Cape Town in May
Autumn in Cape Town: expect mild weather with highs of 19°C.
Photo: Tobias Reich / Unsplash
May Weather in Cape Town
🌡️
Average High
19°C
❄️
Average Low
12°C
🌧️
Rain Days
7.7
🌤️
Season
Autumn
What to Expect
May in Cape Town brings mild weather with daytime highs around 19°C and nighttime lows of 12°C. You can expect approximately 7.7 days of rain during the month. This is shoulder season with moderate crowds. A good balance of decent weather and reasonable prices.
Packing tip: Pack warm layers, a decent jacket, and waterproof footwear for cooler temperatures. Consider packing a compact umbrella.
May Costs in Cape Town
Budget
ZAR 800
per day
Mid-Range
ZAR 1800
per day
Luxury
ZAR 4000
per day
Things to Do in Cape Town in May
Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Cape Town
Hand-picked guided experiences you can book in advance on GetYourGuide.
Cape Town Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems
Discover Cape Town on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.
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Cape Town Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites
Eat your way through Cape Town with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.
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Best of Cape Town: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions
Skip the queues and get straight into Cape Town's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.
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Day Trip from Cape Town: Scenic Excursion
Escape Cape Town for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
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Cape Town Cultural Experience: History & Traditions
Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Cape Town's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.
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Hotels in Cape Town for May
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FAQ: Cape Town in May
What is the weather like in Cape Town in May?
Cape Town in May has average highs of 19°C and lows of 12°C, with around 7.7 rainy days. The weather is generally mild.
Is May a good time to visit Cape Town?
May is a shoulder season in Cape Town, which means decent weather with fewer crowds and often lower prices than peak months.
How crowded is Cape Town in May?
May sees moderate tourist numbers in Cape Town. Popular spots will be busy but manageable.
How much does it cost to visit Cape Town in May?
Budget travellers can get by on around ZAR 800/day. Mid-range travellers should budget ZAR 1800/day. Shoulder season often offers good value compared to peak months.
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