Things to Do in Johannesburg in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Johannesburg
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect autumn weather with crisp mornings and warm afternoons ideal for walking tours - temperatures hit 19°C (67°F) by midday without summer's oppressive heat
- Minimal rainfall with only 20mm (0.8 inches) over the month means outdoor activities rarely get disrupted - morning game drives proceed as scheduled 95% of the time
- School holidays end mid-May, dramatically reducing crowds at Constitution Hill and Apartheid Museum - queue times drop from 45 minutes to 15 minutes
- Jacaranda trees bloom in late April through May, creating purple-lined streets throughout Pretoria (45 km/28 miles north) - locals call it 'Jacaranda City' during this brief window
Considerations
- Temperature swings of 12°C (22°F) between morning and afternoon mean layering is essential - locals joke about wearing four seasons in one day
- Winter approaches quickly after mid-May with occasional cold fronts dropping temperatures to 2°C (36°F) at night - heating costs spike in budget accommodations
- Dry winter air begins, making the 1,753m (5,751ft) altitude feel more intense - visitors often experience dehydration headaches their first 48 hours
Best Activities in May
Cradle of Humankind Cave Tours
May's stable weather with minimal rain makes this the ideal month for exploring the Sterkfontein and Maropeng caves, 50km (31 miles) northwest of the city. Underground temperatures remain constant at 18°C (64°F) while surface conditions are perfect for the walking trails between sites. Tourist numbers drop significantly after Easter, meaning intimate group sizes of 8-12 people instead of summer's packed 25-person tours.
Soweto Township Walking Experiences
May's moderate temperatures make walking through Soweto comfortable throughout the day - summer heat often forces afternoon tours indoors by 2pm. The post-harvest season means vibrant community markets in Orlando and Kliptown are fully stocked with local produce. Fewer international tour groups mean more authentic interactions with residents and longer conversations with former freedom fighters.
Lion Park and Rhino Sanctuary Visits
Animals are most active during May's cooler temperatures, with lions moving around enclosures throughout the day rather than seeking shade. Clear skies provide excellent photography conditions without summer's harsh shadows. The approaching winter means animals have thicker coats and display more natural behaviors as they prepare for colder months.
Gold Reef City Underground Mine Tours
May's stable weather eliminates summer thunderstorm cancellations that plague outdoor portions of the mining experience. The underground tours maintain constant 16°C (61°F) temperatures, making the surface-to-underground transition comfortable. Post-Easter period means minimal family crowds, allowing more detailed technical explanations during the 200m (656ft) underground descent.
Pilanesberg Game Reserve Day Safaris
Two hours northwest of Johannesburg, May offers exceptional game viewing as animals congregate around water sources before winter. Morning game drives benefit from excellent visibility with low humidity and clear skies. The Big Five are most active during May's moderate temperatures, with elephants and rhinos visible throughout the day rather than only at dawn and dusk.
Johannesburg CBD Art and Architecture Walks
May's comfortable walking weather makes exploring downtown's revitalization perfect - summer heat often cuts walking tours short by midday. The golden hour light from 4-5pm showcases Art Deco buildings beautifully against clear autumn skies. Reduced tourist numbers mean easier access to rooftop viewpoints and longer conversations with local street artists in Maboneng Precinct.
May Events & Festivals
Johannesburg International Comedy Festival
South Africa's largest comedy event featuring local and international comedians across multiple venues in Sandton and Braamfontein. Outdoor venues take advantage of May's perfect evening weather with shows starting at 7pm when temperatures settle around 15°C (59°F). Local comedians often reference current political and social topics, providing cultural insights for visitors.
Rand Show
The country's largest consumer exhibition held at Expo Centre Nasrec, featuring everything from cars to home goods. May's mild weather makes the outdoor exhibits comfortable to explore, with local food vendors selling traditional dishes like boerewors and vetkoek. This 125-year-old event offers insight into South African consumer culture and emerging local businesses.