When to go · Darling

Darling in May

Good month. Outside the best window (Aug–Sep (wildflowers), Oct–Apr (wine tasting)). Across South Africa: Dry season starts in Kruger; first Cape rains. Good value.

Key facts

Verdict: Good
Temperature: 22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C) / 10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C); average high / low
Rain days: 8
Crowds: Low; South Africa overall
Prices: Low; South Africa overall

Plan around it

Verdict

GoodSouth Africa month rating

Outside the best window (Aug–Sep (wildflowers), Oct–Apr (wine tasting)). Across South Africa: Dry season starts in Kruger; first Cape rains. Good value.

Is another month better than May?

May is rated good. These months rate higher:

Weather in May

Long-term averages

DarlingHighs around 22 °C (72 °F), lows around 10 °C (50 °F), rain on about 8 daysHighs around 72 °F (22 °C), lows around 50 °F (10 °C), rain on about 8 days

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.

Compare two months

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Darling, side by side.

First month

Second month

Verdict
May: Good
Jan: Great (better)
Daytime high
May: 22 °C (72 °F)72 °F (22 °C)
Jan: 30 °C (86 °F)86 °F (30 °C)
Night low
May: 10 °C (50 °F)50 °F (10 °C)
Jan: 16 °C (61 °F)61 °F (16 °C)
Rain days
May: 8
Jan: 3 (better)
Crowds
May: Low
Jan: High
Prices
May: Low
Jan: High
Festivals listed
May: 0
Jan: 0

May: Outside the best window (Aug–Sep (wildflowers), Oct–Apr (wine tasting)). Across South Africa: Dry season starts in Kruger; first Cape rains. Good value.

January: Inside Darling's best window: Aug–Sep (wildflowers), Oct–Apr (wine tasting).

Darling: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.

What to pack

A warm layer for the evenings

Build the full packing list for your trip →

Across South Africa in May →