New Zealand in may: average Weather, Temperature and Climate, Where to go?
Weather in New Zealand in may 2026
In this section, check out the weather forecast for the month of may for most popular cities in New Zealand. These datas are statistics for the month of may from weather reports for over 10 years. The percentage indicates the probability of having the weather indicated.
Average weather in may in Auckland
good weather
Weather at 6am
59°F
Clear/Sunny
31% of time
29%
19%
17%
Weather at 12pm
63°F
Moderate rain at times
32% of time
28%
23%
12%
Weather at 6pm
59°F
Clear/Sunny
30% of time
29%
22%
12%
Weather at 3am
59°F
31%
27%
27%
12%
Where to go in New Zealand in may?
Where to go in New Zealand in may: destination map
Where to go in each region in may?
| North Island (Auckland, Wellington, Rotorua...) | 50°F to 65°F | 3 à 10 days | 59°F to 68°F | good weather* |
| South Island (Queenstown, Christchurch, Dunedin...) | 47°F to 61°F | 3 à 14 days | 52°F to 61°F | very bad weather* |
Where should you go in New Zealand in may when it comes to the weather?
Remember:
The climate in New Zealand in may ranges from good to very bad depending on the region and city.
Although it is not perfect the weather in New Zealand in may is, on average, quite good in Tauranga and Auckland. I allows to appreciate tour in these cities. And even why not take a little time to sunbathe!
If you do not go to spend your time in a lounger by the pool, but, for example to go sightseeing around, the cities of Nelson, Hokitika, Christchurch, Hamilton, Dunedin, Rotorua and Wellington have a just ok weather for that in may. Finally, it is not advisable to travel to Queenstown and Invercargill that month because the climate is rather unfavorable.
Climate in New Zealand in may
Climate in Auckland in may
In the month of may, maximum temperature is 63°F and minimum temperature is 58°F (for an average temperature of 61°F). The climate is relatively cool here in the month of may, but it is liveable when dressing warm. With 5.7in over 7 days, you risk getting wet slightly throughout your trip. But this is pretty reasonably and you will not be too bothered by it.
With a good climate, may is a recommended month to go in Auckland.
| May | |||
| Average temperature | 61°F | ||
| Highest temperature | 63°F | ||
| Lowest temperature | 58°F | ||
| Sea temperature | 65°F | ||
| Rainfall | 5.7in | ||
| Number of days with rainfall | 7 day(s) (24%) | ||
| Humidity | 83% | ||
| Daily sunshine hours | 9 | ||
| Cloud cover | 43% | ||
| Length of day | 10:10 | ||
| Our opinion at whereandwhen.net | good |
Climate in Christchurch in may
In the month of may, maximum temperature is 58°F and minimum temperature is 47°F (for an average temperature of 52°F). The climate is relatively cool around this city in the month of may, but it is tolerable when dressing hot. With 2.4in over 3 days, you will experience some showers for your journey. But this is pretty moderate and it will not be continuous.
With a correct weather, may is okay (but not the best time) for traveling there in New Zealand.
| May | |||
| Average temperature | 52°F | ||
| Highest temperature | 58°F | ||
| Lowest temperature | 47°F | ||
| Sea temperature | 55°F | ||
| Rainfall | 2.4in | ||
| Number of days with rainfall | 3 day(s) (9%) | ||
| Humidity | 83% | ||
| Daily sunshine hours | 9 | ||
| Cloud cover | 36% | ||
| Length of day | 09:39 | ||
| Our opinion at whereandwhen.net | tolerable |
Climate in Dunedin in may
In may, the mean temperature in Dunedin is 52°F (maximum temperature is 54°F and minimum temperature is 49°F). The climate is quite fresh there in the month of may, but it is liveable when dressing cosy. With 3in over 4 days, you risk getting wet slightly for your holidays. But this is rather moderate and it is only of temporary showers.
With proper weather, may is okay (but not good time) for traveling in Dunedin.
| May | |||
| Average temperature | 52°F | ||
| Highest temperature | 54°F | ||
| Lowest temperature | 49°F | ||
| Sea temperature | 52°F | ||
| Rainfall | 3in | ||
| Number of days with rainfall | 4 day(s) (13%) | ||
| Humidity | 80% | ||
| Daily sunshine hours | 9 | ||
| Cloud cover | 42% | ||
| Length of day | 09:26 | ||
| Our opinion at whereandwhen.net | bad |
Climate in Queenstown in may
In the month of may, the mean temperature in Queenstown is 43°F (maximum temperature is 50°F and minimum temperature is 36°F). The climate is quite cold in that locality in the month of may. Plan a sweater! With 5.5in over 8 days, rain may occur during your vacations. But this is rather moderate and you will not be too bothered by it.
| May | |||
| Average temperature | 43°F | ||
| Highest temperature | 50°F | ||
| Lowest temperature | 36°F | ||
| Rainfall | 5.5in | ||
| Number of days with rainfall | 8 day(s) (25%) | ||
| Humidity | 93% | ||
| Daily sunshine hours | 9 | ||
| Cloud cover | 47% | ||
| Length of day | 09:30 | ||
| Our opinion at whereandwhen.net | very bad |
Climate in Rotorua in may
In the month of may, maximum temperature is 59°F and minimum temperature is 47°F (for an average temperature of 54°F). The climate is quite cold around this city in may, but it is tolerable when dressing warm. With 5.6in over 6 days, you will experience some showers during your vacations. But this is pretty moderate and you will not be too bothered by it.
With proper weather, may is okay (but not the best month) for traveling in this city.
| May | |||
| Average temperature | 54°F | ||
| Highest temperature | 59°F | ||
| Lowest temperature | 47°F | ||
| Rainfall | 5.6in | ||
| Number of days with rainfall | 6 day(s) (19%) | ||
| Humidity | 94% | ||
| Daily sunshine hours | 9 | ||
| Cloud cover | 49% | ||
| Length of day | 10:04 | ||
| Our opinion at whereandwhen.net | tolerable |
All cities in New Zealand in may
| Auckland in may | good weather |
| Christchurch in may | tolerable weather |
| Dunedin in may | bad weather |
| Queenstown in may | very bad weather |
| Rotorua in may | tolerable weather |
| Wellington in may | tolerable weather |
| Tauranga in may | good weather |
| Abel Tasman National Park in may | good weather |
| Akaroa in may | tolerable weather |
| Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park in may | very bad weather |
| Cape Reinga in may | good weather |
| Castlepoint in may | tolerable weather |
| Cathedral Cove in may | good weather |
| The Catlins in may | bad weather |
| Coromandel in may | good weather |
| Franz Josef / Waiau in may | very bad weather |
| Haast in may | tolerable weather |
| Hamilton in may | tolerable weather |
| Hobbiton in may | tolerable weather |
| Hokitika in may | tolerable weather |
| Invercargill in may | bad weather |
Weather data for New Zealand in may:
Weather data for New Zealand in may is derived from an average of the weather forecast since 2009 in New Zealand. There is a margin of error and these forecasts are to be considered as general information only. The weather in New Zealand can vary slightly from year to year, but these predictions should limit surprises. So you can pack your bags and check when is the best time to go to New Zealand.