South Africa in May
The Cape turns wet as safari country dries out and cools.
Is May a good time to visit South Africa?
May sits mid-range in South Africa — around 46/100 nationally. June is noticeably calmer.
Book things to do
South Africa: tours and tickets in Cape Town, from our booking partner.
Free cancellationCape Peninsula Private Tour
from€214
Free cancellationCape Town & Table Mountain Private Tour
from€407
Free cancellationStellenbosch Private Vineyard Tour
from€407
Free cancellationAfrican Drum Show + Dinner at Gold Restaurant
from€53
Free cancellationCape of Good Hope + Bo-Kaap Day Trip
from€54
Cape Town, Table Mountain & Robben Island Tour
from€142
What closes and what fills up in May
No national holidays this month — one reason it stays manageable.
More tours and tickets
More options from our booking partner.
How May compares across the year
Frequently asked questions
Is May a good month to visit South Africa?
May sits mid-range in South Africa — around 46/100 nationally. June is noticeably calmer.
How busy is South Africa in May?
Averaged across the destinations we track, South Africa sits near 46/100 in May. The calmest of them is Cape Town.
What is the weather like in South Africa in May?
Expect average highs near 20°C and lows near 10°C, with roughly 11 wet days — though South Africa varies by region.