Whale watching at Hermanus
One of the best destinations in the world to spot whales is Hermanus in South Africa. Often the whales can be found off the coast between June and December. The peak is in September and November.
Hermanus Weather in May
In Hermanus, May brings pleasant daytime temperatures around 20°C (68°F), with nights cooling to 13°C (55°F). Some rainfall is to be expected.
Rainfall in Hermanus in May
Climate statistics over the past 30 years suggest around 11 days of rain, with 58 mm (2.3 in) average for the month. Rain this month is fairly typical, a standard mix of wet and dry days with no particularly heavy or persistent showers.
Temperature in Hermanus in May
May tends to be one of the excellent months in Hermanus, with 20°C (68°F) in the afternoon and 13°C (55°F) overnight. This creates a mild day-to-night pattern that is generally easy to manage with the right clothing. Nights cool down to 13°C (55°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.If your ideal day consists of dry skies and pleasant temperatures, January, February, March, April, May, October, November and December typically offer the best circumstances for Hermanus.
Hermanus Temperature in May
Min Temperature
13°C (55°F)
Max Temperature
20°C (68°F)
Chance of Rain
37%
Precipitation
58 mm (2.3 in)
Rainy days
11 days
Hermanus Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Hermanus - and find the best time to visit.
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Hermanus typically stay consistent throughout May, with daily highs averaging around 20°C (68°F). Nights are cool, with lows typically ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 12°C (54°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 records for Hermanus in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Hermanus spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Hermanus historical weather extremes in May
The extremes listed below come from historical weather data collected in Hermanus from 2004 through 2026.
- The warmest day in May was on May 16, 2022, with a maximum of 33°C (91°F).
- Hermanus experienced its chilliest May day on May 26, 2020, reaching only 14°C (57°F).
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to 3°C (37°F) on May 20, 2021, 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 →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).
What to Wear in Hermanus in May
Pleasant temperatures in May mean you can pack light but flexibel pieces. Think cotton t-shirts, comfortable walking shorts, and one warmer layer for evenings. A light sweater or denim jacket works well. Rain gear is recommended, you can expect wet weather on multiple days.
What To Do in Hermanus in May
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
-
Cycling10/10 -
Walking10/10 -
Camping8/10 -
Outdoor sports10/10
Hermanus 3-Day Forecast
More climate data for Hermanus
See the full Hermanus climate overview or explore weather in South Africa.
Popular in May
Where to go in May - average daytime high across popular destinations.
Bucket list
Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.
Whale watching at Hermanus
Visit Kruger Park in South Africa
Are you going to South Africa, then you cannot skip the Kruger Park. The Kruger Park is one of the most beautiful and largest safari parks in the world.
One of South Africa's most spectacular private game reserves
Sabi Sand Game Reserve is one of South Africa's most spectacular private game reserves. The chance that you see the entire Big Five is high in winter (June - August).
South Africa in November: Cape Town, Garden Route or East Coast?
Compare South Africa weather in November for Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Knysna, Durban and Johannesburg to find the driest and sunniest regions.