Late autumn · Weather & things to do
Cape Town in May
Cape Town edges cooler than April, with highs of 64°F (18°C), lows of 59°F (15°C) and about 2.0 in (51 mm) of rain.
At 95/100 for comfort (4th of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 64°F (18°C)
- Avg low
- 59°F (15°C)
- Rain
- 2.0 in (51 mm)
- Humidity
- 81%
- Cloud cover
- 41%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 14 min
- Comfort score
- 95/100 · Great
What May feels like
Days are mild at around 64°F (18°C): comfortable for walking all day, with a layer for the evening.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 59°F (15°C).
Rain is moderate at about 2.0 in (51 mm) for the month.
Plan around May
May is one of Cape Town's best months on the climate data.
- Last of the best-scoring months: by June, the score drops to 85/100.
- Comfort slips from 99/100 in April to 95/100.
- Our Cape Town, Winelands & Garden Route recommends Oct – Apr, so May falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for May
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 59°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Cape Town in May
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
Rotating cable car to the flat summit, with trails and views over the city, Robben Island and the Twelve Apostles.
Why now May scores 95/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Neighbourgoods Market
Saturday food and design market inside the Old Biscuit Mill, with local producers and street food.
Why now Highs near 64°F and 2.0 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Kloof Street House
Victorian house turned restaurant with a garden terrace and a menu of steaks, seafood and cocktails.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Chapman's Peak Drive
Toll road cut into cliffs between Hout Bay and Noordhoek, with pullouts over the Atlantic.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Gardens of native fynbos on the eastern slope of Table Mountain, with a canopy walkway called the Boomslang.
Nearby in May
- Stellenbosch & Franschhoek in May~25 mi · highs 67°F, 2.8 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Knysna & Plettenberg Bay in May~265 mi · highs 72°F, 1.3 in rain · 5°C (8°F) warmer by day, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Cape Town in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Cape Town?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 95/100. Expect highs of 64°F (18°C) and 2.0 in (51 mm) of rain. Our Cape Town, Winelands & Garden Route recommends Oct – Apr, so May is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Cape Town in May?
Average highs are 64°F (18°C) and average lows 59°F (15°C), making it the 6th-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Cape Town in May?
Not much: about 2.0 in (51 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 4th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 19.3 in (489 mm).
What should I pack for Cape Town in May?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 59°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Cape Town in May?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.