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Eastern Cape Weather in May

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in Eastern Cape, South Africa in May.

Considering a trip to Eastern Cape, South Africa this May and wondering about the expected weather conditions? Find all the crucial information you need right here, addressing your question:

What to Expect in Eastern Cape in May

Eastern Cape, South Africa is a region in South Africa. Eastern Cape, South Africa has a wide variety of climate types. During May, you can expect temperatures that range from mild to warm and precipitation levels ranging from low to moderate.

Temperatures

During the day temperatures vary from mild in Rhodes at 16°C (61°F) to warm in Kruger National Park at 29°C (84°F). At night it cools down to 16°C (61°F) in Kruger National Park and 3°C (37°F) in Rhodes.

To learn more about the conditions in specific areas of Eastern Cape, South Africa, check out the map below.

Precipitation

In May, precipitation varies across different areas. From low rainfall in Port Nolloth with an average of 11 mm (0.4 in) to moderate rainfall in Eersterivierstrand with 56 mm (2.2 in).

Average sunshine

Several destinations enjoy plenty of sunshine this month. Gqeberha sees close to 222 hours of sunlight, making it great for sun lovers.

Explore Eastern Cape by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Eastern Cape — and find the best time to visit. (based on Gqeberha)

Best Places to Visit in Eastern Cape in May

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across Eastern Cape.

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).

Popular Destinations in Eastern Cape

What is the weather like in May for some of the most popular destinations in Eastern Cape, South Africa?

Temperature range in Eastern Cape (May)

Precipitation variation in Eastern Cape (May)

Gqeberha

In May Gqeberha generally has pleasant temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 22°C (72°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 15°C (59°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
23°C (73°F)
22°C (72°F)
21°C (70°F)
Min temperature
17°C (63°F)
15°C (59°F)
14°C (57°F)
Monthly sun hours
221 hours
222 hours
208 hours
Monthly rainfall
49 mm (1.9 in)
42 mm (1.7 in)
46 mm (1.8 in)
Monthly rainy days
8 days
8 days
8 days
Weather conditions

Jeffreys Bay

In May Jeffreys Bay generally has pleasant temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 22°C (72°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 14°C (57°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
23°C (73°F)
22°C (72°F)
21°C (70°F)
Min temperature
16°C (61°F)
14°C (57°F)
13°C (55°F)
Monthly sun hours
221 hours
222 hours
208 hours
Monthly rainfall
50 mm (2 in)
42 mm (1.7 in)
44 mm (1.7 in)
Monthly rainy days
9 days
8 days
8 days
Weather conditions

East London

In May East London generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 24°C (75°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 16°C (61°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
25°C (77°F)
24°C (75°F)
22°C (72°F)
Min temperature
18°C (64°F)
16°C (61°F)
14°C (57°F)
Monthly sun hours
219 hours
227 hours
221 hours
Monthly rainfall
85 mm (3.3 in)
34 mm (1.3 in)
33 mm (1.3 in)
Monthly rainy days
9 days
7 days
5 days
Weather conditions

Port Alfred

In May Port Alfred generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 23°C (73°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 16°C (61°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
24°C (75°F)
23°C (73°F)
21°C (70°F)
Min temperature
17°C (63°F)
16°C (61°F)
14°C (57°F)
Monthly rainfall
62 mm (2.4 in)
38 mm (1.5 in)
41 mm (1.6 in)
Monthly rainy days
8 days
7 days
6 days
Weather conditions

Addo

In May Addo generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 25°C (77°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 11°C (52°F) and low monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
26°C (79°F)
25°C (77°F)
23°C (73°F)
Min temperature
14°C (57°F)
11°C (52°F)
9°C (48°F)
Monthly sun hours
221 hours
222 hours
208 hours
Monthly rainfall
44 mm (1.7 in)
23 mm (0.9 in)
25 mm (1 in)
Monthly rainy days
7 days
6 days
6 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in Eastern Cape, in South Africa.

Popular cities in May

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in Eastern Cape in May.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Gqeberha 22°C (72°F) 15°C (59°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Jeffreys Bay 22°C (72°F) 14°C (57°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
East London 24°C (75°F) 16°C (61°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Port Alfred 23°C (73°F) 16°C (61°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Addo 25°C (77°F) 11°C (52°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Graaff-Reinet 23°C (73°F) 8°C (46°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)

Eastern Cape weather in May: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Eastern Cape, South Africa in May?

In May, Eastern Cape, South Africa generally has perfect weather conditions. Gqeberha sees daytime temperatures near 22°C (72°F), with nights cooling to roughly 15°C (59°F).

What is the average temperature in Eastern Cape, South Africa in May?

Daytime temperatures in Gqeberha peak at roughly 22°C (72°F) in May, dropping to about 15°C (59°F) overnight.

Does Eastern Cape, South Africa get a lot of rain in May?

Not particularly. Gqeberha averages just 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain in May, making it a mostly dry month for Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Is May a Good Time to Visit Eastern Cape, South Africa?

Given the typically perfect weather conditions in Gqeberha, May might be a good time to visit Eastern Cape, South Africa. It's worth noting that weather conditions might differ depending on the location you visit.

On average, the best time to visit Eastern Cape, South Africa is in with generally perfect weather in Gqeberha.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in Eastern Cape.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to South Africa? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in South Africa.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

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