Weather in New Zealand in May

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Visiting New Zealand in May

The weather in May is cooler than the previous month and temperatures continue to drop into June. May has average maximum temperatures of 16°C (60°F) which is a little too chilly for sunbathing. The sunshine percentage is 41.9% making it quite sunny but with regular periods of cloudy and overcast skies. There are 4.2 hours of sunshine per day. It is not a good time for sunbathing in New Zealand.

May has total rainfall of 4.3cm (1.7inches) making it mostly dry but with short lived occasional showers. There are only 14.4 days with some rainfall so you can still enjoy the beach on the majority of days.

Sea temperatures are a cold 16°C (61°F). May is too cold for swimming in New Zealand for any length of time, unless you have a wetsuit. The sea temperature in May is marginally cooler than the previous month and temperatures continue to drop into June.

Consider visiting New Zealand in the months of January, February, March, December, for the best beach weather. Also consider one of our other suggestions for May.

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Can you sunbathe in New Zealand in May?

No, May is not a good time for sunbathing in New Zealand.

May has average maximum temperatures of 16°C (60°F) which is a little too chilly for sunbathing. The sunshine percentage is 41.9% making it quite sunny but with regular periods of cloudy and overcast skies. There are 4.2 hours of sunshine per day. May has total rainfall of 4.3cm (1.7inches) making it mostly dry but with short lived occasional showers. There are only 14.4 days with some rainfall so you can still enjoy the beach on the majority of days.

More about May temperature and sunshine.

Can you swim in New Zealand in May?

No, May is too cold for swimming in New Zealand for any length of time, with the sea water at 16°C (61°F), unless you have a wetsuit.

More about May sea temperatures.

Is May a good time to holiday in New Zealand?

Probably not, May is not a good time for a holiday in New Zealand.

May has average maximum temperatures of 16°C (60°F) which is a little too chilly for sunbathing. The sunshine percentage is 41.9% making it quite sunny but with regular periods of cloudy and overcast skies. There are 4.2 hours of sunshine per day. May has total rainfall of 4.3cm (1.7inches) making it mostly dry but with short lived occasional showers. There are only 14.4 days with some rainfall so you can still enjoy the beach on the majority of days. It is not a good time for sunbathing in New Zealand. Sea temperatures are a cold 16°C (61°F). May is too cold for swimming in New Zealand for any length of time, unless you have a wetsuit.

More about the May temperatures and sunshine.

Is New Zealand warm in May?

No, New Zealand is a little too chilly for sunbathing in May.

The average maximum temperature in New Zealand in May is 16°C (60°F). The average maximum temperature is 18°C (64°) in the previous month and 13°C (56°F) in the next month.

The average temperature in New Zealand in May is 12°C (53°F). The average temperature is 14°C (58°F) in the previous month and 10°C (50°F) in the next month.

More info about the May temperatures and sunshine.

How sunny is New Zealand in May?

The average day light hours per day in New Zealand in May are 10.1. The sunshine percentage is 41.9% making it quite sunny but with regular periods of cloudy and overcast skies. There are 4.2 hours of sunshine per day.

More about May sunshine.

Temperature in New Zealand in May

The weather in May is cooler than the previous month and temperatures continue to drop into June. The average maximum temperature in New Zealand in May is 16°C (60°F). The average maximum temperature is 18°C (64°F) in the previous month and 13°C (56°F) in the next month.

The average temperature in New Zealand in May is 12°C (53°F). The average temperature is 14°C (58°F) in the previous month and 10°C (50°F) in the next month.

The average minimum temperature in New Zealand in May is 9°C (48°F). The minimum temperature is 12°C (53°F) in the previous month and 7°C (45°F) in the next month.

Sunshine in New Zealand in May

The days in May are slightly shorter than the previous month and days continue to get slightly shorter into June. May has slightly less hours of sunshine than the previous month. During May the average day light hours are 10.1 per day in New Zealand. The sunshine percentage is 41.9% making it quite sunny but with regular periods of cloudy and overcast skies. There are 4.2 hours of sunshine per day.

The ultraviolet index in New Zealand in May is typically 2.7 during May. An ultraviolet index reading of 0 to 2 indicates low danger from the sun's UV rays for the average person. Most people will be able to spend several hours in the sun with out a problem, however unprotected skin risks burning in less than 1 hour. Wear sunglasses on bright days. Only those that burn easily will need to apply sunscreen. Watch out for relections from water that may increase ultraviolet exposure.

Sea Temperature in New Zealand in May

The average sea water temperature in New Zealand in May is 16.3°C (61.3°F) which is cool for swimming, shorty wetsuit may help you extend your time in the water. The sea temperature in May is marginally cooler than the previous month and temperatures continue to drop into June.

Rainfall in New Zealand in May

May weather is slightly drier than the previous month. May has a couple of more days of rain than the previous month and rainy days continue to rise slightly into June. The average total rainfall in New Zealand in May is 4.3cm (1.7inches) and on average there are 14.4 rainy days in May making it a pretty wet time to visit the beach.

Humidity in New Zealand in May

The maximum dew point (an indicator of humidity) in New Zealand in May is 9°C (47°F) which is a bit dry for some. The dew point is 10°C (49°F) in the previous month and 7°C (7°F) in the next month.

The average maximum relative humidity in New Zealand in May is typically 61.7%. The maximum relative humidity is 60.6% in the previous month and 61.3% in the next month.

The average relative humidity in New Zealand in May is typically 54%. The average relative humidity is 51.5% in the previous month and 54.1% in the next month.

Wind Speed in New Zealand in May

The average maximum wind speed in New Zealand in May is typically 16KM/H (10MPH). The average maximum wind speed is 16KM/H (10MPH) in the previous month and 17KM/H (10MPH) in the next month.

The average wind speed in New Zealand in May is typically 8KM/H (5MPH). The average wind speed is 9KM/H (5MPH) in the previous month and 9KM/H (6MPH) in the next month.

The average wind direction in New Zealand in May is from the South.

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Monthly Averages

Suggested Beaches in May

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Beaches recommended for you today, this weekend, in the next 2 weeks or in any month of the year.

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Need Inspiration?

Beaches recommended for you today, this weekend, in the next 2 weeks or in any month of the year.