Cape Town in May
In May, Cape Town averages 20°C (68°F) during the day and 9°C (48°F) at night, with around 10 days of rain (69 mm total).
High seasonConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
May offers comfortable temperatures in Cape Town, with some rain to plan around.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Cape Town
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Cape Town (8th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (4th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C below the annual average (22°C). May runs 3°C cooler than April (23°C) and cools 2°C in June (18°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Cape Town
Times shown for Cape Town local time (Africa/Johannesburg), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Cape Town — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Cape Town's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Cape Town in May
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on May's tier (High season) and Cape Town's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Cape Town
This is a busy month in Cape Town — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.
Why this tier: excellent tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — May in Cape Town
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Sea temperature in Cape Town — May
Cape Town's sea temperature barely shifts through the year — within 1.6°C of itself, month to month.
Cape Town in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26°C / 79°F | 16°C / 61°F | 15 mm | 4 | — |
| February | 27°C / 81°F | 16°C / 61°F | 17 mm | 4 | — |
| March | 25°C / 77°F | 14°C / 57°F | 20 mm | 5 | — |
| April | 23°C / 73°F | 12°C / 54°F | 41 mm | 8 | — |
| May | 20°C / 68°F | 9°C / 48°F | 69 mm | 10 | — |
| June | 18°C / 64°F | 8°C / 46°F | 93 mm | 11 | — |
| July | 17°C / 63°F | 7°C / 45°F | 82 mm | 12 | — |
| August | 18°C / 64°F | 8°C / 46°F | 77 mm | 11 | — |
| September | 19°C / 66°F | 9°C / 48°F | 40 mm | 8 | — |
| October | 21°C / 70°F | 11°C / 52°F | 30 mm | 7 | — |
| November | 24°C / 75°F | 13°C / 55°F | 14 mm | 5 | — |
| December | 25°C / 77°F | 15°C / 59°F | 17 mm | 4 | — |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Cape Town in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Cape Town in May?
In May, Cape Town averages a high of 20°C (68°F) and a low of 9°C (48°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Cape Town in May?
May can be fairly wet in Cape Town, with about 10 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Cape Town?
May is mild and pleasant. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Cape Town in May?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Cape Town for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.