Johannesburg in May
In May, Johannesburg averages 20°C (67°F) during the day and 7°C (45°F) at night, with around 5 days of rain (16 mm total).
High seasonConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.
May is a great month to visit Johannesburg: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Johannesburg
May is one of the coolest months in Johannesburg (10th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (9th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C below the annual average (23°C). May runs 2°C cooler than April (21°C) and cools 2°C in June (17°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Johannesburg
Times shown for Johannesburg 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 Johannesburg — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Johannesburg's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Johannesburg 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 Johannesburg's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Johannesburg
This is a busy month in Johannesburg — 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 Johannesburg
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.
Johannesburg in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26°C / 78°F | 15°C / 58°F | 120 mm | 23 | — |
| February | 25°C / 77°F | 14°C / 58°F | 107 mm | 21 | — |
| March | 24°C / 75°F | 13°C / 55°F | 76 mm | 19 | — |
| April | 21°C / 70°F | 10°C / 50°F | 50 mm | 14 | — |
| May | 20°C / 67°F | 7°C / 45°F | 16 mm | 5 | — |
| June | 17°C / 63°F | 4°C / 40°F | 6 mm | 3 | — |
| July | 17°C / 63°F | 4°C / 38°F | 4 mm | 3 | — |
| August | 21°C / 69°F | 7°C / 44°F | 5 mm | 4 | — |
| September | 25°C / 77°F | 10°C / 50°F | 12 mm | 6 | — |
| October | 26°C / 79°F | 12°C / 53°F | 47 mm | 13 | — |
| November | 26°C / 78°F | 13°C / 56°F | 81 mm | 18 | — |
| December | 25°C / 78°F | 15°C / 58°F | 127 mm | 21 | — |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Johannesburg in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Johannesburg in May?
In May, Johannesburg averages a high of 20°C (67°F) and a low of 7°C (45°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Johannesburg in May?
May sees occasional rain in Johannesburg, with about 5 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Johannesburg?
May is mild and pleasant and mostly dry. 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 Johannesburg in May?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings. See the full May packing list for Johannesburg for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.