Durban Weather in May
May in Durban averages 25°C (77°F) during the day and 17°C (63°F) at night. The perfect conditions and moderate rainfall make it a solid month to visit.
Rainfall in Durban in May
Rain is expected on roughly 6 days, totalling around 50 mm (2 in) for the month. When rain does fall this month, it tends to come down hard. The low number of rain days makes each shower more significant.
Temperature in Durban in May
The temperature in Durban in May is perfect. Daytime highs reach 25°C (77°F), with nights dropping to 17°C (63°F). Conditions stay fairly consistent through the month, making it easier to plan what to wear. Nights cool down to 17°C (63°F), so a light jacket or extra layer is useful once the sun goes down. On the plus side, the cooler nights make for comfortable sleeping conditions.
Sunshine in Durban in May
The month enjoys around 223 hours of sunshine, creating mostly sunny days with good weather conditions.If your ideal day consists of dry skies and pleasant temperatures, January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October and December typically offer the best circumstances for Durban.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit South Africa, check out our Durban's climate page.
Durban Temperature in May
Min Temperature
17°C (63°F)
Max Temperature
25°C (77°F)
Chance of Rain
19%
Precipitation
50 mm (2 in)
Rainy days
6 days
Humidity
76%
Sunshine
223 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Durban typically stay consistent throughout May, with daily highs averaging around 25°C (77°F). Nights are pleasant, with lows typically ranging from 13°C (55°F) to 17°C (63°F).
Average temperatures in May
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in May
Historical weather for Durban in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Durban spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Durban historical weather extremes in May
Our historical data for Durban spans 1976 to 2025, revealing these weather extremes.
- The hottest May day on record in Durban reached 33°C (91°F) (May 15, 2021).
- The lowest daytime temperature in May was 16°C (61°F), recorded on May 28, 1997.
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to 3°C (37°F) on May 20, 2023, marking the coldest May night on record.
Best Places in South Africa in May
Find out more about the weather in South Africa and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of South Africa in May →
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What to Wear in Durban in May
Warm but pleasant conditions in Durban in May. Focus on lightweight, maybe with natural fabrics, cotton blend shirts, comfortable shorts, and breathable footwear. A light cover-up for sun protection is smart too. Wet weather is likely, so pack waterproof gear for multiple rainy days. Don't forget sun protection, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. These are all good ideas with this much sunshine.What To Do in Durban in May
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit South Africa, check out our Durban's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity
See the full Durban climate overview or explore weather in South Africa.
