Cape Town in May

Climate

Winter arrives in Cape Town, but not with great force as the city experiences a fairly mild winter. Daytime temperatures average just below the 20°C mark while evenings can drop to around 10°C. Expect some cloudy and rainy days.

Best regions

In response to the colder weather Cape Town moves its social scene indoors. It is the perfect time to explore indoor markets, live music nights, theatre performances and classic movie screenings at the iconic Labia Theatre.

The Cape Town Big Band Jazz Festival takes place at the end of the month at the Baxter Theatre in Rondebosch.

In the Cape Winelands Stellenbosch hosts the annual Oyster & Bubbly festival while the Franschhoek Literary Festival is centered around writers, classical concerts and fine dining.

Travel tips

The cooler weather and coming winter mean there aren’t many outdoor activities, but Cape Town makes up for it with great indoor events. Accommodation and flights are generally at their cheapest around this time of the year.

Popular Cape Town Safaris

These popular itineraries can be customised to match your budget and travel dates

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The Ultimate Luxury Safari in South Africa (11 days)

Combine Cape Town chic with Africa's most luxurious train and an elegant Big Five safari for a stylish South African holiday...

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Explore two of South Africa's most desirable locations in this whirlwind safari tour...

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Journey through the Highlights of Southern Africa (13 days)

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Climate Winter arrives in Cape Town, but not with great force as the city experiences a fairly mild winter. Daytime temperatures average just below the 20°C mark while evenings can drop to around 10°C. Expect some cloudy and rainy days. Best regions In response to the colder weather Cape Town moves its social scene indoors. It is the perfect time to explore indoor markets, live…

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Affordable Cape Town holiday

While Cape Town undoubtedly is home to some of the most luxurious hotels, guest houses and private villas in the country, it is arguably an even more superb holiday destination for the mid-range traveler. Who needs personal butlers and room service anyway when you have Table Mountain in your backyard and the Atlantic Ocean on your doorstep? In fact, you’ll get the most value for your…

Cape Town in May

Climate

Best regions

Travel tips

Our Recommended Itinerary

Kruger, Cape Town and Mauritius Bush & Beach Safari (15 days)

Kruger National Park | Lion Sands Game Reserve

Cape Town

Mauritius

End of Journey

Popular Cape Town Safaris

Cape Town, the Winelands and Kruger Luxury Journey (9 days)

Luxurious Cape Town and Victoria Falls Tour (8 days)

Delightful Cape Town and Kruger Luxury Safari (12 days)

Cape Town and Kruger Family Safari (8 days)

South African Bush and Beach Journey (10 days)

Kruger, Cape Town and Mauritius Bush & Beach Safari (15 days)

The Ultimate Luxury Safari in South Africa (11 days)

Nature, Romance and Exclusivity - A Complete African Honeymoon (14 days)

Cape Town to Kruger Luxury Holiday (8 days)

Journey through the Highlights of Southern Africa (13 days)

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Cape Town in November

City Bowl

Cape Town in May

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Southern Suburbs

Cape Town in August

Cape Town in October

Affordable Cape Town holiday

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