Durban Weather in May
South Africa · Humid Subtropical climate · Data averaged from 2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31 (5 years)
May in Durban sees average temperatures ranging from a low of 15.1°C (59.2°F) to a high of 24.2°C (75.6°F), with a mean of 19.4°C (66.9°F). Compared to the annual average of 20.7°C (69.3°F), this month is 1.3°C cooler than the yearly norm. Precipitation averages 70.0mm, making it approximately 9.0mm drier than the monthly average of 79.0mm. The city receives an average of 9.4 hours of sunshine per day during May, with relative humidity averaging 72.5%. Wind speeds reach an average maximum of 19.3 km/h. For travelers, this month offers a temperature experience in Durban, with drier-than-average conditions compared to the rest of the year.
Durban's humid subtropical climate is influenced by the warm Agulhas Current. I've tracked the data and found that the city enjoys warm temperatures year-round, with the hottest months being January to March. The best time for visiting is April to September, when the humidity is lower and the city's famous beaches are most comfortable.
May vs Adjacent Months
| Metric | April | May | June |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Temp | 21.2°C (70.2°F) | 19.4°C (66.9°F) | 17.2°C (63.0°F) |
| Rainfall | 100.5mm | 70.0mm | 23.9mm |
| Sunshine | 9.0 hrs | 9.4 hrs | 9.6 hrs |
| Humidity | 76.2% | 72.5% | 66.9% |
| Wind | 21.2 km/h | 19.3 km/h | 19.2 km/h |
| Rainy Days | 14.6 | 8.4 | 6.8 |
Seasonal Context
May falls in Spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Spring is a transitional season with temperatures rising from winter lows. For travelers visiting Durban in May, the data indicates favorable conditions based on the combination of temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average temperature in Durban in May?
The average temperature in Durban during May ranges from 15.1°C (59.2°F) to 24.2°C (75.6°F), with a mean of 19.4°C (66.9°F).
How much does it rain in Durban in May?
Durban receives an average of 70.0mm of precipitation in May, spread across approximately 8.4 rainy days.
What should I pack for Durban in May?
Based on May weather data, pack layers including light jackets and t-shirts, plus an umbrella.
Is May a good time to visit Durban?
May is a good time to visit Durban, with comfortable temperatures and manageable rainfall.
Other Months for Durban
Cities with Similar May Climate (Humid Subtropical)
Data Source: Open-Meteo historical archive (2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31). Daily measurements aggregated into monthly climate normals. Coordinates: -29.86°, 31.02°. Timezone: Africa/Johannesburg. Last updated: 2026-07-30.