Last updated: August 31, 2025
May in Cape Town, South Africa is characterized by mild temperatures and a shift toward winter conditions. Daily highs typically reach a pleasant 25°C (78°F), while the average temperature hovers around 16°C (60°F), cooling down to a minimum of 9°C (48°F) at night. Rainfall is moderate, with 63 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation spread across approximately 7 days, contributing to the city's lush landscapes. The humidity is notably high at 78%, giving the air a fresh, invigorating quality that complements the captivating beauty of this coastal city during the late autumn month.
In May, Cape Town begins to embrace the cooler embrace of late autumn. With minimum temperatures dipping to 9°C (48°F) and average highs reaching around 25°C (78°F), the city offers a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the preceding months. This time of year sees a significant shift, as the average temperature lowers to 16°C (60°F), marking a transition toward winter. The gentle drop in temperatures, from a maximum of 31°C (88°F) in April, hints at the onset of the chill that characterizes the following months. May’s crisp air and mild days make it an ideal time for outdoor explorations, whether you're hiking Table Mountain or enjoying the vibrant local culture.
May marks a significant shift in Cape Town's precipitation patterns, with rainfall increasing to 63 mm (2.5 in) over 7 days—a notable rise compared to the preceding months. This surge in moisture sets the stage for the city's winter season, as the rains begin to transform the landscape. Following a relatively dry early part of the year, where January saw only 14 mm and February just 10 mm, May's increase heralds the onset of more consistent rainfall, culminating in even heavier downpours in June. This trend not only highlights the seasonal transition but also emphasizes the importance of May as a precursor to the wetter months ahead, as Cape Town prepares to embrace the lush greenery brought on by the winter rains.
May in Cape Town, South Africa, brings a slight dip in humidity to 78%, marking a transition from the more humid months of early autumn. This decrease follows a peak in March at 81% and a consistent humidity level of 80% in both February and April. The trend shows the city's weather gradually shifting toward milder conditions, setting the stage for the dry winter months ahead. As temperatures begin to cool, the humidity remains relatively stable, hovering around 79% in June and 80% in July, creating a comfortable atmosphere for both locals and visitors alike. Overall, May serves as a gentle bridge between the lush, humid days of summer and the drier winter air, offering a refreshing yet pleasant climate.
In May, Cape Town experiences a notable shift in its UV Index, dropping to 5, which falls under the moderate exposure category. This change allows for a safer outdoor experience, with a burn time of approximately 30 minutes—a significant increase compared to the earlier months of the year, when extreme levels prevailed. This transition marks the beginning of cooler months, offering residents and visitors alike a more comfortable environment for outdoor activities, while still emphasizing the importance of sun protection during peak hours. For detailed insights into UV levels throughout the year, check out this comprehensive resource on the Cape Town UV Index.
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As May unfolds in Cape Town, the city basks in an average of 292 hours of sunshine, signaling a gradual transition from the sun-soaked summer months to the cooler winter season. While this marks a decrease from the bright days of the early year—peaking at 339 hours in January and reaching a seasonal high of 422 hours in December—the sun still graces the city with ample light for outdoor adventures. In fact, sunshine hours trend gently downward as the year progresses, dipping to 266 hours in June before slowly rising again in the spring. Thus, while May's sunlight is less than its summer predecessors, it still provides a delightful setting that invites both locals and travelers to explore the city's vibrant culture and stunning landscapes.
In May, the likelihood of sunny weather in Cape Town drops slightly to 51%, continuing a trend observed since the peak summer months of January and February, which boast a remarkable 81% chance of sunshine. As the autumn season unfolds, the city experiences a gradual decrease in sunny days, with March and April seeing 52% and 56% chances, respectively. Although May brings a bit more cloud cover, it's important to note that this level of sunshine is comparable to the slightly sunnier months of June and July, which experience 54% and 58% chances. Overall, while May is not as bright as the height of summer, it still holds its charm with a fair chance of delightful sunny intervals amidst the cooler autumn weather.
As the months pass in Cape Town, the rhythm of daylight changes dramatically, shaping the city's vibrant atmosphere. January ushers in an abundance of 14 hours of daylight, the longest days of the year, perfect for beach outings and outdoor adventures. Gradually, daylight diminishes, with February and March offering 13 and 12 hours respectively, still providing ample light for exploration. By April, the days shorten to 11 hours, signaling the onset of autumn. In May, dusk begins to set in earlier as daylight reduces to 10 hours, a noticeable shift that continues into June with just 9 hours—the shortest days of the year. However, as winter gives way to spring in July and August, daylight levels stabilize at 10 hours, inviting a crisp yet bright ambiance. September brings a slight recovery with 11 hours, while October and November see a delightful return to longer days at 12 and 13 hours respectively, culminating in December where daylight once again peaks at 14 hours. This cyclical dance of daylight not only influences the daily lives of Capetonians but also beautifully reflects the seasonal transformations of this stunning coastal city.
In Cape Town, South Africa, the winds of May bring a noticeable change as average wind speeds dip to 4.0 m/s (9 mph), marking one of the calmest months of the year. This decline follows a gradual decrease since the summer months, where January boasted higher winds averaging 6.5 m/s (15 mph). As the region transitions into winter, the winds remain relatively gentle, just slightly increasing in June and July. This consistent drop in May underscores a shift from the brisk summer breezes to the more tranquil conditions of late autumn, inviting a serene atmosphere perfect for leisurely outdoor pursuits. As one moves into the winter months, though the winds gain a touch of vigor, they remain overall moderate, maintaining the unique charm Cape Town is known for.
Weather in Cape Town varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Cape Town, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In comparing the weather of May and January, January tends to be warmer with average temperatures ranging from 15°C (59°F) to 28°C (82°F), compared to May's milder range of 9°C (48°F) to 25°C (78°F). Additionally, January experiences significantly less precipitation, with only 14 mm (0.6 in) over 2 days, while May sees a higher total of 63 mm (2.5 in) spread over 7 days. Despite the slight edge in average humidity levels, both months remain similarly humid, with January at 77% and May at 78%. For a detailed look at the month of January, you can visit Cape Town weather in January.
When comparing the weather in May and February, several notable differences arise. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 25°C (78°F), with an average of 16°C (60°F). This month experiences more rainfall, with 63 mm (2.5 in) spread over about 7 days, and humidity levels at 78%. In contrast, February is warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 15°C (59°F) to a maximum of 27°C (81°F) and an average temperature of 20°C (68°F). It enjoys significantly drier conditions, only receiving 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain over just 2 days, while humidity is slightly higher at 80%. For more details, you can check out the specific conditions in February Cape Town weather in February.
When comparing the weather in May and March, we find some notable differences. May tends to have cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 9°C (48°F) and an average of 16°C (60°F), while March is warmer, featuring a minimum of 13°C (56°F) and an average of 19°C (66°F). Additionally, March experiences slightly higher maximum temperatures, reaching up to 28°C (82°F) compared to May's maximum of 25°C (78°F). Precipitation levels also vary, with May receiving 63 mm (2.5 in) over 7 days, which is significantly higher than March's 24 mm (1.0 in) over just 4 days. Humidity is relatively similar, with May at 78% and March slightly higher at 81%. For more detailed information on March weather, you can visit Cape Town weather in March.
When comparing the weather in April and May, April typically experiences warmer temperatures, with an average of 17°C (63°F) and a maximum of 31°C (88°F), whereas May sees slightly cooler temperatures, averaging 16°C (60°F) and reaching a maximum of 25°C (78°F). April also has a marginally higher humidity level at 80%, compared to May's 78%. In terms of precipitation, April is relatively drier, receiving only 30 mm (1.2 in) over 5 days, while May experiences more rainfall, totaling 63 mm (2.5 in) over 7 days. For more insights into April's climate conditions, you can check out Cape Town weather in April.
May generally experiences milder temperatures compared to June, with an average of 16°C (60°F) and a maximum of 25°C (78°F), while June sees a slight drop in average temperature to 14°C (58°F) and a maximum of 23°C (74°F). Precipitation increases notably in June, with 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain over 11 days, compared to May's 63 mm (2.5 in) over just 7 days. Additionally, humidity remains quite high in both months, with May at 78% and June slightly higher at 79%. For more detailed information, you can check out the Cape Town weather in June.
In comparing the weather between May and July, May generally offers warmer temperatures, with averages reaching 16°C (60°F) and a maximum of 25°C (78°F). July, on the other hand, sees slightly cooler temperatures, with an average of 14°C (57°F) and a maximum of 24°C (75°F). While both months experience considerable rainfall, July has a higher precipitation total of 95 mm (3.7 in) over 10 days compared to May's 63 mm (2.5 in) over 7 days. Humidity levels are also similar, with July at 80% and May slightly lower at 78%. For more details on the weather in July, you can refer to Cape Town weather in July.
In comparing the weather between May and August, May enjoys slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 9°C and an average of 16°C, while August sees a cool down with a minimum of 8°C and an average of 13°C. Despite August offering a similar maximum temperature of 24°C, it experiences more significant precipitation, totaling 75 mm over 11 days compared to May's 63 mm over 7 days. Humidity levels remain quite similar in both months, at around 78% in May and 77% in August. For a closer look at what to expect in August, you can visit Cape Town weather in August.
May and September in Cape Town both offer mild temperatures, but their characteristics vary slightly. In May, the temperatures range from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a comfortable maximum of 25°C (78°F), with an average of 16°C (60°F) and about 63 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over 7 days, coupled with a humidity level of 78%. In contrast, September sees slightly cooler averages, with temperatures ranging from 9°C (48°F) to a higher maximum of 28°C (82°F), averaging around 15°C (59°F). This month has less rainfall, amounting to 45 mm (1.8 in) over 8 days, and a marginally lower humidity of 76%. For more details, you can visit Cape Town weather in September.
In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 25°C (78°F), with an average temperature of 16°C (60°F). The month is relatively wet, experiencing about 63 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over seven days, paired with a humidity level of 78%. In contrast, October offers slightly warmer weather with minimum temperatures around 11°C (51°F) and maximums reaching up to 27°C (81°F), while maintaining a similar average of 16°C (61°F). Precipitation is notably lower at 41 mm (1.6 in) over five days, and humidity is slightly less at 77%. For more details, check out Cape Town weather in October.
In May, the weather features a wider temperature range, with night-time lows around 9°C (48°F) and daytime highs reaching up to 25°C (78°F). The month sees an average temperature of 16°C (60°F) along with higher humidity levels at 78% and about 63 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over 7 days. In contrast, November offers slightly warmer nights with minimum temperatures of 12°C (53°F) and maintains an average of 17°C (64°F), while daytime highs also reach 25°C (77°F). November experiences lower precipitation at 33 mm (1.3 in) across just 5 days and a slightly reduced humidity level of 75%. For more details on November weather, you can visit Cape Town weather in November.
May and December showcase distinct weather patterns in Cape Town. In May, temperatures range from a cooler 9°C (48°F) to a comfortable average of 16°C (60°F), with maximum highs reaching 25°C (78°F). This month experiences more precipitation, totaling 63 mm (2.5 in) over about 7 days, coupled with a higher humidity level of 78%. In contrast, December offers milder conditions, with temperatures starting at a minimum of 14°C (58°F) and peaking at an average of 19°C (66°F) and reaching up to 28°C (82°F) at times. Additionally, December sees significantly less rainfall, averaging only 26 mm (1.0 in) across 5 days, and maintains a similar humidity level of 77%. For more detailed insights, you can check out the Cape Town weather in December.
As May arrives in Cape Town, the city transitions into a cooler yet invigorating climate, distinguishing it from the warmer months that precede it. Temperatures begin to dip, settling comfortably with pleasant daytime highs, while evenings invite a cozy chill. Precipitation becomes more frequent, contributing to a lush, rejuvenating landscape and an atmosphere rich in humidity. This shift lays the perfect groundwork for exploring the vibrant city, all while preparing for the winter months ahead. To understand more about what to expect throughout the year, check out the detailed insights in Cape Town Climate.