New Zealand Weather in May

© Pixabay

Typical Temperatures in May

As the last month of autumn, going into winter, expect temperatures to start dropping throughout the month of May. Pack some warm clothing, as nighttime temperatures can drop to about -2ºC (28ºF) in some places. You’ll find warmer weather in the northern North Island, northern South Island and along the east coast with temperatures still reaching as high as 18-21ºC (64-70ºF). Nevertheless, there are different climates throughout New Zealand so with that in mind, here are the average temperatures in each area of the country during May.

Northern New Zealand (Northland, Auckland and Tauranga) – 14ºC (57ºF)
Central North Island (Hamilton, Taupo and Rotorua) – 10ºC (50ºF)
South-West North Island (New Plymouth, Palmerston North and Wellington) – 12ºC (54ºF)
Eastern North Island (Gisborne, Napier and Wairarapa) – 12ºC (54ºF)
Northern South Island (Blenheim and Nelson) – 10ºC (50ºF)
Western South Island (Westport, Hokitika and Milford Sound) – 8-10ºC (46-50ºF)
Eastern South Island (Kaikoura, Christchurch and Timaru) – 9ºC (48ºF)
Inland South Island (Lake Tekapo, Queenstown and Alexandra) – 4-6ºC (39-43ºF)
Southern New Zealand (Dunedin and Invercargill) – 9ºC (48ºF)

© Pixabay

Other Weather Patterns in May

As with any time of the year in New Zealand, May has a mixed bag of weather. However, expect less sunny clear days than previous months and even a chance of snow in the mountainous regions. May is a time to prepare for any weather scenario with warm clothing and rain gear.

By this time in autumn, the autumn colours will start to fade so just a heads up, May is not usually a good time to experience “autumn landscapes”.

Rainfall in May

Compared to other autumn months (and even some winter months), May is a wetter month to be in New Zealand. It’s likely you’ll experience rain at some point during your trip. Some areas experience more rainfall than others in New Zealand so here are some average rainfall measurements in May throughout New Zealand.

Northern New Zealand (Northland, Auckland and Tauranga) – 120mm (4.7″)
Central North Island (Hamilton, Taupo and Rotorua) – 100mm (4″)
South-West North Island (New Plymouth, Palmerston North and Wellington) – 120mm (4.7″)
Eastern North Island (Gisborne, Napier and Wairarapa) – 60mm (2.4″)
Northern South Island (Blenheim and Nelson) – 80mm (3″)
Western South Island (Westport, Hokitika and Milford Sound) – 250-450mm (10-18″)
Eastern South Island (Kaikoura, Christchurch and Timaru) – 60mm (2.4″)
Inland South Island (Lake Tekapo, Queenstown and Alexandra) – 30-50mm (1-2″)
Southern New Zealand (Dunedin and Invercargill) – 70mm (2.7″)

© Unsplash

The Best Places to Visit in May

Here are some destinations to add to your May itinerary!

Wellington – while the weather is being unpredictable, it’s a good time to see the sights and experience the culture of New Zealand’s capital city!

Coromandel – see one of New Zealand’s most popular beach destinations at its quietest time. Bathe in your own sandy hot pool at Hot Water Beach, see Cathedral Cove and explore Kauri forests.

Waitomo – whatever the weather, there are cave tours available to see vast displays of glowworms and to go caving in awesome limestone caves!

Alexandra – the Central Otago, South Island town experiences amazing weather year-round. It’s a great place to escape the cold and take on the many cycle trails around the area.

Dunedin – the South Island city has a good mix of indoor and outdoor activities so staying there a while means that you’ll always find something to do! Check out the wildlife of the Otago Peninsula, visit Tunnel Beach or experience the bars and eateries of The Octagon in the city centre.

For events to stick on your May itinerary, check out New Zealand in May.

© Pexels

Packing List for May

Add these essentials to your packing list for a trip to New Zealand in May.

• Rainjacket
• Warm mid-layers
• Thermal underlayers
• Wool socks
• Waterproof hiking shoes
• Swimwear (for the hot pools)

For more things to pack, make sure you check out our Packing List for Autumn or Spring in New Zealand and 15 Essentials to Pack for New Zealand. Most important of all, check out our complete New Zealand Packing List.