Hottest (avg)
#8 / 12
Rotorua 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 Rotorua, where temperatures are dropping quickly. Daytime highs average 15°C / 58°F, dropping to 9°C / 47°F at night.
The atmosphere is generally mild but frequently damp, typical of changeable seasons.
May in context
How it compares to the rest of the year in Rotorua.
Wettest (avg)
#5 / 12
Daylight Hours
#10 / 12
Windiest (avg)
#8 / 12
Highest UV
#10 / 12
Most Humid
#3 / 12
Temperature
- Daytime high
-
- Nighttime low
-
- Feels like (avg)
-
Sunshine
- Daylight
- 10.1 hours
- UV index (max)
- 4
- Typical sun hours
- 08:08 – 18:13
Rain & Snow
- Total
-
- Rainy days
- 13
- Cloud cover
- 59%
- Snowfall
-
Humidity & Wind
- Humidity (avg)
- 87%
- Wind (avg)
-
- Wind (max gusts)
-
Frequently asked questions
Is May a good time to visit Rotorua?
Typical May days in Rotorua reach highs of 15°C (59°F) with nights around 9°C (48°F). It usually feels cool by day and cool after dark. Overall, May sits in the middle of the Rotorua climate range.
What are temperatures like in May?
Daytime temperatures in May typically peak near 15°C (59°F), while nights drop to around 9°C (48°F). Expect cool afternoons and cool evenings.
How much does it rain in May?
Rainfall in May averages 126 mm (5.0 in) across roughly 13 days. Overall it is a quite rainy 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 08:08 and sunset near 18:13. 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 4); sunscreen and sunglasses are still a good idea.
Is it windy in May?
In May, average wind speeds are around 12 km/h (7 mph), with gusts on the windiest days reaching about 62 km/h (39 mph). On the ground, it is it is a notably windy place, and strong gusts are fairly common.