Hottest (avg)
#9 / 12
Canberra in May
May weather, climate averages, and packing tips.
Avg High
Avg Low
Rain
Daylight 10h
What to expect
May marks a typically cool period of autumn, where temperatures are dropping quickly. Daytime highs average 14°C / 58°F, dropping to 4°C / 40°F at night.
You can expect a mix of sun and cloud, with about 7 days seeing some rain.
May in context
How it compares to the rest of the year in Canberra.
Wettest (avg)
#2 / 12
Daylight Hours
#10 / 12
Windiest (avg)
#11 / 12
Highest UV
#10 / 12
Most Humid
#3 / 12
Temperature
- Daytime high
-
- Nighttime low
-
- Feels like (avg)
-
Sunshine
- Daylight
- 10.3 hours
- UV index (max)
- 5
- Typical sun hours
- 07:51 – 18:08
Rain & Snow
- Total
-
- Rainy days
- 7
- Cloud cover
- 52%
- Snowfall
-
Humidity & Wind
- Humidity (avg)
- 80%
- Wind (avg)
-
- Wind (max gusts)
-
Frequently asked questions
Is May a good time to visit Canberra?
Typical May days in Canberra reach highs of 14°C (57°F) with nights around 4°C (39°F). It usually feels cool by day and cold after dark. It is one of the drier months, which suits outdoor exploring and sightseeing.
What are temperatures like in May?
In May, you can usually expect highs of 14°C (57°F) and lows near 4°C (39°F). That means cool days and cold nights, so pack layers you can add or remove.
How much does it rain in May?
Rainfall in May averages 38 mm (1.5 in) across roughly 7 days. Overall it is a moderately wet time of year, so showers are usually brief rather than all-day downpours.
How many hours of daylight are there in May?
You can expect about 10 hours of daylight in May. Sunrise is typically around 07:51 and sunset near 18:08. Days are on the shorter side, so plan activities around limited daylight.
Does the weather change during May?
May usually begins milder and cools down as the month goes on, so late-May can feel more like the next month.
How strong is the sun in May?
UV levels are moderate (around 5); sunscreen and sunglasses are still a good idea.
Is it windy in May?
In May, average wind speeds are around 10 km/h (6 mph), with gusts on the windiest days reaching about 53 km/h (33 mph). On the ground, it is it can feel quite windy at times, particularly when weather systems move through.