St James Weather in May
May in St James brings pleasant temperatures, with daytime highs of 19°C (66°F) and nights around 14°C (57°F). Quite a bit of rainfall is expected, around 72 mm (2.8 in), so pack an umbrella.
Rainfall in St James in May
Historically, the month has about 12 days of rain, averaging 72 mm (2.8 in) in total. Rain this month is fairly typical, a standard mix of wet and dry days with no particularly heavy or persistent showers.
Temperature in St James in May
In May, expect pleasant temperatures in St James, with highs of 19°C (66°F) and lows of 14°C (57°F) at night. Even when the weather is stable, mornings and evenings can still feel distinctly cool. At 14°C (57°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 St James in May
There are approximately 205 hours of sunshine this month, resulting in mostly clear days.
Wind Speed in St James in May
Wind speeds average 3 m/s (6 knots) during May. At this speed, light breezes keep leaves and small twigs in gentle motion while the wind also provides natural cooling. Since this is an average, some days are more tranquil while others have more persistent light winds that are more noticeable.
Average water temperature in May
The water temperature is 16°C (61°F) — chilly, but perfectly fine for a swim if you're not too sensitive to cold water. A short wetsuit can make longer sessions more comfortable.Our weather planner can help you find worldwide destinations with pleasant weather during this period. January, February, March, April, November and December typically offer the best weather for St James.
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 St James's climate page.
St James Temperature in May
Min Temperature
14°C (57°F)
Max Temperature
19°C (66°F)
Water Temperature
16°C (61°F) *
Chance of Rain
40%
Precipitation
72 mm (2.8 in)
Rainy days
12 days
Humidity
81% *
Windspeed
3 m/s (6 knots) *
Sunshine
205 hours *
Percentage Sunshine
*
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 St James 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. With water temperatures around 16°C (61°F), the water is quite cold for swimming. You can skip the swimwear unless you're particularly tough. Don't forget sun protection, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. These are all good ideas with this much sunshine.What To Do in St James 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 St James's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp
See the full St James climate overview or explore weather in South Africa.
