Swimming in South Africa in may 2025 Sea temperature by city in may

In may in South Africa swimming conditions vary by city. Details below:

As for Durban, Coffee Bay, East London, Margate, Richards Bay, Ballito (Dolphin Coast), iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Kenton-on-Sea, Port St Johns, Santa Lucia, Sodwana Bay, The Wild Coast, Port Alfred and Port Shepstone, swimming is pleasant in may. The sea water is 75°F on average (min: 73°F/max: 78°F) so you can easily spend time in the water.

Swimming in may in Port Elizabeth (South Africa), Cape of Good Hope, Gansbaai, Knysna, Pearly Beach, St Francis Bay, Wilderness, Jeffrey's Bay and Plettenberg Bay is possible but the sea is generally cool. So though the sea temperature may sometimes reach 72°F, it can also go as low as 66°F. Note that the average is 69°F.

Swimming in may in Cape Town, George, Agulhas National Park, Arniston, Cape Agulhas, Groot-Jongensfontein, Hermanus, Still Bay, Witsand, Mossel Bay and Saldanha is possible... with a wetsuit! Indeed, the water is cold at this time of year with an average temperature of 62°F (min: 59°F/max: 65°F).

Forget about swimming in Port Nolloth, Hondeklip Bay, Kleinsee and Lepelsfontein in may! The water temperature is freezing, reaching as low as 56°F (and only 61°F at the best of times). Our advice: plan on sightseeing, and don't bring your beach towel!