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Draft data. Times, fares and step counts are desk estimates awaiting field checks. Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify

When to go · Cape Town

Cape Town in May

Good month. Cooler; quiet, with the first rains.

Key facts

Verdict
Good
Temperature
20° / 10°
average high / low
Rain days
12
Crowds
Low
South Africa overall
Prices
Low
South Africa overall

Verdict

GoodVoykit month rating for Cape Town

Cooler; quiet, with the first rains.

Weather in May

Long-term averages
  • Cape TownHighs around 20 °C, lows around 10 °C, rain on about 12 days
  • Western Cape, South Africa · Cape Town, Winelands, Hermanus, Cederbergrainy

    Mediterranean: dry, windy summers (the south-easter can close the cableway), wet cold fronts June–August. Whales off Hermanus about June–November.

Autumn season

Calmer wind, warm days, fewer crowds; a strong pick for the cableway and hiking.

Watch: First winter rain arrives by May.

Crowds and prices

Crowds · South Africa overall
Low
Prices · South Africa overall
Low

South Africa overall: Dry season starts in Kruger; first Cape rains. Good value.

What to pack

  • A warm layer for the evenings
  • A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast

Build the full packing list for your trip →

Across South Africa in May →