 6 days, while January receives 69 mm (2.7 in) over approximately 10 days. The humidity is slightly higher in May at 86%, compared to January's 85%. For more detailed information on Durban's weather in January, check out Durban weather in January.
When comparing the weather in May and February, it becomes clear that February generally offers warmer temperatures. With a minimum of 18°C (65°F) and an average of 24°C (76°F), February reaches a maximum of 34°C (93°F), making it hotter than May, which has a minimum of 10°C (50°F) and an average of 20°C (68°F), peaking at 31°C (89°F). Additionally, February experiences significantly more rainfall, with 148 mm (5.8 in) occurring over 15 days compared to May’s 86 mm (3.4 in) over just 6 days. Both months share high humidity levels of 86%, contributing to a humid environment in Durban. For more details, you can check Durban weather in February.
In comparing the weather between May and March, we find some notable differences. March features a slightly warmer temperature range with a minimum of 17°C (62°F) and an average of 23°C (75°F), peaking at 30°C (87°F). On the other hand, May offers a cooler climate, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of 10°C (50°F) and averaging 20°C (68°F), reaching a maximum of 31°C (89°F). Interestingly, both months receive the same amount of precipitation at 86 mm (3.4 in), but March experiences this over more days (12 days) compared to May's 6 days, resulting in a more humid feel during the earlier month. For a closer look at March's climate, you can check out Durban weather in March.
In comparing the weather between April and May, we notice a slight shift in temperature patterns and precipitation levels. April has a minimum temperature of 14°C (58°F) and an average of 22°C (71°F), while May sees cooler temperatures with a minimum of 10°C (50°F) and an average of 20°C (68°F). Both months experience maximum temperatures reaching 31°C (88°F in April and 89°F in May), showcasing a consistently warm climate.
However, April is wetter, receiving 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain over 9 days compared to May's 86 mm (3.4 in) over 6 days. Humidity remains steady at 86% in both months. For more detailed insights on April's weather, you can check out Durban weather in April.
In May, temperatures can reach a high of 31°C (89°F) with an average of 20°C (68°F) and a relatively high humidity of 86%. This month also sees considerable rainfall, totaling 86 mm (3.4 in) over about 6 days. In contrast, June presents a slightly cooler atmosphere, with a maximum temperature of 28°C (82°F) and an average of 18°C (64°F). Precipitation drops significantly to just 24 mm (0.9 in) over 3 days, and humidity also decreases to 80%. Overall, June offers a more pleasant and drier climate compared to May. For further insights, check out Durban weather in June.
In comparing the weather between May and July, May stands out with a slightly higher average temperature of 20°C (68°F) compared to July's average of 17°C (63°F). While both months experience mild temperatures, May can reach a maximum of 31°C (89°F), whereas July peaks at 30°C (86°F). Additionally, May is significantly wetter, with 86 mm (3.4 in) of precipitation over 6 days, while July boasts a much drier climate with only 14 mm (0.5 in) of rain over just 4 days. Humidity levels are also somewhat higher in May at 86%, compared to July's 80%. For more detailed insights, visit Durban weather in July.
In comparing the weather between May and August, we see notable differences. May experiences a wider temperature range with a minimum of 10°C and a maximum of 31°C, averaging around 20°C, while August sees a slightly lower average of 18°C, with minimum and maximum temperatures of 9°C and 32°C, respectively. Additionally, May is characterized by higher humidity levels at 86% compared to 79% in August. Precipitation also varies significantly; May has 86 mm over 6 days, whereas August receives only 43 mm over 9 days, indicating a drier and potentially more comfortable August. For more specific details on August weather, you can visit Durban weather in August.
In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) to a maximum of 31°C (89°F), with an average of 20°C (68°F). This month experiences significant rainfall, totaling 86 mm (3.4 in) over about 6 rainy days, coupled with a high humidity level of 86%. In contrast, September sees slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 12°C (54°F) and a maximum of 36°C (97°F), while the average temperature drops to 19°C (67°F). The precipitation in September is less, totaling 71 mm (2.8 in) over 9 days, and the humidity remains comparable at 85%. For more insights into September weather, you can visit Durban weather in September.
In comparing the weather conditions of May and October, both months share a similar average temperature of 20°C (68°F), but October experiences a wider range of temperatures with a minimum of 13°C (55°F) and a maximum of 35°C (95°F). May tends to be slightly cooler, starting at a minimum of 10°C (50°F) and reaching a maximum of 31°C (89°F). Precipitation levels are comparable, with May receiving 86 mm (3.4 in) over approximately 6 days, while October sees a slight increase in rainfall to 92 mm (3.6 in) spread across 12 days. Interestingly, both months maintain high humidity levels at 86%, contributing to the tropical feel typical of the region. For more details, you can check Durban weather in October.
In comparing the weather of May and November, we notice some distinct differences. May typically features a broader temperature range, with minimums dropping to around 10°C (50°F) and maximums reaching up to 31°C (89°F), while November presents slightly warmer conditions, where the minimum temperature starts at 13°C (55°F) and peaks at 33°C (91°F). Precipitation is notably higher in November, totaling 117 mm (4.6 in) over 15 days, compared to May's 86 mm (3.4 in) over just 6 days. The humidity levels remain quite similar in both months, hovering around 86% in May and slightly increasing to 87% in November. For more details about the weather specifics in November, you can visit Durban weather in November.
In comparing the weather between May and December, we can see notable differences. May experiences milder temperatures with a minimum of 10°C (50°F) and an average of 20°C (68°F), peaking at a maximum of 31°C (89°F). In contrast, December is warmer, with minimum temperatures around 16°C (62°F) and an average of 23°C (73°F), reaching a maximum of 34°C (94°F). Precipitation is also more prominent in December, with 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain over 15 days, compared to May's 86 mm (3.4 in) over only 6 days. Despite the increased rainfall, humidity remains constant at 86% for both months. For more detailed insights, you can check Durban weather in December.
As May unfolds in Durban, the weather takes on a distinct charm compared to the preceding months. With average daytime temperatures hovering around a pleasant 20°C (68°F) and occasional highs reaching 31°C (89°F), the warmth begins to soften, making way for cooler evenings that dip to a brisk 10°C (50°F). While the city experiences about 6 rainy days, totaling 86 mm (3.4 in) of precipitation, the elevated humidity of 86% adds a refreshing layer to the coastal atmosphere. This unique interplay of warm and cool elements makes May a delightful transitional month. For a detailed look at how Durban's climate evolves throughout the year, check out Durban Climate.