Things to Do in Lesotho in May

May Weather in Lesotho

18°C (64°F) High Temp

3°C (37°F) Low Temp

8mm (0.3 inches) Rainfall

45% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Crystal-clear mountain views - May offers the clearest skies before winter haze, with visibility up to 50km (31 miles) perfect for photographing the Drakensberg mountains
Ideal hiking conditions with cool daytime temperatures of 18°C (64°F) and minimal rainfall - only 3 rainy days expected versus 12+ in summer months
Peak trout fishing season in highland streams and dams, with brown trout most active before winter dormancy and water levels still optimal at 1,400m+ (4,593ft+) altitude
Pony trekking weather is perfect - comfortable for both riders and horses with cool temperatures preventing overheating during 4-6 hour mountain journeys

Considerations

Nighttime temperatures drop to 3°C (37°F) requiring serious cold-weather gear - many accommodations lack central heating at altitude
Daylight hours shrink to 10.5 hours with sunset by 5:30pm, limiting afternoon activities and making early morning starts essential
Mountain passes above 2,000m (6,562ft) can experience frost and occasional snow, potentially closing Sani Pass without 4WD vehicles

Best Activities in May

Sani Pass 4WD Mountain Adventures

May offers perfect conditions for tackling Africa's highest pub at 2,874m (9,429ft). Clear skies provide unobstructed views into KwaZulu-Natal, and cool temperatures make the 3-4 hour journey comfortable. Roads are dry and stable after summer rains but before winter ice formation.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through operators with proper 4WD vehicles and warm blankets. Tours typically cost M800-1,200 ($45-67 USD) and depart 8am to maximize daylight. Look for operators offering traditional Basotho blanket rentals for the summit.

Highland Trout Fishing Expeditions

May marks peak trout season as fish feed aggressively before winter. Water temperatures at 12-15°C (54-59°F) are optimal, and reduced tourist pressure means pristine fishing spots. Katse Dam and Bokong Nature Reserve offer world-class brown and rainbow trout.

Booking Tip: Arrange fishing permits and guides 2 weeks ahead through licensed operators. Daily rates typically M600-900 ($33-50 USD) including equipment and transport to remote highland dams above 2,200m (7,218ft). Reference booking widget for current guided fishing options.

Traditional Basotho Village Cultural Tours

May coincides with pre-winter preparations in mountain villages - wool shearing, harvest storage, and traditional beer brewing. Cool weather makes walking tours comfortable, and clear skies offer spectacular backdrops for cultural photography at villages like Malealea and Semonkong.

Booking Tip: Community-based tours cost M400-600 ($22-33 USD) for full-day experiences including traditional meals. Book through village cooperatives 5-7 days ahead. Look for tours including overnight stays in traditional rondavels with proper bedding for cold nights.

Maletsunyane Falls Abseiling Adventures

The 192m (630ft) single-drop waterfall is at moderate flow in May - perfect for abseiling without dangerous summer torrents. Cool temperatures prevent overheating in safety gear, and clear conditions offer spectacular photography opportunities of Southern Africa's highest single-drop falls.

Booking Tip: Adventure sports operators charge M1,200-1,800 ($67-100 USD) for guided abseiling including safety equipment. Book 10-14 days ahead and verify operators have winter safety protocols. Morning slots from 9am offer best lighting and warmest temperatures.

Pony Trekking Mountain Expeditions

Basotho ponies thrive in May's cool conditions, making multi-day treks across 3,000m+ (9,843ft+) passes comfortable for animals and riders. Traditional blanket-wearing guides lead treks to remote villages inaccessible by vehicle, with crystal-clear mountain panoramas throughout the highlands.

Booking Tip: Multi-day pony treks cost M800-1,200 ($45-67 USD) per day including pony, guide, and basic accommodation. Book 2-3 weeks ahead through established pony trekking centers. Ensure operators provide warm sleeping bags rated to -5°C (23°F) for highland camping.

Sehlabathebe National Park Wilderness Hiking

May offers ideal conditions for exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site at 2,400m (7,874ft) altitude. San rock art sites are accessible via comfortable hiking temperatures, and clear skies reveal the full drama of the Drakensberg escarpment extending into South Africa.

Booking Tip: Park entry fees are M50 ($3 USD) with guided hiking services at M300-500 ($17-28 USD) per day. Book accommodation at park chalets 2-3 weeks ahead as May is popular with South African hikers. Ensure guides are certified for high-altitude wilderness areas.

May Events & Festivals

Early to Mid May

National Wool and Mohair Grading Season

Highland communities participate in traditional wool grading and preparation for export markets. Visitors can observe Basotho herders bringing sheep and goats down from summer pastures, with demonstrations of traditional shearing and wool sorting techniques passed down through generations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated sleeping bag rated to -10°C (14°F) - highland accommodations often lack heating and temperatures drop rapidly after sunset at 2,000m+ (6,562ft+) altitude

Layered clothing system including thermal underwear, fleece mid-layer, and windproof outer shell - temperature swings of 15°C (27°F) between day and night are common

Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support - rocky terrain and occasional frost make proper footwear essential for mountain trails

High-altitude sunscreen SPF 50+ and quality sunglasses - UV exposure increases 10-15% per 1,000m (3,281ft) of elevation gain

Headlamp with extra batteries - daylight ends by 5:30pm and many rural areas have no electricity

Portable phone charger/power bank - cell towers are sparse in mountains and emergency communication is crucial

Warm hat and insulated gloves - early morning temperatures can feel like -5°C (23°F) with wind chill at altitude

Quick-dry hiking pants and moisture-wicking base layers - avoid cotton which becomes dangerous when wet at altitude

Altitude sickness medication if prone to sensitivity - many activities occur above 2,500m (8,202ft) where symptoms can develop

Warm blanket for pony trekking and cultural visits - traditional Basotho blankets are available locally but bringing backup ensures comfort

Insider Knowledge

Village communities brew traditional joala (sorghum beer) in May for winter celebrations - accepting an offered taste is considered respectful, but it's strong and can affect altitude acclimatization

Sani Pass closes without warning when frost forms before 10am - locals check conditions by calling Sani Mountain Lodge at 6am before attempting the drive

May is shearing season, making it the cheapest time to buy authentic Basotho blankets directly from weavers - prices drop 30-40% compared to tourist shops in Maseru

Highland shepherds move flocks to lower pastures in May, creating the year's best opportunities to observe traditional herding practices and meet isolated mountain communities

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating cold nights - tourists often pack for daytime temperatures and suffer in unheated mountain accommodations where indoor temperatures match the 3°C (37°F) outdoor lows

Attempting Sani Pass in regular vehicles - May frost makes 4WD absolutely essential, and rental companies won't cover damage from attempting the pass in unsuitable vehicles

Not booking mountain accommodations ahead - May is peak season for South African mountain enthusiasts, and highland lodges fill up quickly despite overall low tourist numbers