Pretoria in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Pretoria

22°C (72°F) High Temp

8°C (46°F) Low Temp

15 mm (0.6 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect autumn weather with crisp mornings (8°C/46°F) warming to comfortable 22°C (72°F) - ideal for outdoor exploring without summer heat
Jacaranda trees bloom throughout the city creating purple-lined streets, particularly spectacular along Herbert Baker Street and in Brooklyn - photographers' great destination
Low rainfall (only 15mm/0.6 inches) means outdoor activities rarely get interrupted, with most rain occurring as brief evening showers
Post-harvest season brings fresh produce to weekend markets like Hazel Food Market, with seasonal favorites like naartjies and early winter vegetables at peak quality

Considerations

Large temperature swings require layered clothing - morning temperatures can be 14°C (25°F) cooler than afternoon highs
May marks the start of university exam period at UP and Unisa, making student areas like Hatfield busier and noisier on weekdays
Some outdoor venues close early (by 6pm) as daylight shortens, limiting evening outdoor dining options

Best Activities in May

Voortrekker Monument and Heritage Trail Walking

May's moderate temperatures make the 2.3 km (1.4 mile) heritage trail comfortable for the full circuit. Morning mist often clears by 9am revealing impressive views over Pretoria. The monument's outdoor areas are perfect in 22°C (72°F) weather without summer's harsh sun.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for self-guided trails. Guided heritage tours typically cost R150-250 per person and should be booked 3-5 days ahead through the monument's visitor center. Best visited 9am-3pm when temperatures are most comfortable.

Union Buildings Gardens and Government Avenue Exploration

The terraced gardens are at their autumn peak in May, with established trees showing color changes. Perfect weather for the 1.5 km (0.9 mile) walk through the gardens without summer heat. Fewer crowds than peak tourist months make photography easier.

Booking Tip: Free access to gardens. Guided architecture tours of the buildings typically R200-350 and run weekdays only - book through official government tour programs 1-2 weeks ahead. Visit between 10am-4pm for best light and comfortable temperatures.

Cullinan Diamond Mine Historical Tours

Autumn weather eliminates the intense summer heat that makes underground mine tours uncomfortable. The 40-minute surface tour and 1.5-hour underground experience are perfect when outdoor temps are 22°C (72°F). May's dry conditions mean better visibility for the 45 km (28 mile) drive to Cullinan.

Booking Tip: Must book 7-14 days ahead, especially for underground tours limited to 20 people. Tours typically R180-450 depending on depth and duration. Closed shoes mandatory. Morning tours (9am-11am) offer coolest underground conditions.

Rietvlei Nature Reserve Game Viewing

May's moderate temperatures bring animals to water sources during comfortable midday hours, unlike summer when they shelter from heat. The 20 km (12.4 mile) drive circuit is pleasant with windows down. Dry conditions mean better road access to remote viewing areas.

Booking Tip: Entry typically R25-45 per adult, no booking required. Best viewing 8am-11am and 2pm-5pm. Bring layers as early morning temperatures start at 8°C (46°F). 4WD not necessary in dry May conditions unlike rainy summer months.

Pretoria Art Museum and Cultural District Walking

May's pleasant weather makes the 3 km (1.9 mile) cultural district walk between Pretoria Yaounde, State Theatre, and smaller galleries comfortable all day. Outdoor sculpture gardens are enjoyable without summer heat or winter wind.

Booking Tip: Museum entry typically R30-50, no advance booking needed. Many galleries offer free First Thursday events. Plan 3-4 hours for the full district walk. Comfortable walking weather means you can easily cover multiple venues in one day.

Magaliesberg Range Day Hiking

May offers ideal hiking conditions with moderate temperatures and low rainfall. Popular trails like the Elephant's Eye Cave (8 km/5 mile round trip) are comfortable in 22°C (72°F) weather. Clear autumn air provides excellent views of Pretoria from elevated positions 200m (656 ft) above the city.

Booking Tip: Most trails require R40-80 entry fees, no booking needed. Start early (7am-8am) as temperatures rise throughout day. Guided trails typically R150-300 per person through local hiking groups. Book accommodation 2-3 weeks ahead if staying overnight in Magaliesberg lodges.

May Events & Festivals

First Saturday of May

Pretoria Boeremark Seasonal Produce Festival

Monthly artisanal market featuring autumn harvest specialties, local crafts, and seasonal foods. Located at Pioneer Museum grounds with over 100 vendors showcasing post-harvest abundance including preserves, biltong, and early winter vegetables.

Mid May

University of Pretoria Open Campus Heritage Walk

Annual heritage month activities include guided walks through the historic campus highlighting architecture and jacaranda-lined pathways at peak bloom. Free community access during normally restricted exam period.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings start at 8°C (46°F) but reach 22°C (72°F), pack light fleece and t-shirts you can remove

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - autumn leaves can make paths slippery, especially after brief evening showers

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 despite moderate temperatures, high altitude increases exposure

Light rain jacket or windbreaker - evening showers occur 30% of days and last 15-20 minutes

Camera with extra battery - jacaranda blooms and autumn light drain batteries faster in cooler morning temperatures

Warm layer for early morning activities - game drives and hiking start when temperatures are 8-10°C (46-50°F)

Breathable long pants - protecting legs during hiking and for air-conditioned indoor venues that feel cold after warm outdoor temps

Compact umbrella - brief showers are unpredictable and provide little warning

Moisturizer and lip balm - 70% humidity can be deceiving, autumn air still causes skin drying

Closed-toe shoes for mine tours and hiking - required for underground activities and better ankle support on uneven autumn terrain

Insider Knowledge

Local university students are in exam mode, so student areas like Hatfield have extended library hours but restaurants may be quieter - great for avoiding crowds

Jacaranda petals fall throughout May creating purple carpets but can be slippery when wet - locals avoid walking directly under trees after rain

May is harvest time for naartjies (local mandarins) - vendors sell them roadside for R10-15 per bag, much cheaper than supermarkets

Morning temperatures drop quickly after sunset (around 6pm) - locals always carry a jacket even on warm afternoons, unlike tourists who get caught off-guard

Avoid These Mistakes

Underdressing for morning activities - tourists see 22°C (72°F) forecasts and forget it starts at 8°C (46°F), ending up cold on early game drives or hikes

Planning only outdoor activities - not realizing that some outdoor venues close earlier in May due to shorter daylight hours

Expecting summer-style extended daylight - sunset occurs around 6pm, much earlier than November-March peak season, cutting short outdoor dining plans