Free State Weather in May

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

Thinking about venturing to Free State, South Africa this May and curious about the weather conditions to expect? This page holds all the key information you seek, responding to your question:

What to Expect in Free State in May

Free State, South Africa is a region in South Africa. May in Free State generally has temperatures that range from pleasant to warm, with precipitation levels ranging from low to moderate.

Temperatures

Based on our climate data spanning from 1990-2020, the average maximum temperature is pleasant in Clarens at 19°C (66°F) to warm in Parys at 23°C (73°F). Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 7°C (45°F) in Parys and 4°C (39°F) in Clarens.

For a closer look at conditions across Free State, South Africa, refer to the map below.

Precipitation

In May, precipitation varies across different areas. From low rainfall in Harrismith with an average of 20 mm (0.8 in) to moderate rainfall in Fouriesburg with 31 mm (1.2 in).

Average sunshine

Most destinations offer generous amounts of sunshine this May. For example, Bloemfontein gets approximately 270 hours of sunlight, perfect for anyone wanting bright, sunny days.

Explore Free State by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Free State — and find the best time to visit. (based on Bloemfontein)

Best Places to Visit in Free State in May

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

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 Free State

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

Temperature range in Free State (May)

Precipitation variation in Free State (May)

Bloemfontein

In May Bloemfontein generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 22°C (72°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 6°C (43°F) and low monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
25°C (77°F)
22°C (72°F)
19°C (66°F)
Min temperature
11°C (52°F)
6°C (43°F)
2°C (36°F)
Monthly sun hours
250 hours
270 hours
250 hours
Monthly rainfall
53 mm (2.1 in)
23 mm (0.9 in)
13 mm (0.5 in)
Monthly rainy days
8 days
4 days
3 days
Weather conditions

Van Reenen

In May Van Reenen generally has pleasant temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 22°C (72°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 7°C (45°F) and low monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
24°C (75°F)
22°C (72°F)
19°C (66°F)
Min temperature
11°C (52°F)
7°C (45°F)
4°C (39°F)
Monthly rainfall
57 mm (2.2 in)
21 mm (0.8 in)
13 mm (0.5 in)
Monthly rainy days
7 days
3 days
2 days
Weather conditions

Harrismith

In May Harrismith generally has pleasant temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 21°C (70°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 6°C (43°F) and low monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
23°C (73°F)
21°C (70°F)
18°C (64°F)
Min temperature
10°C (50°F)
6°C (43°F)
3°C (37°F)
Monthly rainfall
49 mm (1.9 in)
20 mm (0.8 in)
12 mm (0.5 in)
Monthly rainy days
8 days
3 days
2 days
Weather conditions

Philippolis

In May Philippolis generally has pleasant temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 21°C (70°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 7°C (45°F) and low monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
25°C (77°F)
21°C (70°F)
18°C (64°F)
Min temperature
11°C (52°F)
7°C (45°F)
3°C (37°F)
Monthly rainfall
43 mm (1.7 in)
20 mm (0.8 in)
17 mm (0.7 in)
Monthly rainy days
7 days
4 days
3 days
Weather conditions

Sterkfontein Dam

In May Sterkfontein Dam generally has pleasant temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 21°C (70°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 6°C (43°F) and low monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
22°C (72°F)
21°C (70°F)
18°C (64°F)
Min temperature
10°C (50°F)
6°C (43°F)
3°C (37°F)
Monthly rainfall
55 mm (2.2 in)
22 mm (0.9 in)
13 mm (0.5 in)
Monthly rainy days
8 days
3 days
2 days
Weather conditions

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

Popular cities in May

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in Free State in May.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Bloemfontein 22°C (72°F) 6°C (43°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Van Reenen 22°C (72°F) 7°C (45°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Harrismith 21°C (70°F) 6°C (43°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Philippolis 21°C (70°F) 7°C (45°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Sterkfontein Dam 21°C (70°F) 6°C (43°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Clarens 19°C (66°F) 4°C (39°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)

Free State weather in May: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Free State, South Africa in May?

May in Free State, South Africa brings perfect weather. In Bloemfontein, daytime temperatures are typically around 22°C (72°F) and nighttime lows hover near 6°C (43°F).

What is the average temperature in Free State, South Africa in May?

Daytime temperatures in Bloemfontein peak at roughly 22°C (72°F) in May, dropping to about 6°C (43°F) overnight.

Does Free State, South Africa get a lot of rain in May?

May is on the drier side in Free State, South Africa. Bloemfontein averages only about 23 mm (0.9 in), with most days staying dry.

Is May a Good Time to Visit Free State, South Africa?

We consider May to be one of the best times to travel to Free State, South Africa. Typically, the climate in Bloemfontein is perfect.

Generally speaking, March, April, May, June, July, August, September and October provide perfect weather in Bloemfontein. On the other hand, the months of January, February, November and December tend to have tolerable weather conditions.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in Free State.

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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