Cape Town guide
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Cape Town in May

A quieter, shoulder or off-peak time. The best months for Cape Town are January, February, March and December. In May, mild, a mix of layers and a light jacket works well; some rain is likely, a compact umbrella is worth packing.

A quieter, shoulder or off-peak time.
Avg temp
16°C
Rainfall
72 mm
Crowds
Quieter
~Cost/day
$130
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Weather and what to pack

In May, Cape Town is typically mild, a mix of layers and a light jacket works well; some rain is likely, a compact umbrella is worth packing. Average temperatures sit around 16°C with about 72mm of rain across the month.

Things to do in Cape Town in May

Highlights from Wikipedia and OpenStreetMap.

Statue of Nelson Mandela, Cape Town City Hall
A Statue of Nelson Mandela was unveiled on 24 July 2018. It was placed on the balcony of Cape Town City Hall overlooking the Grand Parade, Cape Town, South Africa. Nelson Mandela w
Cape Town
Cape Town is the legislative capital of South Africa. It is the country's oldest city and the seat of the Parliament of South Africa. Cape Town is the country's second-largest city
Cape Town City Hall
Cape Town City Hall is a large Edwardian building, built in 1905, and located in Cape Town's city centre. It is located on the Grand Parade, to the west of the Castle, and is built
South African Women's Open
The South African Women's Open is a golf tournament. It was first played in 1988, is sanctioned by the Women's PGA of South Africa and is played as part of the Sunshine Ladies Tour
Redoubt Duijnhoop
The Redoubt Duijnhoop was a square demi-bastioned clay and timber Redoubt built fort constructed at the mouth of the Salt River, leading into Table Bay, South Africa in January–Feb
Local food tour of Cape Town
Taste the signature dishes of Cape Town.

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Cape Town in May: FAQ

Is May a good time to visit Cape Town?+

A quieter, shoulder or off-peak time. Cape Town's best months are generally January, February, March and December.

What is the weather like in Cape Town in May?+

Expect average temperatures around 16°C. Rainfall averages about 72mm for the month. In short, mild, a mix of layers and a light jacket works well; some rain is likely, a compact umbrella is worth packing.

What should I pack for Cape Town in May?+

Based on the typical May weather: mild, a mix of layers and a light jacket works well; some rain is likely, a compact umbrella is worth packing.

What is there to do in Cape Town in May?+

Popular things to do include Statue of Nelson Mandela, Cape Town City Hall, Cape Town, Cape Town City Hall and South African Women's Open. There is a longer list below, or you can generate a full plan.

Cape Town in other months

Other destinations