Swakopmund in May

In May, Swakopmund averages 25°C (76°F) during the day and 14°C (57°F) at night, with only about 0 rainy days.

High season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Skies are generally dry and clear.

May is a great month to visit Swakopmund: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.

25°C
Avg high
14°C
Avg low
0
Rain days
1 mm
Rainfall

How May compares to the rest of the year in Swakopmund

2nd
warmest month of the 12
5th
wettest month of the 12
5%
of yearly rainfall falls in May
11 h 2 min
daylight on the 15th

May is one of the warmest months in Swakopmund (2nd of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C above the annual average (23°C). May runs roughly the same as April (25°C) and cools 1°C in June (24°C).

May sunrise & sunset in Swakopmund

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
7:27 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:29 PM
Day length
11 h 2 min

Times shown for Swakopmund 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 Swakopmund — May

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Swakopmund's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
6:27 AM – 7:07 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
7:07 AM – 8:07 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:49 PM – 6:49 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:49 PM – 7:29 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Good
Galactic core is up but lower on the horizon; head well outside city limits for a clean view.

📅 When to book — Swakopmund 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 Swakopmund's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
2-3 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-3 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.

Crowds & pricing — May in Swakopmund

High season

This is a busy month in Swakopmund — 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 Swakopmund

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
8.9
Very high
Limit sun exposure between 11 AM and 3 PM; SPF 30-50, reapply every 90 minutes outdoors.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●○○○
Low
Mosquitoes present but manageable. Pack repellent (DEET 10-20%) for evenings near water.

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.

Swakopmund in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 24°C / 74°F 17°C / 62°F 7 mm 2
February 24°C / 75°F 17°C / 62°F 5 mm 1
March 24°C / 75°F 16°C / 60°F 3 mm 1
April 25°C / 76°F 15°C / 60°F 3 mm 1
May 25°C / 76°F 14°C / 57°F 1 mm 0
June 24°C / 75°F 13°C / 55°F 0 mm 0
July 24°C / 75°F 12°C / 53°F 0 mm 0
August 21°C / 70°F 10°C / 50°F 0 mm 0
September 20°C / 68°F 10°C / 51°F 0 mm 0
October 21°C / 69°F 12°C / 53°F 0 mm 0
November 22°C / 72°F 13°C / 56°F 1 mm 0
December 22°C / 72°F 15°C / 58°F 2 mm 0

Other cities with similar May weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Swakopmund in May →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Swakopmund in May?

In May, Swakopmund averages a high of 25°C (76°F) and a low of 14°C (57°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Swakopmund in May?

May is generally dry in Swakopmund, with about 0 rainy days on average.

Is May a good time to visit Swakopmund?

May is warm and mostly dry. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Swakopmund in May?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings. See the full May packing list for Swakopmund for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Swakopmund on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.