Wellington in May
May weather, climate averages, and packing tips.
May lands in the midst of autumn in Wellington, where the air is cooling down. Daytime highs average 14°C / 57°F, dropping to 11°C / 51°F at night.
Skies are often changeable, and you should be prepared for regular rainfall (approx. 14 wet days).
How it compares to the rest of the year in Wellington.
Temperature
- Daytime high
-
- Nighttime low
-
- Feels like (avg)
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Sunshine
- Daylight
- 9.8 hours
- UV index (max)
- 4
- Typical sun hours
- 08:22 – 18:12
Rain & Snow
- Total
-
- Rainy days
- 14
- Cloud cover
- 58%
- Snowfall
-
Humidity & Wind
- Humidity (avg)
- 79%
- Wind (avg)
-
- Wind (max gusts)
-
Frequently asked questions
Is May a good time to visit Wellington?
Typical May days in Wellington reach highs of 14°C (57°F) with nights around 11°C (52°F). It usually feels cool by day and cool after dark. Overall, May sits in the middle of the Wellington climate range.
What are temperatures like in May?
In May, you can usually expect highs of 14°C (57°F) and lows near 11°C (52°F). That means cool days and cool nights, so pack layers you can add or remove.
How much does it rain in May?
Rainfall in May averages 77 mm (3.0 in) across roughly 14 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 08:22 and sunset near 18:12. 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 20 km/h (12 mph), with gusts on the windiest days reaching about 89 km/h (55 mph). On the ground, it is it is a notably windy place, and strong gusts are fairly common.