Last updated: August 31, 2025
Experience the vibrant May weather of Stellenbosch, South Africa, where temperatures range from a comfortable 7°C (45°F) at night to a warm 27°C (81°F) during the day, averaging around 15°C (59°F). This month welcomes an expected 80 mm (3.2 in) of precipitation over 8 days, contributing to the lush landscapes that define the region. With an average humidity of 78%, the air is refreshingly crisp, making it an ideal time for outdoor adventures and exploring the stunning natural beauty of this charming town.
In May, Stellenbosch, South Africa, ushers in the early chill of winter, with temperatures ranging from a refreshing 7°C (45°F) at night to a comfortable 27°C (81°F) during the day. This transition is marked by a noticeable drop from the previous months, as April's warmth, with its average of 17°C (63°F), gives way to May's cooler 15°C (59°F). The days are still pleasantly mild, making it an ideal time to explore the picturesque vineyards and stunning landscapes. As the month progresses, the crispness in the air sets the stage for cozy evenings, perfect for enjoying local cuisine and fine wines.
In May, Stellenbosch experiences a significant shift in its weather patterns, with precipitation peaking at 80 mm (3.2 in) over 8 days. This marks a notable increase from the preceding months, as April recorded only 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain across 5 days. The onset of May's rainfall signals the transition into winter, contributing to the lush greenery that characterizes this picturesque region. Following May, the precipitation continues to rise, with June often witnessing the most rainfall of the year at 132 mm (5.2 in). Thus, May serves as a pivotal month, bridging the drier months of summer and the wetter winter, enhancing both the landscape and the local viticulture that Stellenbosch is renowned for.
As May rolls in Stellenbosch, South Africa, humidity levels maintain a comfortable 78%, slightly dipping from the 80% observed in April. This mild decrease reflects a trend of fluctuating but generally high humidity levels in the region, with January peaking at 77%, followed by a gradual rise to a high of 81% in March. The overall pattern shows that while the latter months of the year typically experience lower humidity—falling to 75% in November—May remains a point of transition, where the lingering warmth of late summer begins to give way to the cooler, wetter conditions of winter. Hence, May stands as a reminder of the region's lush subtropical climate, keeping the air pleasantly humid for both residents and visitors alike.
In May, Stellenbosch experiences a noticeable dip in UV radiation, with a UV Index of 5, placing it in the moderate exposure category. This shift is welcome news after the intense summer months, where figures soared to extremes as high as 14. With an increased burn time of 30 minutes, May offers a more forgiving environment for outdoor activities. This trend marks a transition into milder late autumn conditions, reminding residents and visitors alike to stay vigilant about sun protection, even as the intensity decreases. For more insights and updates on UV levels throughout the year, visit Stellenbosch UV Index.
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As May unfolds in Stellenbosch, South Africa, it marks a transition towards winter, with sunshine dwindling to 290 hours—a noticeable dip from the vibrant highs of the earlier months. This trend of decreasing sunlight continues into June, where daylight hours taper off to 266 hours. Reflecting on the year, January and December shine brightly at 340 and 421 hours respectively, showcasing the region's peak sun exposure during the warmer months. Notably, a compelling pattern emerges as the season shifts; although May’s hours are fewer than those of the preceding months, it still offers a charming ambiance perfect for enjoying the beautiful landscapes and vineyards. As autumn takes hold, the gentle decline in sunshine serves as a reminder of nature's rhythm, transitioning the abundant warmth into cooler days ahead.
As we transition into May in Stellenbosch, South Africa, the likelihood of sunny weather dips to 52%, reflecting the seasonal shift towards cooler months. This marks a notable decrease from earlier summer months like January and February, both boasting a robust 82% chance of sunshine. Following the peak of summer, May's weather is reminiscent of the mild transitions seen in March and April, where sun chances hover around the 55-58% range. Despite the slight decline, May’s weather still offers pleasant days, encouraging outdoor activities and the remarkable beauty of the surrounding vineyards and mountains. Overall, while the sun may not shine as brightly as in the peak summer months, there are certainly opportunities to bask in its warmth during this delightful time of year.
As the seasons shift in Stellenbosch, South Africa, May brings a notable decrease in daylight hours, with just 10 hours of sunlight compared to the 14 hours experienced in January. This gradual reduction begins in the autumn months, reaching its lowest point in June. However, May is a transitional month where daylight starts to wane, signaling the approach of winter. Following this trend, the daylight hours begin to stabilize again from July onwards, maintaining around 10 hours until August. This rhythm of long and short days adds a unique charm to the region, inviting residents and visitors alike to embrace the beauty of seasonal change.
In May, Stellenbosch experiences a gentle drop in wind speed, averaging 3.1 m/s (7 mph). This marks a noticeable decrease from the previous months, as April's winds were more brisk at 3.8 m/s (8 mph). Following the peak wind speeds in the early months of the year, generally hovering around 4.9 m/s (11 mph) in January, the trend shows a gradual decline as winter approaches. Interestingly, the wind picks up slightly again in June and July, returning to 3.7 m/s and 3.8 m/s respectively, creating a pattern of seasonal variability that contributes to the charming character of this wine country. As the landscape shifts into winter, the tranquility of May’s softer breezes invites visitors to savor the beauty of Stellenbosch at a leisurely pace.
Weather in Stellenbosch varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Stellenbosch, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
When comparing the weather between May and January, it's evident that January tends to be warmer and drier. January experiences minimum temperatures of 13°C (55°F) and maximums reaching up to 32°C (90°F), with an average temperature of 21°C (70°F). In contrast, May has cooler temperatures, ranging from 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 27°C (81°F), with an average of 15°C (59°F). Additionally, January sees significantly less precipitation at 20 mm (0.8 in) over just 3 days, compared to May's 80 mm (3.2 in) spread over 8 days. Nonetheless, both months boast similar levels of humidity, hovering around 77-78%. For more detailed insights, you can check Stellenbosch weather in January.
When comparing May and February weather, we see notable differences in temperature and precipitation patterns. May typically experiences a lower range of temperatures, with a minimum of 7°C (45°F) and an average of 15°C (59°F), while February boasts a milder minimum of 13°C (56°F) and an average of 21°C (70°F). February also tends to be drier, receiving only 12 mm (0.5 in) of precipitation over about 3 days, compared to May's 80 mm (3.2 in) across 8 days. Interestingly, both months have similar humidity levels, hovering around 78% to 80%. For more details about February's climate, you can explore Stellenbosch weather in February.
In comparing the weather in May and March, we notice significant differences in temperature and precipitation. March experiences a warmer climate with minimum temperatures of 12°C (54°F) and maximum highs reaching 32°C (90°F), making it noticeably hotter on average (19°C or 67°F) than May, which has a cooler range with minimums at 7°C (45°F) and maximums at 27°C (81°F), and an average temperature of 15°C (59°F). Additionally, March sees less precipitation, with only 30 mm (1.2 in) falling over just 4 days, compared to May's 80 mm (3.2 in) over 8 days. However, humidity levels remain comparable at around 81% in March and 78% in May. For more detailed information about March weather, you can check Stellenbosch weather in March.
In comparing the weather between April and May, we see distinct differences in temperature and precipitation. April tends to be warmer, with a minimum temperature of 10°C (50°F) and a maximum of 32°C (91°F), while May cools down, starting at a minimum of 7°C (45°F) and peaking at 27°C (81°F). Additionally, April experiences less rainfall, totaling 37 mm (1.5 in) over 5 days, compared to May's 80 mm (3.2 in) spread over 8 days. Despite having slightly higher humidity in April at 80%, May maintains a close level at 78%. For more detailed insights, you can check Stellenbosch weather in April.
When comparing the weather in May and June, we notice some notable differences. May typically experiences warmer temperatures, with an average of 15°C (59°F) and a maximum of 27°C (81°F), while June's average drops slightly to 13°C (56°F) with a peak of 25°C (77°F). Additionally, May sees less rainfall, accumulating about 80 mm (3.2 in) over 8 days, compared to June's wetter conditions with 132 mm (5.2 in) spread over 11 days. Both months exhibit similar humidity levels, hovering around 78-79%. For those interested in more detailed information, you can check out Stellenbosch weather in June.
In May, the weather features a comfortable average temperature of 15°C (59°F), with daytime highs reaching up to 27°C (81°F). Rainfall is moderate at 80 mm (3.2 in) over eight days, and humidity levels are relatively high at 78%. In contrast, July experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with an average of 12°C (54°F) and maximums of 25°C (77°F). Precipitation increases to 117 mm (4.6 in) over ten days, and humidity rises marginally to 80%. For more specific details on July's weather, you can check Stellenbosch weather in July.
In May, the weather features a broader temperature range, with minimums of 7°C (45°F) and maximums reaching 27°C (81°F), resulting in a comfortable average of 15°C (59°F). The month experiences about 80 mm (3.2 in) of precipitation over 8 days, coupled with humidity levels around 78%. In contrast, August sees slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 5°C (41°F), an average of 12°C (54°F), and a maximum of 26°C (78°F). Precipitation increases to 91 mm (3.6 in) over 13 days, while humidity remains relatively stable at 77%. For more details, you can check Stellenbosch weather in August.
May and September both showcase mild weather, but they differ slightly in temperature and precipitation. In May, temperatures range from a cool 7°C (45°F) at night to a warm 27°C (81°F) during the day, averaging around 15°C (59°F). The month experiences about 80 mm (3.2 inches) of rain over 8 days, with humidity levels averaging 78%. In contrast, September sees temperatures dipping down to 6°C (42°F) at night and peaking at 29°C (85°F) during the day, with an average of 14°C (57°F). Precipitation is lighter, totaling 58 mm (2.3 inches) over 9 days, and humidity is slightly lower at 76%. For more specific insights, you can check the detailed Stellenbosch weather in September.
May and October both offer mild temperatures, but there are some notable differences in their weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 27°C (81°F), with an average of 15°C (59°F). This month sees around 80 mm (3.2 in) of precipitation over 8 days, contributing to a relatively humid environment with 78% humidity. In contrast, October enjoys slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 6°C (44°F), an average of 16°C (61°F), and a maximum of 30°C (86°F). Precipitation during this month is lower at 52 mm (2.1 in) over 7 days, resulting in a slight drop in humidity to 77%. For more details on the October weather, you can visit Stellenbosch weather in October.
May and November exhibit distinct weather patterns, with May experiencing slightly cooler temperatures. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 27°C (81°F), with an average temperature of 15°C (59°F). The month also sees about 80 mm (3.2 in) of rainfall over approximately 8 days, contributing to a humidity level of 78%. In contrast, November offers a milder climate with minimum temperatures of 9°C (48°F) and maximums reaching 29°C (84°F). The average temperature increases to 17°C (63°F), and the month is comparatively drier, with only 46 mm (1.8 in) of precipitation over 5 days and a lower humidity of 75%. For more details about the weather during this month, visit Stellenbosch weather in November.
When comparing the weather in May and December, it's clear that both months offer distinct experiences. May sees cooler temperatures, with averages around 15°C (59°F), peaking at a maximum of 27°C (81°F). It also experiences higher precipitation, totaling 80 mm (3.2 in) over about eight days, contributing to a humid atmosphere at 78%. In contrast, December warms up, featuring minimum temperatures of 12°C (54°F) and average highs reaching 31°C (89°F). This month has significantly less rainfall, with only 31 mm (1.2 in) across six days, and maintains a slightly lower humidity level of 77%. For more details on the climate during this month, visit Stellenbosch weather in December.
As May arrives in Stellenbosch, the transition into winter begins, bringing cooler temperatures that contrast with the warmer summer months. With an average temperature of 15°C (59°F) and a maximum reaching 27°C (81°F), visitors can expect pleasant days, although the minimum dips to 7°C (45°F) at night. May is also characterized by an increase in humidity at 78%, along with occasional rainfall, yielding about 80 mm (3.2 in) over approximately 8 days. This month marks a shift from the dry summer conditions, wrapping Stellenbosch in a refreshing atmosphere perfect for cozy getaways and wine tastings. For a deeper understanding of the region's climate patterns, explore more at Stellenbosch Climate.