Stellenbosch

Western Cape Weather in May

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

Considering a trip to Western 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 Western Cape in May

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

Temperatures

The average maximum daytime temperatures vary from pleasant in Paternoster at 18°C (64°F) to warm in Piketberg at 23°C (73°F). Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 9°C (48°F) in Piketberg and 14°C (57°F) in Paternoster.

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

Precipitation

In May, precipitation varies across different areas. From low rainfall in Merweville with an average of 14 mm (0.6 in) to moderate rainfall in Paarl with 99 mm (3.9 in).

Average sunshine

Most destinations offer generous amounts of sunshine this May. For example, Cape Town gets approximately 205 hours of sunlight, perfect for anyone wanting bright, sunny days.

Explore Western Cape by month

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

Best Places to Visit in Western Cape in May

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

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

Temperature range in Western Cape (May)

Precipitation variation in Western Cape (May)

Cape Town

In May Cape Town generally has pleasant temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 20°C (68°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 12°C (54°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
22°C (72°F)
20°C (68°F)
18°C (64°F)
Min temperature
14°C (57°F)
12°C (54°F)
11°C (52°F)
Monthly sun hours
234 hours
205 hours
175 hours
Monthly rainfall
52 mm (2 in)
80 mm (3.1 in)
126 mm (5 in)
Monthly rainy days
8 days
11 days
13 days
Weather conditions

Knysna

In May Knysna generally has pleasant temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 20°C (68°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 13°C (55°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
22°C (72°F)
20°C (68°F)
19°C (66°F)
Min temperature
15°C (59°F)
13°C (55°F)
11°C (52°F)
Monthly sun hours
262 hours
261 hours
239 hours
Monthly rainfall
56 mm (2.2 in)
50 mm (2 in)
49 mm (1.9 in)
Monthly rainy days
9 days
9 days
9 days
Weather conditions

Stellenbosch

In May Stellenbosch generally has pleasant temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 20°C (68°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 10°C (50°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
24°C (75°F)
20°C (68°F)
18°C (64°F)
Min temperature
13°C (55°F)
10°C (50°F)
8°C (46°F)
Monthly sun hours
234 hours
205 hours
175 hours
Monthly rainfall
61 mm (2.4 in)
92 mm (3.6 in)
141 mm (5.6 in)
Monthly rainy days
8 days
11 days
12 days
Weather conditions

Hermanus

In May Hermanus generally has pleasant temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 20°C (68°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 13°C (55°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
22°C (72°F)
20°C (68°F)
18°C (64°F)
Min temperature
15°C (59°F)
13°C (55°F)
11°C (52°F)
Monthly rainfall
50 mm (2 in)
58 mm (2.3 in)
92 mm (3.6 in)
Monthly rainy days
9 days
11 days
12 days
Weather conditions

Plettenberg Bay

In May Plettenberg Bay generally has pleasant temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 20°C (68°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
22°C (72°F)
20°C (68°F)
19°C (66°F)
Min temperature
15°C (59°F)
14°C (57°F)
12°C (54°F)
Monthly sun hours
262 hours
261 hours
239 hours
Monthly rainfall
54 mm (2.1 in)
51 mm (2 in)
53 mm (2.1 in)
Monthly rainy days
9 days
8 days
9 days
Weather conditions

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

Popular cities in May

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

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Cape Town 20°C (68°F) 12°C (54°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Knysna 20°C (68°F) 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Stellenbosch 20°C (68°F) 10°C (50°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Hermanus 20°C (68°F) 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Plettenberg Bay 20°C (68°F) 14°C (57°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Bloubergstrand 21°C (70°F) 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)

Western Cape weather in May: frequently asked questions

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

In May, Western Cape, South Africa generally has perfect weather conditions. Cape Town sees daytime temperatures near 20°C (68°F), with nights cooling to roughly 12°C (54°F).

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

Daytime temperatures in Cape Town peak at roughly 20°C (68°F) in May, dropping to about 12°C (54°F) overnight.

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

Rain is generally moderate to light in Western Cape, South Africa during May, with Cape Town averaging close to 80 mm (3.1 in).

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

We consider May to be one of the best times to travel to Western Cape, South Africa. Typically, the climate in Cape Town is perfect. It's worth noting that weather conditions might differ depending on the location you visit.

Generally speaking, the best visiting conditions can be found in January, February, March, April, May, October, November and December offering mostly perfect weather in Cape Town. On the other hand, the month of July tends to have unpleasant weather conditions.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in Western 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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