Windhoek in May

In May, Windhoek averages 24°C (75°F) during the day and 11°C (51°F) at night, with only about 1 rainy day.

High season

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

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

24°C
Avg high
11°C
Avg low
1
Rain days
1 mm
Rainfall

How May compares to the rest of the year in Windhoek

10th
warmest month of the 12
8th
wettest month of the 12
0%
of yearly rainfall falls in May
11 h 3 min
daylight on the 15th

May is one of the coolest months in Windhoek (10th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (8th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C below the annual average (27°C). May runs 2°C cooler than April (26°C) and cools 3°C in June (21°C).

May sunrise & sunset in Windhoek

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
7:16 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:19 PM
Day length
11 h 3 min

Times shown for Windhoek 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 Windhoek — May

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
6:16 AM – 6:56 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:56 AM – 7:56 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:39 PM – 6:39 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:39 PM – 7:19 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 — Windhoek 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 Windhoek'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 Windhoek

High season

This is a busy month in Windhoek — 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 Windhoek

☀️ 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.

Windhoek in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 30°C / 85°F 18°C / 64°F 98 mm 14
February 29°C / 83°F 17°C / 62°F 70 mm 13
March 27°C / 81°F 16°C / 60°F 54 mm 14
April 26°C / 78°F 14°C / 56°F 19 mm 7
May 24°C / 75°F 11°C / 51°F 1 mm 1
June 21°C / 70°F 7°C / 45°F 0 mm 0
July 21°C / 70°F 7°C / 44°F 0 mm 1
August 25°C / 77°F 9°C / 49°F 0 mm 1
September 29°C / 83°F 13°C / 55°F 1 mm 1
October 31°C / 87°F 16°C / 60°F 7 mm 4
November 31°C / 88°F 16°C / 62°F 9 mm 6
December 31°C / 87°F 17°C / 63°F 43 mm 10

Other cities with similar May weather

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

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Windhoek in May?

In May, Windhoek averages a high of 24°C (75°F) and a low of 11°C (51°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Windhoek in May?

May is generally dry in Windhoek, with about 1 rainy day on average.

Is May a good time to visit Windhoek?

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 Windhoek in May?

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

Open Windhoek on the interactive map

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