2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Cape Town — May

Conditions are pleasant for sightseeing, though you might encounter occasional showers.

👍 Climate Overview

May is a good time to visit Cape Town. Warm weather with highs of 21°C—great for outdoor activities. With only around 10 hours of daylight, plan outdoor activities earlier in the day. Temperatures vary significantly between day and night—layering is recommended. Being off-peak, you'll find better deals and fewer crowds. At 14°C, the sea is too cold for most swimmers.

8.3
GoTripzi Score Great

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

21°C

Avg Low

11°C

Rainy days

7days

Daylight

10.4h

Feels like 19°C / 9°C — wind chill makes it feel cooler

Rainfall

45mm

Sunshine

8.5h/day

Humidity

79%

Humid
Sun Strength

4.5

Moderate
Wind

18 km/h (gusts 33)

Sea Temp

14°C ❄️ Cold

Is May a good time to visit Cape Town?

Conditions are pleasant for sightseeing, though you might encounter occasional showers.

Now

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Feels like --
Wind --
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UV Index --
Local time —

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Quiet
  • Travel Costs Shoulder Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

07:32

Sunset

17:55

10.4h daylight

Visiting Cape Town in May: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Comfortable temperatures for sightseeing
  • Fewer crowds and better hotel deals

Cons

  • Sea too cold for comfortable swimming

Things to Do in May

Recommended for This Weather

🚶 Walking tours & sightseeing
🚲 Cycling & bike tours
🥾 Hiking & nature trails
🍜 Food tours & culinary experiences
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

Cape Town Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 27°C 17°C 2d (9mm) 12.8h
67% Humid
12 Extreme
Excellent
Feb 27°C 17°C 1d (5mm) 12h
67% Humid
10.8 Extreme
Excellent
Mar 25°C 16°C 4d (20mm) 10.7h
72% Humid
8.3 Very High
Excellent
Apr 23°C 13°C 3d (20mm) 9.6h
73% Humid
6.2 High
Good
May Current 21°C 11°C 7d (45mm) 8.5h
79% Humid
4.5 Moderate
Good
Jun 19°C 10°C 10d (95mm) 7.7h
80% Very Humid
3.6 Moderate
Good
Jul 17°C 9°C 10d (107mm) 8.1h
80% Very Humid
3.9 Moderate
Good
Aug 17°C 9°C 10d (72mm) 9.1h
79% Humid
5.2 High
Good
Sep 19°C 10°C 6d (36mm) 10.1h
76% Humid
7.2 Very High
Good
Oct 22°C 13°C 3d (14mm) 11.7h
70% Humid
9.8 Very High
Good
Nov 24°C 15°C 3d (18mm) 12.5h
67% Humid
11.4 Extreme
Excellent
Dec 25°C 16°C 3d (18mm) 12.9h
67% Humid
12 Extreme
Excellent

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Your Best MonthMayScore: 7.5
1.May
7.52.Sep
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6.57.Aug
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5.610.Mar
5.611.Nov
5.612.Dec
5.6

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Cape Town – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

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Cape Town

Cape Town: Table Mountain cable car views, Cape Peninsula drives with African penguins, nearby winelands, and dramatic coastal scenery.

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What to Pack for May

Dress in layers — a mix of long sleeves, light sweaters, and a versatile jacket works best for changeable conditions. Pack a compact umbrella or light rain jacket for occasional showers.

Warm Quiet

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📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to Cape Town?

💰 Off-peak — great deals available now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is May a good time to visit Cape Town?
May is typically good for visiting Cape Town, with average highs of 21°C and around 7 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in Cape Town in May?
Nights in Cape Town during May are cool at around 11°C. Bring a jacket or sweater for evenings, especially if you plan to dine outdoors or take evening walks. The temperature drop from day to night can be noticeable.
What should I pack for Cape Town in May?
With highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C in May, we recommend: Warm layer for evenings, Compact umbrella, Sunscreen SPF 30+, Sunglasses. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in Cape Town in May?
Cape Town typically sees around 7 rainy days in May. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
Can you swim in Cape Town in May?
May is suitable for swimming in Cape Town, though the water may feel refreshing at first. Air temperatures average 21°C, and most swimmers find it enjoyable once they're in. Midday is usually the warmest time for a dip.
How many hours of daylight are there in Cape Town in May?
In May, Cape Town gets approximately 10.4 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is May peak season in Cape Town?
No, May is not peak season in Cape Town. Expect better value on accommodation, shorter queues at attractions, and fewer tourists at popular spots. This is an excellent time to experience the city like a local and enjoy a more authentic atmosphere.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: Africa/Johannesburg)

Last Updated: February 2026

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