Cool
Average highs are around 14°C, so pack for cooler days.
May verdict
New Zealand in May
Weather score20Poor
Poor for holiday weather
Average highs are around 14°C, so pack for cooler days. Sunshine averages 3.8h per day, so this is not one of the brighter months. Rainfall averages 146mm, so some wet days are possible.
May weather
Monthly averages
Temp
14°C
Rain
146mm
Sun
3.8h
Sea
14°C
Weather score
20
Poor
Seasonal climate calendar
TemperatureTemp
RainRain
SunSun
SwimSwim
Weather scoreWeather score
Trip feel
Showers
Rainfall averages 146mm, so some wet days are possible.
Limited sun
Sunshine averages 3.8h per day, so this is not one of the brighter months.
Cool sea
Sea temperatures average 14°C, so the water can feel cool.
Map
Weather map
Compare New Zealand with nearby places by weather score, rain, sun, temperature, and swim conditions.
Temperature
May14°C average high
May is on the cooler side of New Zealand's year, useful if you prefer less intense daytime heat.
Warmest monthsJanuary to March and December
This stretch sets the upper range for average daytime heat.
Rain
May146mm average rain
May is one of New Zealand's wettest months, so rain is likely to be a major planning factor.
Driest monthsJanuary to February and November
This is the drier part of the year, when outdoor plans usually need less weather flexibility.
Sun
May3.8 hours average sun
May is below New Zealand's yearly sunshine average, so bright-day planning is less reliable than in peak months.
Brightest monthsJanuary to February and November to December
This stretch has the strongest sunshine in the monthly averages.
Sea temperature
May14°C average sea
May is close to New Zealand's yearly sea-temperature average, so swimming comfort is fairly typical.
Warmest seaJanuary to March
Sea temperatures are usually near 16°C in this stretch, so swimming comfort is at its strongest.
Weather score
May20 weather score
May scores below New Zealand's yearly average, so the weather trade-offs are more noticeable.
Best weather monthsJanuary to February
These months have the strongest weather score in the monthly averages.