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Visiting South Africa in May is often overlooked, but for many travellers, it is one of the most rewarding months to go. Sitting at the start of the dry season in Kruger National Park, May is an excellent time for safaris and wildlife viewing. It also brings fewer visitors, comfortable temperatures across much of the country, and often better value for money than peak travel months.
Whether you are planning a safari, a road trip along the Garden Route, or a mix of cities, coastline, and national parks, this guide explores what South Africa is really like in May. We cover where to go, what the weather is like by region, and whether May is the right time for your trip.
Having lived in South Africa for two years, and having spent many more months travelling there since, including overlanding the entire length of the country, we share our firsthand knowledge and experience to help you plan the perfect South African escape.
How to Use This Guide
Use the Contents table below to jump to any section. Click a heading in the guide to return to the top and continue exploring.
Contents
May is a very good time to visit South Africa, especially if you want:
Fewer tourists
Better value for money
Comfortable temperatures
Excellent safari conditions
May marks the transition from late summer into winter. Rainfall drops significantly in most safari regions, vegetation thins out, and animals become easier to spot. At the same time, coastal and city areas remain mild and pleasant.
The main trade off is cooler evenings and less beach-focused weather, particularly around Cape Town. Which can see a significant increase in rainfall and more cloudy conditions in general.
South Africa is a vast country with diverse climates, so the weather in May can vary significantly by region. From cooler evenings in Cape Town to dry, warm days in the Kruger National Park, conditions depend largely on geography, altitude, and proximity to the coast.
Cape Town & Western Cape
Daytime temperatures | 18–23°C
Evenings | Cool, sometimes below 10°C
Rainfall | Starts to increase slightly
May is the start of Cape Town’s winter wet season, but days are still ideal for sightseeing, hiking, and wine tasting. The landscape remains green after summer, and attractions are far quieter than during peak season. It is also the start of the whale watching season, Cape Town and particularly Hermanus are world famous for land based whale spotting, with humpbacks frequently breaching out of the water.
Kruger National Park & Safari Areas
Daytime temperatures | 22–28°C
Evenings and mornings | Cool
Rainfall | Very low
This is where May really shines. The dry season is beginning, making wildlife easier to spot as animals gather around water sources. Mosquito levels drop, and conditions are far more comfortable than the humid summer months.
Garden Route
Daytime temperatures | 17–22°C
Cooler nights
Occasional rain
The Garden Route is quieter in May, with fewer tour buses and better accommodation availability. While the sea is cooler, it is still a beautiful time for scenic drives, forest walks, and coastal viewpoints.
Durban & KwaZulu-Natal
Daytime temperatures | 22–26°C
Water temperatures remain warm
Mostly dry
If you want warmer coastal weather in May, Durban is a better choice than Cape Town. The Indian Ocean stays swimmable, and humidity is lower than in summer.
May is a rewarding time to explore South Africa, offering quieter travel conditions and a more relaxed pace across many of the country’s top destinations. From iconic safari regions and dramatic coastlines to historic towns and vibrant cities, this month is ideal for combining wildlife, scenery, and culture in one trip.
Kruger National Park
May is one of the best months to visit Kruger National Park. Wildlife viewing improves as vegetation thins and water sources become more limited, making animals easier to spot. Thanks to these excellent conditions, May marks the start of the peak visitor season in Kruger. As a result, popular rest camps can be busier, and accommodation often needs to be booked well in advance.
Cape Town
May is a great time to visit Cape Town, with fewer visitors and a noticeably calmer atmosphere across the city. While temperatures are cooler, and more rainy days, conditions are still ideal for sightseeing, making it a rewarding time to explore highlights such as Table Mountain, Cape Point, Robben Island, and the nearby wine regions of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. With crowds dropping significantly compared to summer, May allows for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience at many of Cape Town’s top attractions.
The Garden Route
May is an ideal time to explore the Garden Route, especially for travellers planning a scenic road trip or looking for a slower, more relaxed pace. With fewer visitors on the roads and in coastal towns, places like Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and Wilderness feel noticeably quieter. It is a rewarding month for nature lovers and couples, with crisp mornings, golden light, and excellent conditions for coastal walks, forests, and viewpoints along the route.
KwaZulu-Natal & iSimangaliso Wetland Park
KwaZulu-Natal is a great choice in May for travellers wanting to combine safari experiences with time at the coast. Game viewing remains strong in the region’s reserves, while the warmer Indian Ocean makes beach time more appealing than in the Western Cape. iSimangaliso Wetland Park is particularly rewarding this time of year, offering a mix of wildlife, wetlands, and uncrowded beaches in a single destination.
South Africa offers a wide range of accommodation, from luxury lodges and boutique hotels to guesthouses and self-catering options. Depending on your itinerary whether it’s a safari, city break, or coastal getaway these are some of the top areas and hotels to consider.
Cape Town
One & Only Cape Town
A luxury retreat in the heart of the V&A Waterfront, with stunning mountain views, world-class dining, and impeccable service.
BOOK | ONE&ONLY CAPE TOWN
Tintswalo Boulders
Boutique lodge located near Kruger with elegant suites, exceptional guiding, and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
BOOK | TINTSWALO BOULDERS
Cape Grace Hotel
Central Waterfront location with refined décor, excellent amenities, and easy access to Cape Town’s top attractions.
BOOK | CAPE GRACE HOTEL
Garden Route
Tsala Treetop Lodge - Plettenberg Bay
Luxury lodge set high in the treetops, perfect for nature lovers and couples.
BOOK | TSALA TREETOP LODGE
Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa - Knysna
Coastal resort with private suites, golf, and spa facilities, ideal for a relaxing getaway.
BOOK | PEZULA RESORT HOTEL & SPA
Escape to the Beach - Wilderness
Luxury coastal retreat with beachfront rooms, outdoor pool, and a peaceful escape for nature lovers and couples.
BOOK | ESCAPE TO THE BEACH
Kruger & Safari Lodges
Tintswalo Safari Lodge - Manyeleti Game Reserve
Exceptional guiding, comfortable suites, and immersive wildlife experiences.
BOOK | TINTSWALO SAFARI LODGE
Umkumbe Bush Lodge - Sabi Sands
Luxury safari lodge with private plunge pools, top-notch service, and world-class game viewing.
BOOK | UMKUMBE BUSH LODGE
Lion Sands River Lodge - Sabi Sands
High-end safari lodge with stunning river views and outstanding Big Five sightings.
BOOK | LION SANDS RIVER LODGE
KwaZulu-Natal & iSimangaliso
Thonga Beach Lodge
Secluded eco-lodge on the northern KwaZulu-Natal coast, perfect for combining beach and wildlife.
BOOK | THONGA BEACH LODGE
Leopard Corner Lodge - St Lucia
Comfortable coastal accommodation with easy access to iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
BOOK | LEOPARD CORNER LODGE
If you are looking for an alternative place to stay for your adventure, then use our interactive map below.
May marks the start of prime safari season in South Africa, offering some of the best wildlife viewing conditions of the year. Shorter grass and shrinking water sources make animals easier to spot, while daytime temperatures are cooler and more comfortable for long game drives. This is also a popular time for travellers, so expect higher visitor numbers at major parks and private reserves.
Private reserves near Kruger, including Sabi Sands and Timbavati, see excellent game density during May. One of our personal favourites is Tintswalo Safari in the Manyeleti Game Reserve, where the guiding is exceptional and game viewing is consistently outstanding.
For a more independent experience, a self-drive safari in Kruger National Park with overnight stays at the rest camps is highly recommended. Early-morning and late-afternoon drives often offer the most rewarding wildlife sightings.
Whether it’s your first safari or a return visit, May provides unforgettable wildlife experiences across South Africa’s top reserves and parks.
May offers a mix of high-value travel experiences across South Africa, but visitor numbers vary depending on the region. Coastal cities and towns, such as Cape Town and along the Garden Route, are noticeably quieter than during the summer months, making sightseeing and accommodation more relaxed and often more affordable.
In contrast, May marks the start of peak safari season in the Kruger and surrounding private reserves, so lodges and rest camps can be busier and prices higher. Flights, overall accommodation, and some attractions still tend to be more affordable than during the winter holiday peak, making May an excellent month to balance wildlife experiences with quieter city or coastal stays.
For most travellers, South Africa is not uncomfortably cold in May. Days remain mild and pleasant, particularly in safari regions, making it ideal for game drives and outdoor activities. The main considerations are cool mornings, colder evenings, and bringing warmer layers for early-morning or late-afternoon drives.
The hottest parts of the country in May are often around Kruger National Park, where temperatures can reach 26°C, while coastal cities like Cape Town are cooler. If beach weather is a priority, the east coast around Durban tends to be warmer than the Western Cape.
Clothing choices in May vary depending on where you are travelling, from safari regions to coastal cities. Layers are key, as mornings and evenings can be cool, while daytime temperatures are often comfortable. Here’s a quick guide by region:
Kruger & Safari Regions
Lightweight clothing for daytime game drives
Warm layers for early mornings and late afternoons
Comfortable walking shoes or boots
Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
Swimwear for safari lodge pool
Cape Town & Western Cape
Long sleeves and a light jacket for cooler mornings and evenings
Casual citywear for exploring towns, markets, and wineries
Comfortable shoes for walking and sightseeing
Swimsuit for indoor or heated pools
Garden Route & Wilderness
Layers for crisp mornings and cooler evenings
Casual, comfortable clothing for hikes and coastal walks
Light rain jacket in case of occasional showers
Swimsuit if planning a beach or lakeside visit
KwaZulu-Natal & Durban Coast
Lightweight, breathable clothing for warmer days
Layers for cooler mornings and evenings
Swimwear for beach and pool days
Comfortable shoes for exploring coastal towns or parks
May can be an excellent time to visit South Africa, especially if your focus is on safaris, wildlife, and exploring inland regions. Wildlife viewing is at its best, temperatures are comfortable for game drives, and many reserves are busy with visitors taking advantage of the start of the peak safari season.
However, if your priority is hot beach days in Cape Town or the Western Cape, May may feel cooler than expected, particularly along the coast. For a mix of safaris, scenic drives, wine regions, and cultural experiences, May offers a well-balanced introduction to the country, but for sunbathing and warm coastal weather, the east coast or summer months are more suitable.
While May has many advantages, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider. Evenings can be cooler, and if your priority is beach focused weather in Cape Town or the Western Cape, temperatures may feel too mild for sunbathing.
Daylight hours are also slightly shorter than in summer, which can limit sightseeing in the late afternoon. For most travellers, however, these are minor trade-offs compared with the excellent safari conditions, comfortable temperatures, and diverse experiences South Africa offers in May.
Is May a good time to visit South Africa?
Yes, May is excellent for safaris, wildlife viewing, and exploring inland regions. It marks the start of peak safari season, with excellent game density, comfortable daytime temperatures, and unforgettable wildlife experiences.
How is the weather in South Africa in May?
Weather varies by region. Safari areas like Kruger can reach 26°C and are warm during the day, while Cape Town and the Western Cape are cooler, with crisp mornings and chilly evenings. The east coast around Durban tends to be warmer and more suitable for beach activities.
Is South Africa cold in May?
For most travellers, South Africa is not uncomfortably cold. Days are generally mild and pleasant, but mornings and evenings can be cool, particularly on safaris or in Cape Town. Warmer layers are recommended for early-morning and late-afternoon activities.
What is peak season in South Africa?
May marks the start of peak safari season, so Kruger National Park and nearby private reserves can be busy. Popular lodges and rest camps often need to be booked well in advance to secure accommodation.
Are crowds and prices lower in May?
Crowds and prices vary by region. Coastal cities and towns like Cape Town and along the Garden Route are quieter and more relaxed, often with slightly lower accommodation prices. In contrast, safari regions are busy, and lodges can be more expensive due to peak game viewing season.
Can I combine safari and beach trips in May?
Yes. Kruger and private reserves offer excellent safari experiences, while the east coast around Durban provides warmer beach weather. The Western Cape and Cape Town are cooler, so they are less ideal for sunbathing but great for sightseeing and wine regions.
What should I wear in South Africa in May?
Layered clothing works best. Safari regions need lightweight daytime clothes with warm layers for mornings and evenings. In Cape Town and the Western Cape, bring long sleeves and a jacket. The Garden Route and Wilderness benefit from comfortable casual wear, and warmer clothing may be needed in the evenings.
Is May suitable for first-time visitors?
Yes, for travellers focused on safaris, cultural experiences, wine regions, and scenic drives. May offers a balanced introduction to South Africa, though those seeking hot beach days in Cape Town may want to choose later summer months instead.
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