Hottest (avg)
#8 / 12
Queenstown in May
May weather, climate averages, and packing tips.
Avg High
Avg Low
Rain
Daylight 10h
What to expect
May lands in the midst of autumn in Queenstown, where temperatures are dropping quickly. Daytime highs average 10°C / 49°F, dropping to 5°C / 40°F at night.
Skies are often overcast, and you should be prepared for regular rainfall (approx. 15 wet days).
May in context
How it compares to the rest of the year in Queenstown.
Wettest (avg)
#5 / 12
Daylight Hours
#10 / 12
Windiest (avg)
#9 / 12
Highest UV
#10 / 12
Most Humid
#4 / 12
Temperature
- Daytime high
-
- Nighttime low
-
- Feels like (avg)
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Sunshine
- Daylight
- 9.5 hours
- UV index (max)
- 3
- Typical sun hours
- 08:56 – 18:27
Rain & Snow
- Total
-
- Rainy days
- 15
- Cloud cover
- 77%
- Snowfall
-
Humidity & Wind
- Humidity (avg)
- 87%
- Wind (avg)
-
- Wind (max gusts)
-
Frequently asked questions
Is May a good time to visit Queenstown?
Typical May days in Queenstown reach highs of 10°C (50°F) with nights around 5°C (41°F). It usually feels chilly by day and cold after dark. Overall, May sits in the middle of the Queenstown climate range.
What are temperatures like in May?
In May, you can usually expect highs of 10°C (50°F) and lows near 5°C (41°F). That means chilly days and cold nights, so pack layers you can add or remove.
How much does it rain in May?
Rainfall in May averages 127 mm (5.0 in) across roughly 15 days. Overall it is a very wet time of year, so a light rain jacket and waterproof shoes are very handy.
How many hours of daylight are there in May?
You can expect about 10 hours of daylight in May. Sunrise is typically around 08:56 and sunset near 18:27. 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 3); sunscreen and sunglasses are still a good idea.
Is it windy in May?
In May, average wind speeds are around 5 km/h (3 mph), with gusts on the windiest days reaching about 73 km/h (45 mph). On the ground, it is it is a notably windy place, and strong gusts are fairly common.