What is the weather like in Durban throughout the year?

Durban experiences varying weather throughout the year. The warmest month is March with average highs of 27°C. The coolest month is August.

What is the weather like in Durban in May?

Durban in May scores 64/100 based on 30 years of climate data. Worthwhile timing with some trade-offs.

Who should visit Durban in May?

May in Durban is ideal for: Families with children, Outdoor enthusiasts, Photographers, Cultural tourists, Honeymoon couples.

Best Time to Visit Durban | 30-Year Weather Analysis

Why May is the Best Time to Visit Durban

Is May a Good Time to Visit Durban?

👌Worthwhile timing with some trade-offs(64/100)

Short Answer

May perfect for Durban's beaches - 23.7°C water temperature, 24°C days, minimal 12% rain. Book beachfront early as this is peak coastal season.

Decision Factors

Vaccinations required

Yellow Fever

Rough sea conditions

2.04m average wave height - Surfers Only

Peak tourist season

94% of annual peak - expect crowds and peak prices

Ideal temperature range

23.7°C - perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities

Excellent dry conditions

Only 12% rain probability - ideal for outdoor activities

Pleasant swimming conditions

23.7°C sea temperature

Good For

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
Families with children
Comfortable 23.7°C temperatures and low 12% rain risk
🥾
Outdoor enthusiasts
Ideal hiking conditions: 23.7°C, 12% rain chance
📸
Photographers
9h sunshine, 67% clear skies for golden hour shots
🏛️
Cultural tourists
Comfortable conditions for exploring museums and sites
💑
Honeymoon couples
Wedding score 100/100 with romantic weather conditions

Who Should Avoid

💰
Budget travelers
Peak season means premium prices everywhere
👴
Elderly travelers
75% humidity creates difficult conditions

Warmest

March

27°C avg

Coolest

August

22°C avg

Driest

July

8% rain

Wettest

December

30% rain

Planning Your Trip to Durban, South Africa

Wondering when is the best time to visit Durban? Based on our analysis of 30 years of NASA satellite weather data, the ideal months to travel to Durban are May, June, July. During these months, you'll experience optimal temperatures around 24°C with only 12% chance of rain.

The Durban climate varies throughout the year. March is the hottest month with average highs of 27°C, while August is the coldest at 22°C. If you're planning outdoor activities or sightseeing in Durban, avoid December when rainfall peaks at 30% probability.

For the best Durban weather experience, we recommend visiting during July for the driest conditions or the shoulder months of May and June for a perfect balance of weather and fewer crowds.

Durban Weather by Month: Climate Guide

Click any month to explore detailed daily forecasts for Durban

🏆 85-100: Excellent👍 70-84: Great👌 55-69: Good🤔 40-54: Fair⚠️ 0-39: Challenging

When to Visit Durban: Travel Style Guide

Personalized Durban travel recommendations based on 30-year weather data

Beach Lovers

Warmest weather with ideal sea temperatures for swimming

JanuaryFebruaryMarch

Budget Travelers

Shoulder season with good weather and lower prices

MarchAprilMay

Photography

Best light conditions with clear skies

JulyJuneMay

Honeymoon

Perfect conditions for a romantic getaway

JanuaryFebruaryMarch

Durban Weather FAQ: Your Questions Answered

What is the best time to visit Durban?

Based on 30 years of weather data, the best months to visit Durban are May, June, July. These months offer the optimal combination of pleasant temperatures (24°C avg) and low rainfall (12% chance).

When is the hottest time of year in Durban?

March is historically the warmest month in Durban with average highs of 27°C. If you prefer cooler weather, consider visiting in August when temperatures average around 22°C.

When is the rainy season in Durban?

December typically sees the most rainfall in Durban with a 30% chance of rain. For the driest conditions, plan your visit in July when rain probability drops to just 8%.

How accurate is the Durban weather forecast?

Our Durban climate analysis is based on 30 years of NASA POWER satellite observations (1995-2024), providing highly accurate historical averages. While weather can vary year to year, these long-term patterns are excellent indicators for planning your trip to Durban.

What should I pack for Durban?

Packing depends on when you visit. In March (warmest month), pack light summer clothes for 27°C weather. In August (coolest month), bring layers for 22°C temperatures.

Is Durban good for a destination wedding?

Yes! The best months for an outdoor wedding in Durban are July (only 8% rain chance) and May for optimal weather conditions. Avoid December when rain probability peaks at 30%.