East London Weather in May
May is one of the perfect months to visit East London, with daytime temperatures of 24°C (75°F) and lows of 16°C (61°F) at night. Some rainfall is typical for this time of year.
Rainfall in East London in May
Analyzing past climate data, one can expect approximately 7 days of rain, averaging 34 mm (1.3 in). Neither particularly heavy nor particularly frequent, the rain this month is about average. A light jacket should be enough on most wet days.
Temperature in East London in May
East London has perfect weather in May, with days reaching 24°C (75°F) and nights cooling to 16°C (61°F). The days can feel warmer than the evenings, so packing for both parts of the day is a good idea. At 16°C (61°F) overnight, it can feel quite a bit cooler after dark. Worth packing something warmer for evenings, but the cooler temperatures are ideal for sleeping.
Sunshine in East London in May
The days are predominantly sunny, with an estimated total of around 227 hours of sunshine. These sun-filled days are perfect for playing sports, visiting parks, or going for a bike ride.
Wind Speed in East London in May
Wind speeds average 4 m/s (8 knots) during May. At this speed, expect moderate winds that can raise dust and move small branches. Since this is an average, some days have gentle light winds while others experience stronger breezes that are quite noticeable.
Average water temperature in May
The water sits at 21°C (70°F), which is a nice temperature for swimming. Not too cold, not too warm — most visitors are happy to spend time in the water.Our weather planner can help you explore other travel destinations worldwide.
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 East London's climate page.
East London Temperature in May
Min Temperature
16°C (61°F)
Max Temperature
24°C (75°F)
Water Temperature
21°C (70°F)
Chance of Rain
23%
Precipitation
34 mm (1.3 in)
Rainy days
7 days
Humidity
72%
Windspeed
4 m/s (8 knots)
Sunshine
227 hours
Percentage Sunshine
69%
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in East London typically stay consistent throughout May, with daily highs averaging around 24°C (75°F). Nights are cool, with lows typically ranging from 11°C (52°F) to 14°C (57°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 East London in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for East London spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
East London historical weather extremes in May
Based on weather observations in East London between 2004 and 2026, these are the recorded extremes during May.
- The warmest day in May was on May 11, 2005, with a maximum of 34°C (93°F).
- On May 22, 2007, East London saw its coldest May day with temperatures maxing out at 11°C (52°F).
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 East London in May
For East London in May, you'll want flexible clothing. It's wise to pack cotton shirts, comfortable shorts, and a pair of jeans for cooler evenings. A light sweater or jacket is useful for air-conditioned spaces (like buses) or unexpected cool moments. Some rain is possible, so pack something to handle light showers. With water temperatures around 21°C (70°F), swimming conditions are excellent. Pack your swimsuit, goggles, and maybe some water shoes. You'll definitely want to pack sunglasses and sunscreen. There will be plenty of bright sunshine this month.What To Do in East London 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 East London's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp
See the full East London climate overview or explore weather in South Africa.
