Last updated: August 31, 2025
In Polokwane, South Africa, the weather in May presents a delightful transition into cooler autumn temperatures. With maximum temperatures reaching a comfortable 29°C (85°F) and an average of 16°C (60°F), residents and visitors can enjoy pleasant days. However, the nights can be brisk, dipping to a minimum of 3°C (38°F). May also witnesses a modest precipitation level of 12 mm (0.5 in) spread across just two days, indicating a relatively dry month. The humidity level hovers around 64%, enhancing the mild, crisp feel of the air. Overall, May in Polokwane offers a refreshing climate, perfect for outdoor activities and exploration.
In May, Polokwane, South Africa, experiences a delightful transition as temperatures continue to dip, marking the onset of cooler weather. With overnight lows dropping to a crisp 3°C (38°F) and daytime averages settling around 16°C (60°F), the month offers a gentle reprieve from the sweltering heat of summer. Maximum temperatures reach a pleasant 29°C (85°F), allowing for enjoyable outdoor activities during the day. This month stands out as a clear turning point, with a significant decline in temperatures compared to the warm April days, clearly signifying the shift towards the cooler winter months ahead. As the landscape transforms and the air turns fresher, May becomes a season of refreshing change in Polokwane.
In May, Polokwane experiences a significant decline in precipitation, recording just 12 mm (0.5 in) of rainfall over two days. This sharp drop follows a wetter April with 28 mm (1.1 in), signaling the transition into the drier winter months. The pattern is clear: after the height of the rainy season in January and February, which sees substantial precipitation, May delivers a notably low amount, foreshadowing the dry conditions that will dominate in the subsequent months. This trend highlights a shift in climate, as Polokwane prepares for the more arid weeks ahead with minimal rainfall expected in June and July.
In May, Polokwane experiences a humidity level of 64%, which is consistent with the preceding months as it shows a slight increase from April’s humidity of 63%. This moderate humidity level indicates the onset of the winter season, with a gradual decrease seen as the year progresses into the cooler months. Interestingly, after the peak humidity levels in January at 70% and December at 72%, May reflects a transitional phase, balancing comfort and moisture. The trend suggests a pattern of escalating humidity in the spring months, followed by a steady decline that extends into winter, creating a dynamic climate that keeps Polokwane’s atmosphere fresh and vibrant.
In May, Polokwane experiences a very high UV Index of 8, which marks a slight decrease from the extreme levels seen in the earlier months. With a burn time of just 15 minutes, it's crucial for residents and visitors alike to take precautions against sun exposure, although the risk is notably lower than the scorching highs of January to April. As the seasons transition, the UV Index gradually decreases, indicating that while May still demands attention, it offers a brief respite before the extremes return in the latter part of the year. For more detailed insights into sun safety, check out the Polokwane UV Index.
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In Polokwane, South Africa, May shines brightly with an impressive 324 hours of sunlight. This month maintains a steady level of sunshine, mirroring the previous month of April. While May's sunshine is robust, it marks the beginning of a gradual trend towards shorter daylight hours as winter approaches. Following the peak of 374 hours in December, the sunlight hours experience a slight decline through the cooler months. Interestingly, May's sunshine is part of a broader pattern, with the year showcasing a consistent increase in daylight hours from January's 307 to November's 362. This rhythmic fluctuation of bright days makes Polokwane a captivating destination for sunshine lovers throughout the year.
In Polokwane, South Africa, May marks a delightful transition into a period of increased sunshine, boasting an impressive 82% chance of sunny weather. This trend follows closely from April, which also enjoyed a high likelihood of clear skies, suggesting a peak in sunshine as autumn fades. As the months progress toward winter, the chances of sun remain consistently strong, with June and July reaching slightly higher probabilities at 87% and 89%, respectively. This pattern indicates that while the sun’s presence is on the rise as winter approaches, May stands out as one of the most inviting months, perfect for outdoor activities and enjoying the beautiful African landscape.
In Polokwane, South Africa, daylight duration exhibits a fascinating rhythm throughout the year, with May marking a distinct transition as daylight dips to 10 hours. This decline follows a gradual decrease from the 13 hours of light enjoyed in January, reflecting the subtle shift from the vibrant summer months. As the calendar progresses into spring, daylight steadily wanes, reaching its nadir in both May and June, before gradually recovering in August and beyond. The continuity of 11 hours in the early spring and late summer months suggests a returning balance, while December and November welcome the sun back with a generous 13 hours. This cycle encapsulates the dynamic interplay of seasonal change in this beautiful region.
In May, Polokwane experiences a gentle breeze, with an average wind speed of 2.2 m/s (5 mph), slightly lower than the preceding months. This trend points to a subtle seasonal shift as the city transitions from the milder autumn winds of April to the beginning of the cooler winter season in June. While wind speeds show a consistent pattern of stability throughout the earlier months of the year, May marks the last month of this calm phase before the winds pick up again, peaking at 2.6 m/s (6 mph) in July. Overall, the atmosphere in May remains serene, inviting residents to enjoy the pleasant outdoors as the autumn season comes to a gentle close.
Weather in Polokwane varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Polokwane, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
May and January present distinctly different weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a low of 3°C (38°F) to a comfortable average of 16°C (60°F), with highs reaching up to 29°C (85°F). It typically sees minimal precipitation, with only 12 mm (0.5 in) falling over just 2 days and humidity levels at around 64%. In contrast, January experiences warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 11°C (53°F), an average of 21°C (71°F), and maximums soaring to 34°C (94°F). This month is much wetter, receiving 107 mm (4.2 in) of rainfall spread over 12 days, accompanied by a slightly higher humidity of 70%. For more details, you can check Polokwane weather in January.
When comparing the weather in May and February, significant differences emerge. May presents a cooler climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a maximum of 29°C (85°F) and an average of 16°C (60°F). It is relatively dry with only 12 mm (0.5 in) of precipitation across 2 days, coupled with a humidity level of 64%. In contrast, February is warmer, featuring a minimum temperature of 12°C (54°F) and peaking at 32°C (90°F), with an average temperature of 21°C (71°F). February is also marked by much higher precipitation, totaling 134 mm (5.3 in) over 13 days, and a slightly higher humidity of 65%. For more details, you can visit Polokwane weather in February.
In comparing the weather of May and March, it is evident that March tends to be warmer, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) to a maximum of 33°C (91°F), while May experiences a cooler range, with temperatures between 3°C (38°F) and 29°C (85°F). Additionally, March sees significantly more rainfall, with 38 mm (1.5 in) of precipitation over 7 days, compared to the drier conditions in May, which has only 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain over just 2 days. Despite both months having the same humidity level of 64%, the overall weather experience is distinctly different, making March feel more humid and wet. For more details, check out Polokwane weather in March.
In comparing the weather of May and April, it's evident that May experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 3°C (38°F) and a maximum of 29°C (85°F), while April's temperatures range from a minimum of 7°C (44°F) to a warmer maximum of 31°C (88°F). April is also characterized by higher precipitation, receiving 28 mm (1.1 in) over 6 days compared to May's modest 12 mm (0.5 in) spread across just 2 days. Humidity levels in both months are comparable, with April at 63% and May slightly higher at 64%. For more detailed weather information about April, visit Polokwane weather in April.
In comparing the weather of May and June, it's clear that May is generally warmer with average temperatures reaching 16°C (60°F) and a maximum of 29°C (85°F), while June experiences cooler conditions with an average of 13°C (56°F) and a maximum of 28°C (82°F). Additionally, May sees slightly higher humidity at 64% and more rainfall, with around 12 mm (0.5 in) of precipitation over two days. In contrast, June has a much drier climate, recording only 2 mm (0.1 in) of precipitation and no rainy days, along with a marginally lower humidity level of 61%. For more detailed insights, you can explore Polokwane weather in June.
May and July exhibit distinct differences in weather patterns. May tends to be warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a maximum of 29°C (85°F), and an average of 16°C (60°F). In contrast, July experiences cooler temperatures, featuring a minimum of 1°C (34°F) and a maximum of 27°C (81°F), with an average of 13°C (55°F). Additionally, May sees more precipitation at 12 mm (0.5 in) over 2 days, while July has only 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain over a single day. Interestingly, both months maintain the same humidity level of 64%. For a closer look at July's weather specifics, visit Polokwane weather in July.
In May, the weather starts to transition towards warmer days, with temperatures ranging from a chilly 3°C (38°F) at night to a comfortable 29°C (85°F) during the day. The average temperature hovers around 16°C (60°F) and the month sees about 12 mm (0.5 in) of precipitation over 2 days, contributing to a humidity level of 64%. In contrast, August offers slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 3°C (38°F) and a maximum reaching 30°C (87°F). The average remains similar at 16°C (61°F), but August experiences significantly less precipitation, only 3 mm (0.1 in) throughout the month with no rainy days, leading to a slightly lower humidity level of 61%. For more detailed weather information, you can check Polokwane weather in August.
In May, temperatures in Polokwane range from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a maximum of 29°C (85°F), with an average of 16°C (60°F). The month sees about 12 mm (0.5 in) of precipitation over approximately two days, accompanied by a humidity level of 64%. In comparison, September offers slightly warmer temperatures with a minimum of 4°C (39°F), an average of 19°C (66°F), and a maximum of 36°C (97°F). Precipitation decreases to 7 mm (0.3 in) over just one day, while humidity remains similar at 65%. This transition from May to September signals not only a rise in temperature but also a reduction in rainfall. For more detailed information, check Polokwane weather in September.
In May, the weather typically features a cooler temperature range, with a minimum of 3°C (38°F) and an average of 16°C (60°F), allowing for pleasant days that can reach a maximum of 29°C (85°F). The month experiences relatively low precipitation, totaling only 12 mm (0.5 in) over just 2 days, and maintains a humidity level of 64%.
In contrast, October brings warmer temperatures with a minimum of 7°C (44°F) and an average of 20°C (68°F), soaring to a maximum of 37°C (98°F). However, it also sees increased rainfall, with a total of 38 mm (1.5 in) spread across 7 days, while the humidity decreases slightly to 61%. The shift in weather from May to October is marked by both humidity and rainfall changes, making October a month of greater variability. For more detailed information, you can check Polokwane weather in October.
May and November present distinct weather patterns, showcasing the transition between seasons. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a maximum of 29°C (85°F), with an average of 16°C (60°F). The month sees relatively low precipitation, with only 12 mm (0.5 in) falling over just 2 days and humidity averaging around 64%. In contrast, November experiences milder minimum temperatures of 9°C (48°F) and peaks at a sweltering 35°C (96°F), averaging a comfortable 21°C (70°F). However, it is much wetter, recording 87 mm (3.4 in) of rainfall over approximately 13 days, accompanied by a slightly higher humidity level of 68%. For a detailed look at November weather, you can visit Polokwane weather in November.
May and December exhibit markedly different weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a cool minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a pleasant average of 16°C (60°F), with a maximum of 29°C (85°F). The month witnesses relatively low precipitation, totaling just 12 mm (0.5 in) over two days, accompanied by a humidity level of 64%. In contrast, December boasts warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 11°C (52°F), an average of 22°C (71°F), and a scorching maximum of 36°C (97°F). However, it also brings significant rainfall, totaling 108 mm (4.3 in) over approximately 15 days, coupled with higher humidity at 72%. For more information, you can check Polokwane weather in December.
As May unfolds in Polokwane, the weather takes a delightful turn, offering residents and visitors a refreshing respite from the warmer months. With a pleasant average temperature lingering around 16°C (60°F), the days are comfortably warm, while the nights can be quite cool, dipping down to a brisk minimum of 3°C (38°F). Unlike the wetter summer months, May presents a much drier atmosphere with only two days of rain totaling a mere 12 mm (0.5 in), allowing for ample opportunities to explore the city and its surroundings. The humidity also drops to a moderate 64%, making outdoor activities enjoyable. Overall, May’s climate strikes a perfect balance, inviting you to experience Polokwane's charm during this captivating transition towards winter. For more in-depth weather insights, visit Polokwane Climate.