SeasonMapSouth Africa in May
May is South Africa's 4th-best month (rank 4 of 12): its 12 destinations average 84/100, led by Drakensberg at 93 — 20°C and 4 rainy days — while Kruger National Park is warmer at 27°C and scores 85.
#4 of 12 months for South Africa · 12 destinations · updated September 2026 · climate normals from ERA5 reanalysis
Where in South Africa in May
| # | Place | Type | Feels-like high | Rain | Comfort | At its best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drakensberg | Trekking hub | 20°C | 21 mm · 4 days | 93 tier S | Yes |
| 2 | Pretoria | City | 22°C | 18 mm · 2 days | 92 tier S | Yes |
| 3 | Johannesburg | City | 19°C | 21 mm · 3 days | 88 tier A | — |
| 4 | Cape Town | City | 20°C | 39 mm · 6 days | 85 tier A | — |
| 5 | Durban | Beach | 26°C | 84 mm · 6 days | 85 tier A | — |
| 6 | Kruger National Park | National park | 27°C | 14 mm · 3 days | 85 tier A | Yes |
| 7 | Stellenbosch | City | 21°C | 68 mm · 8 days | 85 tier A | — |
| 8 | Port Elizabeth | Beach | 22°C | 26 mm · 4 days | 82 tier A | — |
| 9 | Jeffreys Bay | Beach | 20°C | 33 mm · 6 days | 79 tier B | — |
| 10 | Knysna | Beach | 20°C | 33 mm · 6 days | 79 tier B | — |
| 11 | Plettenberg Bay | Beach | 19°C | 31 mm · 6 days | 79 tier B | — |
| 12 | Hermanus | Beach | 21°C | 57 mm · 6 days | 74 tier B | — |
Comfort is SeasonMap's 0–100 score; each place is judged through the lens that suits it — beaches on beach weather, ski resorts on snow. "At its best" means May is one of that place's own top three months. Feels-like highs fold in humidity, wind and sun.
What's on in South Africa in May
- Sardine run · Durban · 25 May – 20 Jul (usually)
- The oaks turn · Stellenbosch · 15 Apr – 5 Jun (usually)
- Sardine run past Algoa Bay · Port Elizabeth · 15 May – 31 Jul (usually)