Winter
May is the first month of winter in South Africa, and while the days are normally pleasant and the nights are chilly, it may be rather wet and stormy in Cape Town and along the Garden Route.
The nights become colder in the interior, seats are pushed closer to the campfire, and warm clothing is required for game drives.
However, this is the dry season in Kruger and the northern game parks, where daily temperatures can reach 77°F (25°C). Temperatures in Cape Town and Johannesburg average 68°F (20°C), while Kruger averages 80°F (27°C). KwaZulu-Natal has a subtropical climate and is warmer than southern parts in the winter. Snow is starting to fall on the higher slopes.
Crowds and Fees
May is a shoulder season month in Western Cape province, when rates drop, hotel availability increases, and traffic along the Garden Route and beyond thins. Although this is the start of the high season in Kruger and the northern game parks, most reserves are still relatively quiet, and you may be able to find accommodation at prices lower than peak season.
What to Do
After being wet all summer, South Africa’s northern safari sites are quickly drying up. Large herds of elephants, in particular, are on the move in search of water. As trees shed their leaves, the northern game parks’ empty blue sky and environment are nearing ideal for wildlife observations. The number of visitors is growing, particularly in Kruger National Park.
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Namaqua National Park, and other Northern Cape reserves offer a more distant wilderness experience. Plan a circling route across the semi-arid Klein Karoo and Sutherland, with the first flakes of winter falling on the neighboring mountains.
The Cape Winelands region is also at its best in May, when the weather is warm and the vines are ablaze with fiery autumnal colors. From here, set your cruise control and head for the Eastern Cape, where you can easily tick off the Big Five in a variety of small private game reserves. This place is especially tempting to families with children because it is malaria-free.
May is an excellent month to visit Durban and the beaches, from the Wild Coast to iSimangaliso. Summer humidity has subsided, days are still pleasant with cool evenings, the sea is still warm enough for swimming, and seaside resorts are not overcrowded. There are numerous cliff-top hotels and magnificent wildlife lodges to choose from, and you can fill out your vacation with activities ranging from hiking to golf.
What Should You Do?
The yearly sardine run up the coasts of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal is the aquatic version of the Great Migration, causing sharks and dolphins to go on a feeding frenzy. To join in on the fun, fly into Durban and go scuba diving or on a boat safari. Anglers can also enjoy world-class fishing along the Transkei coast during the sardine run. And diving with tiger sharks in the Indian Ocean is at its best in May, with typical sea temperatures about 77°F (24°C). You can drive inland through the Midlands—foodie heaven—before heading north to trek in the Drakensberg Mountains.
The dry winter season is ideal for hot-air ballooning adventures. The northern provinces of Limpopo and Gauteng, particularly Magaliesberg and the Magalies River Valley, offer the greatest experience. If you choose wisely, you will be able to fly silently across the private game reserves that border Kruger National Park. Combine with two or three days in Johannesburg or Pretoria, both of which have an abundance of cultural sites.
May Happenings
Gauteng Groves & Vineyards Summer Festival Every year, for a weekend in late May, the list of chefs, winemakers, and musicians who come grows, ensuring a fantastic time whether you’re a foodie, a wine connoisseur, or a fan of great music.
Johannesburg Zoo Lake Family Braai Picnic & Color Festival If there is one thing that South Africans excel at, it is braaiing, and this celebration at Zoo Lake City Park in Johannesburg is the largest “bring and braai” picnic of all time.
Johannesburg’s Schulbasar. For more than a century, Johannesburg has held this celebration of South Africa’s German ancestry. The huge celebration, held in late May, includes traditional German food and beer, as well as live stage acts.
Is it freezing in South Africa in May?
When is the best time to visit South Africa? South Africa’s climate is seasonal, with winters becoming fairly cold (May-August). Spring and fall are nice and sunny, while summer (November to March) is often hot and humid, with periodic rains to keep things cool.
What is South Africa’s coldest month?
South Africa has normal Southern Hemisphere weather, with the coldest months being June and August.
