May marks the start of the dry winter season in much of southern Africa's interior - excellent for safaris in Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa as wildlife is easier to spot. Coastal areas cool but remain pleasant.
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall, from each country's largest city. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Average temperature across Southern Africa in May.
Namibia, southern Angola
Nights turn cool by May and daytime temperatures are comfortable across the interior; Swakopmund remains chillier thanks to the ocean. This is the beginning of the dry season in the north and central Namibia, so animals gather at waterholes and roads are reliably passable. Pack a warm jacket for dawn drives and expect calm, clear skies - stargazing is excellent.
Botswana, eastern Namibia, parts of South Africa
By May the landscape dries and concentrates wildlife at permanent waterholes, and the first of the Okavango’s seasonal floods often start arriving in the delta channels. Maun and the Moremi area are comfortable during the day and cold at night, making early-morning and late-afternoon game drives ideal. This is the start of peak safari season - book early and pack warm layers for dawn drives.
South Africa: Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Hermanus, Knysna
May brings the onset of the Western Cape’s rainy season; overcast mornings and steady winter rains become more common, although many days are still fine and clear. Whale-watching at Hermanus picks up from June, but May is a quieter lead-in; expect cooler daytime highs and chilly evenings. Pack a waterproof jacket and be prepared for occasional travel delays on scenic coastal roads.
South Africa interior: Johannesburg, Pretoria, Bloemfontein, Lesotho
May brings markedly cooler mornings on the Highveld and the first real signs of winter: clear, dry days and chilly nights often dipping to near-freezing. The Drakensberg sees regular frost at higher elevations and serious hikers will need thermals for overnight camps. It’s a quiet travel month with good rates, so pack warm layers and a jacket for early starts.
Durban, St Lucia, Maputo, Eswatini
Cool, dry conditions dominate in May with sunny days and comfortable evenings - a prime time for beach-going and coastal wildlife watching. Durban is warm without oppressive humidity, while Mpumalanga and Eswatini are ideal for trekking. Pack lighter daytime clothing with a sweater for evenings; this period offers fewer crowds and more reliable access to coastal attractions.
Zambia, Zimbabwe, northern Botswana, Malawi
May sees the beginning of the dry season: humidity eases, river levels fall and the Victoria Falls gorge often gives clearer sightlines; bird activity remains strong. Game-viewing conditions on nearby reserves improve and boat cruises become more predictable. Pack lighter clothing for daytime and a warm layer for cool early-morning safaris - it’s a popular time for visitors.
Madagascar, Mauritius, Réunion, Comoros, Seychelles
May sees the arrival of the drier, cooler season over much of Madagascar and the Mascarene islands; beaches and hiking trails are comfortable and trails in places like Isalo or Andringitra dry out. Seychelles experiences gentle trade winds, making this a pleasant shoulder season for sailing. Pack a light sweater for evenings in the highlands and book popular lodges early for the season.
Long-distance ultramarathon in South Africa, usually in May or June.
See how May compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.