Avg High
Avg Low
Rain
Daylight 10h
What to expect

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).

May in context

How it compares to the rest of the year in Wellington.

Hottest (avg)
#7 / 12
Wettest (avg)
#6 / 12
Daylight Hours
#10 / 12
Windiest (avg)
#10 / 12
Highest UV
#10 / 12
Most Humid
#3 / 12

Temperature

Daytime high
Nighttime low
Feels like (avg)

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.

Explore More