May · Namibia
Best time to visit Sossusvlei in May Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Sossusvlei in May
Average temperature 21°C, 0 mm of rain, about 19 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 28% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
May score
8.8/10
Ranked #3 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 21°C
- Rainfall
- 0 mm
- Humidity
- 28%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 19
- Crowd Density
- Moderate Crowds
- Average Expenses
- $$ · Moderate Cost ($$)
May in Sossusvlei scores 8.8/10 for nature and wildlife travel - one of the top 12-month picks (#3). Expect around 21°C, 0 mm of rain, and roughly 19 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Sossusvlei's red dunes and white pans sit at the heart of the Namib, the world's oldest desert.
May is one of the strongest months in Sossusvlei (3rd)
May averages 21°C (71°F) — warm for the outdoors: start trails early, use shaded routes at midday, and carry more water than you think you need.
Rain is a non-issue at 0 mm for the month, with about 19 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 10.8 hours of daylight to work with.
A 8.8/10 puts this among the year's best months in Sossusvlei (3rd of 12); only September scores higher, at 9.2/10.
Pack light clothing, a hat and real sun protection, footwear you can get muddy.
Figure on mid-season pricing, with crowds are moderate.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Sossusvlei in May?
- In May, Sossusvlei averages 21°C, 0 mm of rain, and about 19 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 8.8/10.
- Is May a good time to visit Sossusvlei?
- May earns a 8.8/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Sossusvlei in May?
- Expect about 0 mm of rain in May. Average humidity is 28% and there are about 19 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
Curated in Sossusvlei
Tickets & experiences
Things to do in Sossusvlei
Sossusvlei, Namibia. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.