May weather - Autumn 2024 - Cape Town, South Africa

Weather in May
Frequently asked questions
Average temperature in May
Average pressure in May
Average wind speed in May
Average humidity in May
Average rainfall in May
Average rainfall days in May
Average sea temperature in May
Average daylight in May
Average sunshine in May
Average sunshine days in May
Average UV index in May
Average cloud cover in May
Average visibility in May

Cape Town, South Africa, with the surrounding calm clear waters and several mountains

Weather in May

May in Cape Town marks the full swing of the autumn season. It results in a remarkable increase in rainfall to an average of 46mm, the first significant rise in the year. The cooler temperatures stick around, the skies turn more clear, and the city sprawls in shades of red and orange; bearing an enchanting view for photography lovers. As the city transits into June, the temperatures plummet, and the rainy season is on the horizon, starting the winter season.

Temperature

The onset of May in Cape Town notes an average high-temperature of a refreshing 19.7°C, subtly shifted from April's 22.5°C. Throughout May, the temperature falls to an average low of 13.1°C.

Humidity

In May, the average relative humidity in Cape Town is 73%.

Rainfall

In Cape Town, in May, during 11.1 rainfall days, 46mm of precipitation is typically accumulated. In Cape Town, South Africa, during the entire year, the rain falls for 111 days and collects up to 435mm of precipitation.

Sea temperature

In May, the average sea temperature in Cape Town is 16.4°C.
Note: Swimming is not a pleasurable activity for most people when the water temperature is 16.4°C. Breathing control gets harder as the water temperature drops from 21°C to 15°C.

Daylight

In Cape Town, the average length of the day in May is 10h and 22min.
On the first day of May in Cape Town, sunrise is at 07:20 and sunset at 18:06. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 07:42 and sunset at 17:45 SAST.

Sunshine

In Cape Town, the average sunshine in May is 6.5h.

UV index

The months with the lowest UV index in Cape Town are May through September, with an average maximum UV index of 4. A UV Index of 3 to 5 symbolizes a medium health hazard from exposure to the Sun's UV radiation for ordinary individuals.
Note: A typical high UV index of 4 in May suggests the following recommendations:
Guard yourself - Precautionary measures against sun damage are advocated. During midday, the Sun's radiation is strongest, and it's advisable to reduce direct exposure. A hat with a generous brim can prevent nearly 50% of UV rays from reaching your eyes.

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FAQ

What is the temperature in May in Cape Town?

The high-temperature, in May, in Cape Town, records 19.7°C, while the low-temperature is 13.1°C.

What is the average humidity in May in Cape Town?

In Cape Town, the average relative humidity in May is 73%.

How much does it rain in Cape Town in May?

In Cape Town, in May, during 11.1 rainfall days, 46mm of precipitation is typically accumulated.

What is the sea water temperature in May in Cape Town?

In Cape Town, South Africa, in May, the average water temperature is 16.4°C. For swimming, a surface water temperature of 16.4°C is not enjoyable for the majority. It is not considered safe, as controlling breathing becomes progressively more difficult as water temperature decreases below 21°C.

How many hours of daylight does Cape Town have in May?

In May, the average day length in Cape Town, South Africa, is 10h and 22min.

When is the sunrise / sunset in May in Cape Town?

On the first day of May in Cape Town, South Africa, sunrise is at 07:20 and sunset at 18:06. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 07:42 and sunset at 17:45 SAST.

How many hours of sunshine does Cape Town have in May?

In May, the average sunshine duration in Cape Town, South Africa, is 6.5h.

What are the months with the lowest UV index in Cape Town?

May through September, with an average maximum UV index of 4, are months with the lowest UV index in Cape Town, South Africa.

What is the UV index reading in May in Cape Town?

In May, the average daily maximum UV index in Cape Town is 4. A UV Index reading of 3 to 5 represents a moderate vulnerability from unprotected exposure to UV radiation.

Today

Tomorrow

Long-term

Year J F M A May J J A S O N D

Apr

May

Jun

Average high temperature

22.5°C

19.7°C

16.8°C

Average low temperature

Average pressure

Average wind speed

Average max. wind speed

15.2km/h

14.2km/h

16km/h

Average wind speed gusts

Average humidity

Average rainfall

Average rainfall days

8.8

11.1

13.8

Average sea temperature

Average daylight

Average sunshine

Average sunshine days

19.1

18.4

14.6

Average UV index

Average cloud cover

Average visibility

Average temperature in May
Cape Town, South Africa

Average high temperature in May: 19.7°C

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is February (26.1°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is August (16.6°C).

Average low temperature in May: 13.1°C

The month with the highest average low temperature is January (17.7°C).
The coldest months (with the lowest average low temperature) are July and August (10.2°C).

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Average pressure in May
Cape Town, South Africa

Average pressure in May: 1018.1mbar

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is July (1022mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is February (1013.4mbar).

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Average wind speed in May
Cape Town, South Africa

Average wind speed in May: 13.4km/h

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (17.6km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is May (13.4km/h).

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Average humidity in May
Cape Town, South Africa

Average humidity in May: 73%

The months with the highest relative humidity are June, August and September (74%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are February, April and December (68%).

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Average rainfall in May
Cape Town, South Africa

Average rainfall in May: 46mm

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is June (98mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is February (7mm).

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Average rainfall days in May
Cape Town, South Africa

Average rainfall days in May: 11.1 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is June (13.8 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (4.9 days).

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Average sea temperature in May
Cape Town, South Africa

Average sea temperature in May: 16.4°C

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is January (18.5°C).
The coldest months (with the lowest average sea temperature) are July, August and September (15.3°C).

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Average daylight in May /
Average sunshine in May
Cape Town, South Africa

Average daylight in May: 10h and 2min

The month with the longest days is December (Average daylight: 14h and 24min).
The month with the shortest days is June (Average daylight: 9h and 54min).

Average sunshine in May: 6h and 3min

The month with the most sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 11h and 6min).
The month with the least sunshine is June (Average sunshine: 6h and 0min).

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Average sunshine days in May
Cape Town, South Africa

Average sunshine days in May: 18.4 days

The month with the most sunshine days is January (23.1 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (14.6 days).

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Average UV index in May
Cape Town, South Africa

Average UV index in May: 4

The months with the highest UV index are January, February and December (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are May, June, July, August and September (UV index 4).

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Average cloud cover in May
Cape Town, South Africa

Average cloud cover in May: 31

The month with the most cloud cover is June (Cloud cover 34).
The month with the least cloud cover is February (Cloud cover 15).

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Average visibility in May
Cape Town, South Africa

Average visibility in May: 10km

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (10km).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (10km).

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May weather forecast
Cape Town, South Africa

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