Last updated: August 31, 2025
In Potchefstroom, South Africa, May brings a blend of mild temperatures and refreshing humidity, creating a pleasant environment for outdoor activities. With a maximum temperature reaching 28°C (83°F), the days are warm, while the average settles comfortably at 14°C (58°F). Nights can get brisk, with lows dipping to -1°C (30°F), highlighting the transition into winter. Rainfall is minimal, totaling only 8 mm (0.3 in) over just one day, making for mostly dry conditions. Coupled with a humidity level around 70%, May is a delightful time to experience the natural beauty and charm of this vibrant city.
In May, Potchefstroom experiences a noteworthy drop in temperatures as the region transitions into winter. With a minimum of -1°C (30°F) and an average of 14°C (58°F), the month marks a significant cooling from the milder temperatures of earlier months. The maximum temperature reaches a comfortable 28°C (83°F), but the crisp mornings and evenings often require warmer attire. This shift underscores the unique climate of Potchefstroom, where temperatures can swing dramatically within a short span, highlighting the region's diverse and dynamic weather patterns as it heads into the colder winter months.
May in Potchefstroom, South Africa, marks a significant drop in precipitation, with only 8 mm (0.3 in) recorded across just one day. This stark contrast to the earlier months, such as January and February, which see over 100 mm of rainfall, highlights a clear downward trend as the wet season begins to taper off. Following the moderate rainfall of April with 53 mm (2.1 in) over nine days, May’s sparse showers signal the onset of drier conditions that typically characterize the winter months ahead. As temperatures cool, the landscape transitions into a brief period of relative dryness before the cycle begins anew with the arrival of spring.
In May, Potchefstroom experiences a refreshing dip in humidity, measuring 70%, which is consistent with the slight decrease observed in the preceding months. Following the more humid spring months of April (75%) and March (74%), this drop signifies the onset of the cooler, drier winter season. Interestingly, as the year progresses towards June, humidity continues to decline, eventually reaching a comfortable 65%. This gradual shift not only enhances the city’s appeal during May but also showcases the region's transition from the lush greenery of spring to the crisp atmosphere of winter, making it an inviting time for outdoor activities.
As summer begins to wane in Potchefstroom, May introduces a noticeable shift in the UV Index, which drops to 7—indicating a high exposure category. Unlike the extreme levels experienced from January to April, residents and visitors can now enjoy a safer outdoor experience with an increased burn time of 25 minutes. This decrease serves as a reminder to remain vigilant against sun damage, even during this transitional month. Moving into June, the UV Index further declines to 5, classified as moderate, making it an ideal time to relish the outdoors while still taking necessary precautions. For more detailed insights on UV levels year-round, visit Potchefstroom UV Index.
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May in Potchefstroom, South Africa, basks in 321 hours of sunshine, making it a delightful spring month for outdoor enthusiasts. As the year unfolds, a noticeable trend emerges: January starts with a robust 314 hours, building momentum through March, which peaks at 360 hours. April takes a slight dip but maintains a respectable 320 hours, before May adds to the sunshine tally. This consistent light sets the stage for summer, as June dips down to 299 hours, only to rebound dramatically in the following months. The overall trajectory points to a vibrant sun-filled landscape that enhances Potchefstroom's charm throughout the year.
In Potchefstroom, South Africa, May boasts a promising forecast for sunny weather, with a high likelihood of 81% sunshine. This trend follows a remarkable upward trajectory, starting from a modest 30% chance in January and steadily climbing to an impressive 86% in June. April, with its 82% chance, sets the stage for May's warmth, creating a seamless transition into the winter months where the sun shines even more fiercely in July at 97%. As spring blossoms into early winter, May stands out as a delightful prelude to the consistent sunny days ahead, making it an ideal time to enjoy the outdoors.
As spring transitions into the chill of winter, Potchefstroom, South Africa, experiences a gradual decline in daylight duration. The year starts with an impressive 13 hours of daylight in January, offering long, sunlit days. This bright start gently tapers to 12 hours in both February and March, before settling at 11 hours in April. By May, daylight continues to shrink, reaching its seasonal low of 10 hours—a duration that remains constant through June and July. However, as winter begins to wane, the days gradually lengthen again, with 11 hours returning in August and September, leading back to 12 hours by October. Finally, November and December see a resurgence to 13 hours, closing the year on a bright note. This cyclical pattern of daylight reflects the changing seasons, shaping the daily rhythms of life in Potchefstroom.
In Potchefstroom, May ushers in mild breezes with an average wind speed of 2.5 m/s (5 mph), reflecting a slight uptick from the calmer conditions of April. This gentle airflow sets the stage for a transition to more robust winds as the seasons shift; June and July both experience an increase to 2.7 m/s (6 mph). Interestingly, May marks a turning point in Potchefstroom’s wind patterns, as the winds gradually build from the quieter summer months of January through April. As the year progresses, the wind speeds tend to escalate, reaching their peak in November at 4.4 m/s (10 mph), indicating a dynamic seasonal shift. This steady trend underscores the region's climatic evolution, where May serves as a pivotal moment in the transition to more playful and spirited winds.
Weather in Potchefstroom varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Potchefstroom, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In Potchefstroom, the weather in May is characterized by milder temperatures, with an average of 14°C (58°F) and maximum highs reaching 28°C (83°F). This month experiences relatively low precipitation, totaling only 8 mm (0.3 in) over just one day, coupled with a humidity level of 70%. In contrast, January brings significantly warmer temperatures, with averages around 23°C (73°F) and peaks soaring to 37°C (99°F). However, this summer month also sees much heavier rainfall, averaging 109 mm (4.3 in) across 12 days, while humidity is slightly higher at 71%. For a more detailed look at January’s weather, visit Potchefstroom weather in January.
When comparing the weather in May and February, it's clear that February tends to be much warmer and wetter. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of -1°C (30°F) to a maximum of 28°C (83°F), with a pleasant average of 14°C (58°F) and only a single day of precipitation totaling 8 mm (0.3 in). In contrast, February experiences higher temperatures, with minimums of 12°C (54°F) and maximums reaching 33°C (92°F), along with a significant amount of rainfall—about 110 mm (4.3 in) over 13 days. The humidity remains consistent at 70% in both months, but the overall climate in February is characterized by its higher temperatures and greater precipitation. For more detailed information, check out Potchefstroom weather in February.
When comparing the weather in May and March, notable differences emerge. March experiences warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 10°C (50°F) and an average of 21°C (70°F), peaking at 33°C (93°F). In contrast, May's temperatures are cooler, featuring a minimum of -1°C (30°F), an average of 14°C (58°F), and a maximum of 28°C (83°F). Additionally, March is much wetter, with 52 mm (2.1 in) of precipitation over 7 days, compared to May's minimal 8 mm (0.3 in) over just 1 day. Humidity levels are relatively high in both months, with March at 74% and May at 70%. For a more detailed look at the March climate, please visit Potchefstroom weather in March.
In comparing the weather of May and April, a notable shift in temperature and precipitation patterns is observed. May experiences a cooler range, with minimum temperatures dipping to -1°C (30°F) and a maximum of 28°C (83°F), while April's temperatures start higher, with a minimum of 3°C (38°F) and peaking at 32°C (90°F). Additionally, May is significantly drier, with only 8 mm (0.3 in) of precipitation over just one day, whereas April sees much wetter conditions, totaling 53 mm (2.1 in) across nine days. Humidity levels remain relatively consistent, with May at 70% and April slightly higher at 75%. For a closer look at April's weather specifics, check out Potchefstroom weather in April.
In comparing the weather of May and June, May generally experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of -1°C (30°F) and an average of 14°C (58°F), while June has slightly cooler conditions with a minimum of -4°C (24°F) and an average of 11°C (52°F). Despite both months having a maximum temperature of 28°C (83°F) in May and 28°C (82°F) in June, May tends to be more humid at 70%, compared to June's 65%. Additionally, both months see minimal precipitation, with May receiving 8 mm and June slightly less at 7 mm, and each having only 1 day of rain. For more detailed information about the weather in June, you can visit Potchefstroom weather in June.
In May, temperatures in Potchefstroom range from a chilly minimum of -1°C (30°F) to a pleasant average of 14°C (58°F), peaking at a maximum of 28°C (83°F). This month experiences light precipitation, with only 8 mm (0.3 in) falling over just one day, and humidity levels sit at a comfortable 70%. In contrast, July brings cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -5°C (24°F) and an average of 11°C (51°F), while high temperatures reach up to 27°C (80°F). July is notably drier, with only 3 mm (0.1 in) of precipitation over no rainy days, and the humidity drops to 59%. For more detailed information, check out Potchefstroom weather in July.
In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -1°C (30°F) to a comfortable average of 14°C (58°F), peaking at a warm 28°C (83°F). The month sees a modest amount of precipitation, with about 8 mm (0.3 in) falling over just 1 day, and humidity levels at a relatively high 70%. In contrast, August experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -3°C (28°F), an average of 15°C (58°F), and a maximum of 29°C (85°F). Notably, August is drier, with only 3 mm (0.1 in) of precipitation over 0 days, and the humidity drops to a more comfortable 56%. For more information, you can check Potchefstroom weather in August.
May and September present distinct weather patterns, with May experiencing cooler temperatures and higher humidity compared to September. In May, temperatures range from a chilly -1°C (30°F) at night to a pleasant maximum of 28°C (83°F) during the day, with an average of 14°C (58°F). The month sees limited precipitation, with only 8 mm (0.3 in) and a humidity level of 70%. In contrast, September boasts warmer conditions, with minimum temperatures around 1°C (34°F) and soaring highs of 34°C (93°F), averaging 19°C (66°F). This month is slightly drier, with just 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain and a lower humidity of 56%. For more details on September weather specifics, check Potchefstroom weather in September.
May and October present distinct weather patterns that cater to different preferences. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -1°C (30°F) to a pleasant maximum of 28°C (83°F), with an average of 14°C (58°F). This month boasts relatively low precipitation levels at just 8 mm (0.3 in) over 1 day, and humidity is on the higher side at 70%. In contrast, October experiences warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 5°C (41°F) and a maximum soaring to 36°C (97°F), averaging around 21°C (70°F). However, October sees a significant increase in rainfall, totaling 44 mm (1.7 in) over 6 days, along with lower humidity of 54%. For more detailed insights into October's climate, visit Potchefstroom weather in October.
May and November showcase contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of -1°C (30°F) to a maximum of 28°C (83°F), with an average of 14°C (58°F) and relatively low precipitation of just 8 mm (0.3 in) over a single day, combined with high humidity at 70%. In stark contrast, November experiences much warmer temperatures, starting at a minimum of 5°C (41°F) and peaking at 36°C (97°F), with an average of 22°C (72°F). This month also sees significantly increased rainfall, with total precipitation reaching 80 mm (3.1 in) across 11 days, while humidity drops to 59%. For more detailed insights, you can check Potchefstroom weather in November.
In May, temperatures in Potchefstroom range from a chilly minimum of -1°C (30°F) to a pleasant average of 14°C (58°F), peaking at a comfortable 28°C (83°F). The month is relatively dry, with only 8 mm (0.3 in) of precipitation over a single day, accompanied by moderate humidity levels of 70%. In contrast, December experiences significantly higher temperatures, with a minimum of 11°C (53°F) and an average of 22°C (73°F), soaring to a maximum of 37°C (100°F). However, this increase in warmth is coupled with wet conditions, as December sees 124 mm (4.9 in) of rainfall spread over 17 days, while humidity remains slightly lower at 67%. For more details, see Potchefstroom weather in December.
As we transition into May, Potchefstroom experiences a gentle shift in its climate, making it distinct from the previous months. The days are warmer yet balanced with cooler, crisp nights, allowing for a comfortable outdoor experience. With only a hint of rain, the atmosphere remains pleasantly dry, and humidity levels create a refreshing environment. This month stands out as a time when the cool air meets the burgeoning warmth, marking a lovely blend that encapsulates the beauty of early winter. For a deeper dive into what Potchefstroom has to offer throughout the year, explore our detailed guide on Potchefstroom Climate.