Sossusvlei in May
In May, Sossusvlei averages 30°C (86°F) during the day and 15°C (59°F) at night, with only about 0 rainy days.
ShoulderConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Skies are generally dry and clear.
May is a great month to visit Sossusvlei: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Sossusvlei
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Sossusvlei (8th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (6th of 12). Daytime temperature matches the city's annual average. May runs 2°C cooler than April (32°C) and cools 4°C in June (26°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Sossusvlei
Times shown for Sossusvlei local time (Africa/Windhoek), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Sossusvlei — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Sossusvlei's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Sossusvlei 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 (Shoulder) and Sossusvlei's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Sossusvlei
Sossusvlei is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — May in Sossusvlei
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.
Sossusvlei in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31°C / 88°F | 17°C / 62°F | 4 mm | 1 | — |
| February | 32°C / 89°F | 17°C / 62°F | 3 mm | 1 | — |
| March | 32°C / 89°F | 17°C / 63°F | 2 mm | 1 | — |
| April | 32°C / 89°F | 17°C / 63°F | 2 mm | 1 | — |
| May | 30°C / 86°F | 15°C / 59°F | 1 mm | 0 | — |
| June | 26°C / 79°F | 12°C / 53°F | 1 mm | 0 | — |
| July | 26°C / 79°F | 11°C / 52°F | 1 mm | 0 | — |
| August | 26°C / 80°F | 10°C / 51°F | 0 mm | 0 | — |
| September | 29°C / 85°F | 12°C / 54°F | 0 mm | 0 | — |
| October | 31°C / 88°F | 14°C / 58°F | 1 mm | 0 | — |
| November | 31°C / 89°F | 15°C / 59°F | 2 mm | 1 | — |
| December | 31°C / 88°F | 15°C / 60°F | 1 mm | 0 | — |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Sossusvlei in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Sossusvlei in May?
In May, Sossusvlei averages a high of 30°C (86°F) and a low of 15°C (59°F) — generally hot.
Does it rain a lot in Sossusvlei in May?
May is generally dry in Sossusvlei, with about 0 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Sossusvlei?
May is hot and mostly dry. It suits travelers who are comfortable with hot weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Sossusvlei in May?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen. See the full May packing list for Sossusvlei for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.