Last updated: August 31, 2025
In Upington, South Africa, May presents a fascinating blend of warm days and cool nights. With a striking maximum temperature of 34°C (93°F) and an average of 18°C (64°F), the month offers a comfortable climate for outdoor activities. However, evenings can turn quite cool, dipping to a minimum of 2°C (35°F). Rainfall is minimal, totaling just 4 mm (0.2 in) across a single day, while humidity hovers around 73%, adding a touch of moisture to the air. Overall, May in Upington is characterized by its pleasant warmth during the day, making it an ideal time for both locals and visitors to explore the vibrant surroundings.
In May, Upington experiences a notable transition in temperatures, marking the approach of winter. The minimum temperature dips significantly to 2°C (35°F), offering a stark contrast to the balmy summer months. The average temperature hovers around 18°C (64°F), providing a comfortable climate for outdoor exploration. With a maximum of 34°C (93°F), warm days still prevail, but there's a distinct chill in the evenings. This month serves as a gentle reminder of the seasonal shift, as it showcases the region's climate variability, moving from the intense heat of earlier months to the cooler, more temperate conditions that define Upington's winter.
In Upington, South Africa, May is characterized by its notably low precipitation, registering just 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain over a single day. This marks a significant decline from the wetter months earlier in the year, such as January and February, when rainfall was more abundant. The trend continues into the following months, with June and July seeing even less precipitation, highlighting a dry spell typical of the region's climate. As the year progresses, the scarcity of rainfall in May reflects Upington's transition towards its drier winter season, setting the stage for the arid conditions that dominate the latter half of the year.
May marks a notable shift in Upington's climate, with humidity levels peaking at 73%—the highest of the year. This increase follows a steady rise from the previous months, where humidity gradually climbed from 58% in March to 70% in April. As autumn settles in, the transition into the winter months is characterized by a decrease in moisture, dropping to 68% in June, yet May stands out as a brief, humid interlude. Overall, this trend highlights a clear pattern: as the year progresses, Upington experiences a gradual increase in humidity during the late summer and early autumn, followed by a retreat as winter approaches.
As the seasons transition, May in Upington, South Africa, sees a notable shift in UV exposure. With a UV Index of 7, categorized as high, residents and visitors can enjoy longer outdoor activities with a burn time of 25 minutes—a welcome relief compared to the extreme levels experienced in the summer months. The trend shows a gradual decrease from the scorching highs of earlier months, with January peaking at a UV Index of 15 and a critical burn time of just 10 minutes. This pattern signifies a turn towards more moderate sun exposure as single-digit UV indices begin to dominate in the cooler months ahead. For more insights on daily UV levels, check out the full guide at Upington UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In Upington, South Africa, May ushers in a gentle transition as the sunshine begins to wane, boasting 316 hours of bright daylight. While this marks a slight decline from the vibrant luminosity of April's 325 hours, it still stands as a testament to the region's sun-drenched atmosphere. Observing the monthly trends, we see a gradual shift towards the cooler months, with June showing a further dip to 297 hours. Yet, May remains a sweet spot, nested comfortably between the warmth of the preceding summer months and the crispness of winter ahead, making it an ideal time to bask in the enduring African sun before the days shorten. As the year progresses, the compelling rhythm of sunshine hours highlights Upington's resilience in maintaining its sunny disposition, culminating in a notable peak in December with 414 hours, perfectly counterbalancing the seasonal ebb and flow.
In May, Upington, South Africa, enjoys a promising likelihood of sunshine, with an impressive 84% chance of clear skies. This increase in sunny days marks an upward trend that begins in the earlier months of the year, as the region transitions from April’s already favorable 82% to the even sunnier conditions of May. Following this delightful pattern, the likelihood of sunshine continues to rise into winter, peaking in July with 90% sunshine probability. It's clear that May sets the stage for a brilliant start to winter, offering residents and visitors alike the perfect opportunity to bask in the warmth of the sun.
In Upington, South Africa, the daylight duration showcases a fascinating rhythm throughout the year. Starting off with generous 13 hours of daylight in both January and February, the days gradually shorten as autumn approaches, dipping to 11 hours in April. May marks a pivotal point, where daylight descends to 10 hours, signaling the onset of winter. This pattern continues with consistent 10-hour days through June and July. As spring unfolds, August and September see a slight revival, returning to 11 hours of daylight before the cycle begins anew in October with 12 hours. By November and December, daylight peaks again at 13 hours, embracing the sunlit days of summer. This annual transition highlights the beautiful balance of light and dark in this region, reflecting the changes of the seasons.
In May, Upington experiences a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 3.6 m/s (8 mph), marking a slight uptick from the previous month. This modest increase signals the onset of a seasonal transition, as wind speeds gradually pick up momentum leading into winter. The winds are generally calm compared to the winter months ahead, yet they begin to hint at the more invigorating conditions of June, where wind speeds reach an average of 4.1 m/s (9 mph). Overall, May is characterized by its pleasant, mild breezes, creating an inviting atmosphere for outdoor activities while hinting at the more brisk winds to come.
Weather in Upington varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Upington, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
May and January showcase distinctly different weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly 2°C (35°F) to a warm 34°C (93°F), with an average of 18°C (64°F) and minimal precipitation of just 4 mm (0.2 in) over a single day, resulting in a relatively high humidity of 73%. In contrast, January experiences significantly warmer conditions, featuring a temperature range from 14°C (58°F) to a scorching 42°C (108°F), with an average temperature of 29°C (84°F). Additionally, January sees more rainfall—35 mm (1.4 in) across four days—alongside a much lower humidity level of 43%. For a closer look at January's weather specifics, you can refer to Upington weather in January.
When comparing the weather in May and February, notable differences emerge. May experiences a more moderate temperature range, with minimums around 2°C (35°F) and maximums reaching up to 34°C (93°F), while February boasts significantly warmer conditions, with minimums at 13°C (56°F) and maximums soaring to 42°C (108°F). Additionally, February is characterized by higher precipitation, receiving 32 mm (1.3 in) over approximately six days, compared to May's minimal rainfall of just 4 mm (0.2 in) on only one day. Humidity levels are also distinct; May's humidity sits at 73%, providing a more humid feel, whereas February is considerably drier at 50%. For a deeper look into the details of February weather, you can check Upington weather in February.
In comparing the weather patterns of May and March, we see distinct differences in both temperature and precipitation. May experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of 2°C (35°F), an average of 18°C (64°F), and a maximum of 34°C (93°F), alongside low precipitation of just 4 mm (0.2 in) over 1 day. In contrast, March tends to be much warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 11°C (52°F) to a significantly higher maximum of 40°C (104°F) and higher overall average temperature at 26°C (79°F). Additionally, March sees more rainfall, measuring 11 mm (0.4 in) across 2 days, and lower humidity at 58%, compared to May's 73%. For a more detailed look at March weather, you can check the Upington weather in March.
In comparing the weather between April and May, we see notable differences in temperature and precipitation patterns. April features a warmer average temperature of 22°C (72°F) with maximums reaching up to 38°C (101°F), while May has a cooler average temperature of 18°C (64°F) and maximums of 34°C (93°F). Additionally, April experiences significantly higher rainfall, totaling 30 mm (1.2 in) over four days compared to May’s minimal precipitation of just 4 mm (0.2 in) over only one day. Both months maintain similar humidity levels, with April being slightly lower at 70% compared to May’s 73%. For more details, you can check Upington weather in April.
May and June exhibit distinct weather characteristics, showcasing the transition from late spring to early winter. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 2°C (35°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93°F), with an average of 18°C (64°F), and the month experiences light precipitation of 4 mm (0.2 in) over just 1 day, paired with a humidity level of 73%. Conversely, June sees a slightly cooler temperature range, with a minimum of -2°C (29°F) and a maximum of 29°C (85°F), averaging 14°C (57°F), and reporting minimal precipitation of 3 mm (0.1 in) across 0 days, along with lower humidity at 68%. For more detailed insights, you can check the Upington weather in June.
May and July in Upington showcase distinct weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a low of 2°C (35°F) to a high of 34°C (93°F), with an average of 18°C (64°F). This month experiences about 4 mm of precipitation over just one day, and humidity is relatively high at 73%. In contrast, July presents cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -4°C (26°F), an average of 13°C (56°F), and a maximum of 29°C (84°F). Notably, July records almost no precipitation, with just 1 mm over no rainy days, and a slightly lower humidity level of 63%. For more details about the weather conditions in July, you can check Upington weather in July.
In May, the weather tends to be warmer, with average temperatures reaching 18°C (64°F) and a maximum of up to 34°C (93°F), while August experiences a cooler average of 14°C (58°F) despite a similar maximum of 33°C (92°F). May also sees a higher humidity level at 73% and some precipitation, averaging 4 mm over one day, whereas August is notably dry with no recorded precipitation and a lower humidity of 52%. For more detailed information about August weather conditions, you can visit Upington weather in August.
May and September present distinct weather patterns. In May, temperatures fluctuate between a chilly minimum of 2°C (35°F) and a warm maximum of 34°C (93°F), with an average of 18°C (64°F). This month experiences a modest amount of rainfall, with 4 mm (0.2 in) across about 1 day, and humidity remains relatively high at 73%. In contrast, September showcases a much wider temperature range, dipping to a minimum of -1°C (31°F) and reaching a sizzling maximum of 38°C (101°F), while holding a similar average of 19°C (67°F). Notably, September boasts almost zero precipitation, with just 1 mm (0.0 in) over the entire month and an even lower humidity of 41%. For more details, you can check Upington weather in September.
In May, the weather experiences a moderate temperature range, with temperatures fluctuating between a minimum of 2°C (35°F) and a maximum of 34°C (93°F). The average temperature sits at a comfortable 18°C (64°F) and humidity levels are relatively high at 73%, but there is minimal precipitation, typically just 4 mm (0.2 in) over one day.
In contrast, October brings warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 6°C (42°F) to a maximum of 41°C (105°F), and an average temperature of 23°C (73°F). While October sees increased precipitation levels at 14 mm (0.5 in) over one day, the humidity drops significantly to 35%, resulting in a drier atmosphere compared to May. For more details on October weather, you can check Upington weather in October.
May and November exhibit notable differences in weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a cool 2°C (35°F) to a warm 34°C (93°F), with an average of 18°C (64°F) and a higher humidity of 73%. This month typically sees minimal precipitation, with only 4 mm falling over the course of a day. In contrast, November offers warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 6°C (44°F) and a maximum soaring to 42°C (108°F). The average temperature is significantly higher at 26°C (78°F), and the humidity drops to a much more comfortable 34%. Despite both months having similar precipitation levels of 4 mm, November’s hot and dry conditions make it feel quite different from the transitional weather of May. For more detailed information, you can check Upington weather in November.
May and December exhibit stark contrasts in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a cool minimum of 2°C (35°F) to a warm maximum of 34°C (93°F), with an average of 18°C (64°F). The month experiences minimal rainfall, totaling only 4 mm (0.2 in) over just one day, and humidity hovers at a comfortable 73%. In contrast, December brings much warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a mild 13°C (55°F) to a scorching 41°C (106°F) and an average of 27°C (81°F). Rainfall increases to 23 mm (0.9 in) over three days, and humidity drops significantly to 39%. For a more detailed look at what December offers, check out Upington weather in December.
As May arrives in Upington, the weather transitions into a more moderate phase, showcasing warmer days contrasted with cooler nights. With temperatures peaking around 34°C and dipping to a refreshing 2°C, this month offers a comfortable average of 18°C that stands out from the extremes of the preceding summer months. The low precipitation and high humidity levels noticeably mark May's distinct climate, setting it apart from both the sweltering heat and the drier conditions typical of April. For a deeper dive into how May's weather compares throughout the year, check out Upington Climate.