Windhoek in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Windhoek

22°C (72°F) High Temp

9°C (48°F) Low Temp

7.6 mm (0.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season weather with warm afternoons 22°C (72°F) and cool evenings 9°C (48°F) - ideal for outdoor activities without summer heat
Minimal rainfall at 7.6 mm (0.3 inches) means outdoor plans rarely get disrupted, unlike the wet season from November to March
Clear, crisp air with excellent visibility for photography and game viewing at Daan Viljoen Game Reserve and surrounding areas
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs are 20-30% lower than peak winter months (June-August) while weather remains excellent

Considerations

Large temperature swings require layered clothing - mornings can be 9°C (48°F) while afternoons reach 22°C (72°F)
UV index of 8 means sunburn risk is high due to Windhoek's altitude of 1,654 m (5,427 ft) and clear skies
Dust levels increase as the dry season progresses, which can affect those with respiratory sensitivities

Best Activities in May

Daan Viljoen Game Reserve Wildlife Viewing

May's dry conditions concentrate wildlife around water sources, making game viewing exceptional. Clear, dust-free air provides perfect photography conditions. Cool mornings are ideal for hiking the 8 km (5 mile) trail network, while warm afternoons are perfect for relaxing at the main camp viewing deck. Animals are most active during the comfortable temperature range.

Booking Tip: Book accommodation and guided walks 2-3 weeks ahead as May marks the start of safari season. Day visits typically cost N$30-50 per person. Best visited early morning (7-10am) or late afternoon (4-6pm) when temperatures are most comfortable.

Township Cultural Tours

May's pleasant weather makes walking through Katutura and other townships comfortable for extended periods. The cooler mornings are perfect for market visits, while the warm afternoons allow for outdoor community interactions. Local schools are in session, providing authentic cultural exchanges.

Booking Tip: Book through established community tourism operators 1-2 weeks ahead. Tours typically cost N$250-400 per person for half-day experiences. Choose morning tours (9am-12pm) to avoid afternoon heat and catch markets at their busiest.

Windhoek City Historical Walking Tours

Perfect weather for exploring downtown Windhoek's German colonial architecture and Independence Avenue. May's dry conditions mean outdoor monuments and building exteriors are at their photogenic best. Cool mornings are ideal for the 3 km (1.9 mile) historical circuit.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours are free with maps from Windhoek Information Centre. Guided tours cost N$150-250 per person. Start early (8-9am) to complete the walk before afternoon temperatures peak. Many sites close 1-2pm for lunch.

Khomas Hochland Mountain Drives

May offers crystal-clear visibility for scenic drives through the Khomas Highland mountains surrounding Windhoek. Dry roads provide safe access to viewpoints at 2,000+ m (6,562 ft) elevation. Cool morning air makes hiking to viewpoints comfortable, while afternoon light is perfect for photography.

Booking Tip: 4WD vehicle rentals typically cost N$800-1,200 per day. Book vehicles 2-3 weeks ahead as May starts the self-drive season. Fuel up in Windhoek - next stations can be 100+ km (62+ miles) away. Carry extra water and warm layers for elevation changes.

Local Brewery and Distillery Tours

May's comfortable indoor/outdoor temperatures make brewery tours enjoyable throughout the day. Namibia Breweries and local craft producers offer tastings in perfect weather for outdoor seating areas. The dry season means better access to rural distilleries producing traditional ombike (traditional beer).

Booking Tip: Namibia Breweries tours cost N$80-120 per person and run Tuesday-Thursday. Book 1 week ahead. Craft brewery tours typically cost N$150-250 including tastings. Most tours run 2-3 hours with outdoor components perfect for May weather.

Weekend Market and Craft Shopping

May's pleasant weather makes outdoor market browsing comfortable for hours. Namibian Craft Centre and weekend markets at Zoo Park operate in perfect conditions. Cool mornings are ideal for vendor interactions, while afternoon shade-seeking creates a relaxed browsing atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Markets operate Saturday-Sunday 8am-4pm. No booking required but arrive early (8-10am) for best selection and cooler temperatures. Bargaining is expected - start at 60% of asking price. Bring cash - most vendors don't accept cards.

May Events & Festivals

Late May

Windhoek Agricultural and Industrial Show

Namibia's largest agricultural exhibition showcasing local farming, crafts, and industrial innovations. Features livestock competitions, traditional foods, and cultural performances. Perfect weather for outdoor exhibit browsing and family activities.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - light cotton t-shirts for 22°C (72°F) afternoons and fleece/light jacket for 9°C (48°F) mornings

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 due to 1,654 m (5,427 ft) altitude and clear skies

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - many sidewalks are uneven and hiking trails can be rocky

Light scarf or bandana for dust protection during windy afternoons

Reusable water bottle - stay hydrated in dry 70% humidity conditions, especially during outdoor activities

Lightweight rain jacket - while rainfall is minimal at 7.6 mm (0.3 inches), brief afternoon showers can occur

Camera with extra batteries - clear air provides exceptional photography conditions but batteries drain faster in temperature swings

Moisturizer and lip balm - dry conditions can cause skin and lip chapping

Cash in small denominations - many local vendors and taxi drivers prefer Namibian dollars in small bills

Warm sleepwear - evenings can drop to 9°C (48°F) and some accommodations have minimal heating

Insider Knowledge

Most locals start outdoor activities at 7am to take advantage of cool morning temperatures before the afternoon heat - follow their lead for comfort

Windhoek's water is safe to drink but many locals prefer bottled water due to mineral taste - both options are readily available

May marks the start of 'braai season' when locals increase outdoor barbecuing - join in at accommodations with braai facilities for real feels

Petrol stations close early (6-7pm) and many don't operate Sundays - fuel up during business hours if planning weekend drives to surrounding areas

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating temperature drops after sunset - many tourists pack only for warm daytime weather and get caught unprepared for 9°C (48°F) evenings

Not carrying water during city walking tours - the 70% humidity and strong UV make dehydration common even during short walks

Scheduling too many outdoor activities during midday heat - locals avoid outdoor activities 12-3pm when UV index peaks at 8