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Weather in New Zealand for May 2025

Your guide to New Zealand weather in May - trends and predictions
  • In general, the average temperature in New Zealand at the beginning of May is 18.3 °C. As the month progressed, temperatures tended to noticeably cool down, reaching an average of 16.1 °C by the end of May.

  • The climate of New Zealand in May is notably wet, with an average of 15 rainy days.

  • Is May a good time to visit New Zealand? check out the best time to travel to New Zealand page.

  • New! Chat with our AI weatherman - it’s amazing and free.
Average dry days
16
Dry days
Average rainy days
15
Rainy days
Average snowy days
0
Snow days
Average temperatures
18°/11°
Temperatures
Average wind speed
21 km/h
Avg max wind
Average humidity
80 %
Avg humidity

New Zealand in May average weather

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Temperatures trend during May in New Zealand

See the weather trend as well as the moving average line
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May weather day by day

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Date Weather Temperatures Rain UV More
1 May Moderate or heavy rain shower
Moderate or heavy rain shower
19° /14° 13.2 mm 5
2 May Patchy rain possible
Patchy rain possible
19° /14° 1 mm 5
3 May Moderate or heavy rain shower
Moderate or heavy rain shower
19° /14° 8.4 mm 5
4 May Moderate or heavy rain shower
Moderate or heavy rain shower
18° /14° 26 mm 5
5 May Moderate or heavy rain shower
Moderate or heavy rain shower
18° /14° 3.9 mm 5
6 May Moderate or heavy rain shower
Moderate or heavy rain shower
18° /15° 8.1 mm 5
7 May Patchy rain possible
Patchy rain possible
17° /13° 0.5 mm 5
8 May Patchy rain possible
Patchy rain possible
17° /12° 0.3 mm 5
9 May Moderate or heavy rain shower
Moderate or heavy rain shower
17° /12° 28.3 mm 5
10 May Patchy rain possible
Patchy rain possible
15° /8° 1.4 mm 5
11 May Heavy rain at times
Heavy rain at times
14° /8° 2.7 mm 4
12 May Patchy rain possible
Patchy rain possible
15° /8° 0.1 mm 5
13 May Patchy rain possible
Patchy rain possible
17° /10° 0.1 mm 5
14 May Patchy rain possible
Patchy rain possible
16° /10° 0.6 mm 5
15 May Heavy rain at times
Heavy rain at times
18° /11° 8.1 mm 5
16 May Patchy rain possible
Patchy rain possible
17° /12° 0.8 mm 5
17 May Patchy rain possible
Patchy rain possible
17° /11° 0.1 mm 5
18 May Overcast
Overcast
16° /9° 3 mm 5
19 May Moderate or heavy rain shower
Moderate or heavy rain shower
17° /11° 15.6 mm 4
20 May Moderate or heavy rain shower
Moderate or heavy rain shower
15° /12° 4.1 mm 5
21 May Patchy rain possible
Patchy rain possible
16° /12° 10.6 mm 5
22 May Moderate or heavy rain shower
Moderate or heavy rain shower
16° /12° 7.6 mm 5
23 May Heavy rain at times
Heavy rain at times
16° /11° 1.8 mm 5
24 May Overcast
Overcast
16° /11° 1.2 mm 4
25 May Sunny
Sunny
15° /10° 1.2 mm 5
26 May Partly cloudy
Partly cloudy
16° /11° 1.1 mm 5
27 May Patchy rain possible
Patchy rain possible
16° /11° 1.6 mm 4
28 May Moderate or heavy rain shower
Moderate or heavy rain shower
16° /12° 12.3 mm 5
29 May Heavy rain at times
Heavy rain at times
17° /12° 9.3 mm 5
30 May Patchy rain possible
Patchy rain possible
16° /12° 1.3 mm 5
31 May Patchy rain possible
Patchy rain possible
17° /12° 0.2 mm 5
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Important Notice
Our weather forecast for New Zealand in May is based on the analysis of historical data rather than real-time forecast models. While this provides a general overview, weather conditions can change. We recommend that you check the New Zealand forecast closer to your planned date for the most up-to-date weather information.

Guide for New Zealand in May

In May, New Zealand experiences a transition from autumn to winter, resulting in varied weather patterns across the country.

At the beginning of the month, the North Island typically sees mild temperatures with occasional showers, while the South Island may experience cooler temperatures with the possibility of early snowfall in the Southern Alps.

In the North Island, cities like Auckland and Wellington can expect temperatures around 15° at the start of May, with some crisp mornings and mild afternoons.

Meanwhile, the South Island's Christchurch and Queenstown may experience cooler temperatures around 10° with a chance of frost in the mornings.

As the month progresses, the weather tends to become cooler and more unpredictable. By the end of May, temperatures in the North Island could drop to around 12° with an increase in rainfall, particularly in regions like Taranaki and Hawke's Bay.

In the South Island, cities such as Dunedin and Invercargill may experience temperatures around 8° with a higher likelihood of frost and occasional wintry showers.

Overall, May in New Zealand showcases the transition towards winter, with varying weather conditions depending on the region.

New Zealand in May - FAQ

Is May a good time to visit New Zealand?
Yes, May is a good time to traveling to New Zealand, read more about the best time to visit New Zealand.
What are the expected maximum and minimum temperatures in New Zealand during May?
Enjoy moderate daytime temperatures of up to 18° and cooler nights around 11°. Ideal for a range of outdoor activities, from hiking to city tours.
How much rainfall should be expected in New Zealand during May?
Significant rainfall exceeding 330.8 mm is expected in New Zealand during May, occurring over more than 15 days. Preparing for wet conditions is recommended in your planning.
What are the typical wind conditions in New Zealand during May?
The average wind speed in New Zealand during May is 21 km/h, suggesting breezy to windy conditions, depending on your activities.

What to pack to New Zealand in May?

As you prepare for your trip to New Zealand in May, it's important to consider the typical weather patterns for the time of year. Below is a carefully tailored packing list to ensure that your time in New Zealand, during May, is comfortable and enjoyable, regardless of the weather conditions.

  • Clothing
    • Warm Clothing: Sweaters, hoodies, long pants
    • Rain Gear: Lightweight, waterproof clothing
  • Footwear
    • Waterproof Shoes
  • Accessories
    • Scarves: To protect you from the cold wind
    • Gloves/Mittens: Essential for cold weather
    • Warm Hats: Warm hats for insulation in cold weather
    • Umbrellas/Raincoats: For rainy days

May rainfall patterns in New Zealand

Explore the daily rainfall trends and prepare for New Zealands May weather 💧
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Location coordinates Where is New Zealand?

Get accurate weather forecasts for New Zealand, located at latitude -36.849 and longitude 174.763. Stay updated with localized weather information tailored for New Zealand.

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