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South Africa in May

Africa's best authentic tailor-made safaris

May is the start of the dry season across South Africa’s prime safari destinations. Rainfall has decreased, leading to vegetation and watering holes drying up. These conditions are ideal for wildlife viewing! During game drives across the plains, you’ll see animals more easily, especially gathering around the last remaining water sources.

Rain clouds have moved into Cape Town at this time of the year. You can expect regular rainfall and cold temperatures across the city and surrounding areas. While a few sunny days may occur, beach days are almost nonexistent – unless you’re a surfer. Waves along the coast are large and consistent from May to the end of winter.

Weather in May

Elephants at sunset in kruger park
May is the start of the dry season across South Africa’s prime safari destinations | Photo: Getty

Daytime temperatures in Kruger National Park and surrounds can reach a high of 28 °C/82 °F and a low of 12 °C/54 °F, with very chilly conditions in the early mornings and evenings. The dry weather opens up more opportunities to explore the wilderness, such as horseback riding safaris. With an average rainfall of only 0.6 in this month, you’ll enjoy clear skies during game drives and walking safaris. Cape Town’s temperatures can reach a high of 20 °C/68 °F and a low of 9 °C/48 °F, with an average rainfall of 2.8 in.

Average Weather in May

Kruger and Surrounds

Temperatures CelsiusFahrenheitRainfall
Min 12℃ 54℉0.4 inches
Max 28℃82℉0.7 inches

Cape Town

TemperaturesCelsiusFahrenheitRainfall
Min9℃48℉1.6 inch
Max20℃68℉3.6 inches

Destinations to Visit in South Africa During May

May is the start of the best time of the year to go on a safari at Phinda in KwaZulu-Natal | Photo: andBeyond Phinda Zuka Lodge

Kruger National Park

For a classic Big Five safari, you can’t go wrong with Kruger National Park. This iconic safari destination sees the start of the dry season in May, paving the way for incredible wildlife sightings, including of lion prides and white rhinos.

Phinda Private Game Reserve

May is the start of the best time of the year to go on a safari at Phinda in KwaZulu-Natal. This Big Five South African safari destination sees minimal rain this month, making wildlife easier to spot. This reserve is well-known for its healthy population of cheetahs; sightings of this graceful big cat are common.

Madikwe Game Reserve

The start of the dry season brings excellent game viewing opportunities to Madikwe. This game reserve is one of the best places for African wild dog sightings, as it houses three packs, so you have a good chance of seeing these endangered animals during your South African safari.

Activities to Do in May in South Africa

May is a great time for surfing in South Africa | Photo: Getty
  • Surfing along Cape Town’s coast
  • Game drives in national parks and game reserves
  • Walking safaris and animal tracking
  • Horseback riding safaris
  • Stargazing and sleep-outs under the stars

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"Excellent trip -- tour operators were professional and on time. Safari lodge choices excellent. Adelle communicated issues that cropped up in a timely manner and the whole process was a pleasure."

Jake Sanderson, United States29 May 2026

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"We had an amazing time at our safari place(Kapama Karula) organized by Susan from Discover Africa! She is very professional and gave us unforgettable time in South Africa! I highly recommend Susan and discover Africa!"

Luana, Brazil21 Apr 2026

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"From start to finish, every phase of our trip was seamless. From the man who greeted us at Nairobi airport when we arrived to the woman who assisted us at our departure, we were taken care of perfectly. Our lodges at Saruni Samburu and Saruni Mara were beau..."

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"We just completed our second African safari planned by Megan Warrington, this one to Botswana, and we couldn't have been more pleased with our trip! Megan did a fantastic job of starting us out in the Kalahari (Tau Pan Camp) which was unique in its landscap..."

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"We booked a safari with Susan and as it was something I have been eagerly anticipating most of my life, we opened the budget strings a little. If we were going to do it once, we really wanted to get it right and make sure to make the most of it. We were sti..."

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"Adelle at Discover Africa helped to plan our first safari and everything went so smoothly from our internal flights to the game reserve and the booking at the lodge. Couldn’t fault them and wouldn’t hesitate to use them again in the future :)"

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