2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Johannesburg — May

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain. Recommended month to visit.

🌟 Climate Overview

May is an excellent time to visit Johannesburg. Warm weather with highs of 20°C—great for outdoor activities. Rainfall is rare, so you can leave the umbrella at home. Temperatures vary significantly between day and night—layering is recommended. As peak season, expect higher prices and more tourists.

7
GoTripzi Score Great

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

Avg High

20°C

Avg Low

6°C

Rainy days

3days

Daylight

10.8h

Feels like 18°C / 3°C — wind chill makes it feel cooler

Rainfall

25mm

Sunshine

9.7h/day

Humidity

60%

Moderate
Sun Strength

6.4

High
Wind

14 km/h (gusts 29)

Is May a good time to visit Johannesburg?

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain.

Now

--

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

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Very Busy
  • Travel Costs Value Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

06:40

Sunset

17:30

10.8h daylight

Visiting Johannesburg in May: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Comfortable temperatures for sightseeing
  • Minimal rainfall — great for outdoor plans
  • Abundant sunshine for beach and outdoor fun
  • One of the best months to visit

Cons

  • Peak season — expect crowds and higher prices

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

Johannesburg Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 25°C 15°C 16d (150mm) 10.9h
72% Humid
9.4 Very High
Wet
Feb 25°C 15°C 15d (153mm) 10.1h
73% Humid
8.6 Very High
Wet
Mar 24°C 13°C 12d (75mm) 10.2h
71% Humid
7.9 Very High
Good
Apr 21°C 10°C 9d (95mm) 9.2h
69% Humid
6.7 High
Excellent
May Current 20°C 6°C 3d (25mm) 9.7h
60% Moderate
6.4 High
Excellent
Jun 17°C 3°C 2d (8mm) 9.5h
55% Moderate
5.7 High
Excellent
Jul 18°C 2°C 1d (2mm) 9.6h
48% Comfortable
6.1 High
Excellent
Aug 21°C 5°C 1d (4mm) 10.1h
43% Comfortable
7.4 Very High
Excellent
Sep 24°C 9°C 4d (16mm) 10.6h
43% Comfortable
8.7 Very High
Excellent
Oct 25°C 12°C 9d (68mm) 10.7h
53% Moderate
9.5 Very High
Excellent
Nov 24°C 13°C 15d (104mm) 10.3h
65% Humid
9.2 Very High
Wet
Dec 25°C 14°C 19d (142mm) 10.4h
71% Humid
9.4 Very High
Wet

⚖️Find Your Ideal Month

Adjust the sliders to weight what matters most to you.

5
3
3
Your Best MonthFebScore: 9
1.Feb
92.Jan
8.53.Nov
8.54.Dec
8.55.Mar
76.Oct
5.67.Sep
5.28.Apr
4.79.May
4.310.Jun
4.311.Jul
4.312.Aug
4.3

Where to Stay

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

Open map in new tab

Johannesburg

South Africa's economic hub with Apartheid Museum, Soweto township tours, Kruger safari gateway, and vibrant urban culture.

View Full Destination Guide

What to Pack for May

Dress in layers — a mix of long sleeves, light sweaters, and a versatile jacket works best for changeable conditions. Temperatures drop significantly at night, so pack layers you can add or remove throughout the day. Don't forget a wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen — the sun is strong.

Warm Very Busy

🎒Personalized Packing List

Tell us about your trip and we'll create a custom packing list based on the weather.

Your Packing List

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

Planning a trip to Johannesburg?

🔥 Peak season — book early for best rates

Frequently Asked Questions

Is May a good time to visit Johannesburg?
May is typically excellent for visiting Johannesburg, with average highs of 20°C and around 3 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 Johannesburg in May?
Nights in Johannesburg during May are cool at around 6°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 Johannesburg in May?
With highs of 20°C and lows of 6°C in May, we recommend: Warm layer for evenings, Comfortable walking shoes. 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 Johannesburg in May?
Johannesburg typically sees around 3 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.
How many hours of daylight are there in Johannesburg in May?
In May, Johannesburg gets approximately 10.8 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 Johannesburg?
Yes, May is peak season in Johannesburg. Expect higher prices for accommodation and more crowds at popular attractions, but also the best weather conditions. Book hotels and major attractions in advance to secure availability and better rates.

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

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: Africa/Johannesburg)

Last Updated: February 2026

More Johannesburg Guides

Best Time to Visit

Coming soon

Things to Do

Coming soon

Where to Stay

Best neighborhoods and hotel recommendations

Find Hotels →

Cost & Budget

Daily costs, money-saving tips, and budget breakdown

Read Guide →

Itineraries

Coming soon

Overview

Complete travel guide for Johannesburg: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.

Read Full Guide →