Cape Town in May: weather, sea & travel advice
Cape Town in May is especially suited to city breaks and active holidays and hiking. Days are around 18 °C (mild), and the sea is about 15 °C. With about 11 rainy days it is wet.
Cape Town · MayPhoto: Dietmar Rabich · CC BY-SA 4.0Climate facts
- Day
- 18 °C
- Night
- 15 °C
- Sea
- 15 °C
- Rainy days
- 11 rainy days
- Sun
- 4 h/day
- Humidity
- 81 %
Suitability by travel type
BeachUnsuitable35/100
City breakGood78/100
ActiveGood73/100
FamilyUnsuitable39/100
In favour
- No particular highlights.
To consider
- Higher chance of rain (about 11 rainy days)
- Sea still cool (15 °C)
- High humidity (81 %)
All months at a glance
22J
22F
21M
19A
18M
16J
16J
16A
17S
18O
19N
21D
5J
4F
5M
8A
11M
13J
12J
11A
9S
7O
6N
5D
Similar destinations in May
Frequently asked questions
How warm is Cape Town in May?
Daytime highs average around 18 °C, with nights around 15 °C.
Can you swim in Cape Town in May?
The sea is about 15 °C (cold).
Does it rain a lot in Cape Town in May?
On the long-term average, expect about 11 rainy days.
When is the best time to visit Cape Town?
The most favourable months are usually the ones highlighted on the overview page. Values are historical averages, not a forecast.