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When to go · New Zealand

New Zealand in May

Mixed month. Cool and short days; Great Walk huts leave peak season, services thin; good value in the north.

Key facts

Verdict
Mixed
Crowds
Low
New Zealand
Prices
Low
New Zealand

Verdict

MixedVoykit month rating for New Zealand

Cool and short days; Great Walk huts leave peak season, services thin; good value in the north.

Is another month better than May?

May is rated mixed. These months rate higher:

Weather in May

  • Northland and Auckland · Bay of Islands, Auckland, Coromandelfine

    Subtropical-mild: humid summers around 24 °C (75 °F), wet but rarely cold winters (14 °C (57 °F) days); showers in any month.

  • Central North Island · Rotorua, Taupō, Tongarirocool

    The volcanic plateau is high: frosts and snow on the Tongariro Crossing in winter (guided only then); summer is the crossing season.

  • Wellington and Marlborough-Nelson · Wellington, Picton, Nelson, Abel Tasmanfine

    Nelson and Blenheim are the sunniest towns in the country; Wellington's wind and Cook Strait swell can cancel ferries.

  • Southern Alps and lakes · Queenstown, Wānaka, Aoraki/Mount Cook, Tekapocool

    Hot dry summers, clear cold winters with ski fields Jun–Sep; chains needed on passes; autumn colour in April.

  • West Coast and Fiordland · Franz Josef, Fox, Milford Sound, Te Anaurainy

    Among the wettest places on earth (Milford gets 6–7 m a year): rain makes the waterfalls, but slips close roads; sandflies all summer.

  • Otago coast and far south · Dunedin, the Catlins, Stewart Islandcool

    Cool and changeable year-round; short winter days (about 9 hours of light in June).

  • Bay of Islands: Bay of Islands · Paihia, Russell, Kerikeri and the coastcool

    Subtropical: warmest and driest Dec–Mar (25–27 °C (77–81 °F) days), wettest and windiest Jun–Aug. Water is warmest Feb–Mar.

  • Far Far North: Far Far North · Aupouri Peninsulawarm

    Summer (Dec–Apr) is warm and long‑daylight; winter can be cool and windy, especially on the coast.

  • Lower Northland: Coastal Lower Northland · Whangarei area and west coastbest weather

    Mild maritime climate; warmest Jan–Feb (~22 °C (72 °F)), coolest Jul–Aug (~12 °C (54 °F)). Rainfall spread year‑round.

  • North Island: Auckland and Northland · Upper North Islandcool

    Warmest and wettest part of the island; rain arrives in short heavy showers year-round.

  • North Island: Central North Island · Rotorua, Taupō, Tongarirocool

    Inland and higher; frost and snow on the volcanoes in winter (Jul–Aug), which is also the ski season.

  • North Island: Wellington · Greater Wellingtoncool

    Wind is the local weather; the ferry across Cook Strait can be cancelled in rough conditions.

  • South Island: West Coast · Franz Josef, Fox, Haastfine

    One of the wettest places in New Zealand — over 2000 mm a year. Rain is normal; plan around it, not against it.

  • South Island: Canterbury and Mackenzie Country · Christchurch, Tekapo, Mount Cookcool

    Dry east of the Alps; hot northwesterly winds can push summer temperatures into the 30s. Winter snow closes alpine roads at times.

  • South Island: Otago and Southland · Queenstown, Wanaka, Dunedin, Te Anaucool

    Cooler the further south you go; alpine areas are cold in winter and snow-capped much of the year.

  • Wairarapa: Wairarapa · Sheltered east of the Rimutaka and Tararua rangesfine

    The ranges block the prevailing westerlies, so it is warmer and drier than Wellington. Summer (Dec–Mar) is the reliable window; winter is cool and can bring frost.

  • Auckland17 °C (63 °F) / 11 °C (52 °F), 13 rain days
  • Akaroa14 °C (57 °F) / 6 °C (43 °F), 9 rain days
  • Alexandra13 °C (55 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 7 rain days
  • Arrowtown12 °C (54 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 9 rain days
  • Blenheim16 °C (61 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 9 rain days
  • Bluff13 °C (55 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 15 rain days
  • Browns Bay17 °C (63 °F) / 11 °C (52 °F), 12 rain days
  • Cambridge16 °C (61 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 13 rain days
  • Carterton15 °C (59 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 6 rain days
  • Charleston15 °C (59 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 14 rain days
  • Christchurch15 °C (59 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 9 rain days
  • Collingwood15 °C (59 °F) / 6 °C (43 °F), 10 rain days
  • Coromandel18 °C (64 °F) / 11 °C (52 °F), 12 rain days
  • Cromwell13 °C (55 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 8 rain days
  • Dannevirke15 °C (59 °F) / 6 °C (43 °F), 9 rain days
  • Dargaville18 °C (64 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 9 rain days
  • Devonport18 °C (64 °F) / 11 °C (52 °F), 13 rain days
  • Dunedin13 °C (55 °F) / 6 °C (43 °F), 7 rain days
  • Elsthorpe16 °C (61 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 8 rain days
  • Fairlie12 °C (54 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 9 rain days
  • Feilding16 °C (61 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 6 rain days
  • Flaxmere18 °C (64 °F) / 8 °C (46 °F), 4 rain days
  • Fox Glacier14 °C (57 °F) / 6 °C (43 °F), 15 rain days
  • Franz Josef14 °C (57 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 16 rain days
  • Gisborne17 °C (63 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 10 rain days
  • Glenorchy15 °C (59 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 7 rain days
  • Gore13 °C (55 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 12 rain days
  • Granity15 °C (59 °F) / 6 °C (43 °F), 15 rain days
  • Greymouth15 °C (59 °F) / 6 °C (43 °F), 16 rain days
  • Haast14 °C (57 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 16 rain days
  • Hahei18 °C (64 °F) / 11 °C (52 °F), 12 rain days
  • Hamilton17 °C (63 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 13 rain days
  • Hanmer Springs13 °C (55 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 9 rain days
  • Hastings18 °C (64 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 9 rain days
  • Havelock15 °C (59 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 9 rain days
  • Havelock North18 °C (64 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 9 rain days
  • Hawera16 °C (61 °F) / 8 °C (46 °F), 13 rain days
  • Helensville17 °C (63 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 10 rain days
  • Hokitika15 °C (59 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 15 rain days
  • Horeke18 °C (64 °F) / 11 °C (52 °F), 14 rain days
  • Invercargill13 °C (55 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 16 rain days
  • Kaiapoi14 °C (57 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 10 rain days
  • Kaikoura15 °C (59 °F) / 6 °C (43 °F), 8 rain days
  • Kaitaia19 °C (66 °F) / 11 °C (52 °F), 9 rain days
  • Karamea15 °C (59 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 14 rain days
  • Kerikeri19 °C (66 °F) / 11 °C (52 °F), 14 rain days
  • Kingston12 °C (54 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 10 rain days
  • Kohukohu17 °C (63 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 12 rain days
  • Koutu17 °C (63 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 12 rain days
  • Kūaotunu17 °C (63 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 12 rain days
  • Lake Tekapo11 °C (52 °F) / 1 °C (34 °F), 8 rain days
  • Leigh18 °C (64 °F) / 11 °C (52 °F), 14 rain days
  • Levin14 °C (57 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 11 rain days
  • Long Bay19 °C (66 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 6 rain days
  • Lyttelton14 °C (57 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 9 rain days
  • Manapouri13 °C (55 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 14 rain days
  • Mangamuka Bridge17 °C (63 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 12 rain days
  • Mapua15 °C (59 °F) / 6 °C (43 °F), 8 rain days
  • Martinborough16 °C (61 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 10 rain days
  • Masterton16 °C (61 °F) / 6 °C (43 °F), 11 rain days
  • Matamata16 °C (61 °F) / 6 °C (43 °F), 9 rain days
  • Mataura12 °C (54 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 14 rain days
  • Matawai16 °C (61 °F) / 6 °C (43 °F), 9 rain days
  • Methven13 °C (55 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 5 rain days
  • Milford Sound12.5 °C (55 °F) / 4.9 °C (41 °F), 18 rain days
  • Milton12 °C (54 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 11 rain days
  • Morere16 °C (61 °F) / 8 °C (46 °F), 9 rain days
  • Mossburn13 °C (55 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 14 rain days
  • Motueka16 °C (61 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 10 rain days
  • Murchison14 °C (57 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 11 rain days
  • Muriwai17 °C (63 °F) / 11 °C (52 °F), 14 rain days
  • Napier17 °C (63 °F) / 8 °C (46 °F), 10 rain days
  • National Park Village15 °C (59 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 12 rain days
  • Nelson16 °C (61 °F) / 6 °C (43 °F), 10 rain days
  • New Plymouth17 °C (63 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 13 rain days
  • Oamaru13 °C (55 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 8 rain days
  • Ohakune13 °C (55 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 12 rain days
  • Omarama12 °C (54 °F) / 1 °C (34 °F), 8 rain days
  • Onekaka15 °C (59 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 11 rain days
  • Opononi18 °C (64 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 6 rain days
  • Opotiki18 °C (64 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 7 rain days
  • Otaki14 °C (57 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 11 rain days
  • Paekākāriki16 °C (61 °F) / 8 °C (46 °F), 6 rain days
  • Paihia18 °C (64 °F) / 11 °C (52 °F), 14 rain days
  • Palmerston North16 °C (61 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 13 rain days
  • Paraparaumu16 °C (61 °F) / 8 °C (46 °F), 12 rain days
  • Pauanui16 °C (61 °F) / 8 °C (46 °F), 11 rain days
  • Picton15 °C (59 °F) / 8 °C (46 °F), 10 rain days
  • Piha17 °C (63 °F) / 11 °C (52 °F), 13 rain days
  • Pirongia17 °C (63 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 11 rain days
  • Pleasant Point14 °C (57 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 8 rain days
  • Port Chalmers13 °C (55 °F) / 6 °C (43 °F), 10 rain days
  • Puhoi18 °C (64 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 14 rain days
  • Punakaiki15 °C (59 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 15 rain days
  • Queenstown13 °C (55 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 9 rain days
  • Raetihi14 °C (57 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 13 rain days
  • Raglan17 °C (63 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 13 rain days
  • Rai Valley15 °C (59 °F) / 6 °C (43 °F), 10 rain days
  • Ranfurly15 °C (59 °F) / 1 °C (34 °F), 8 rain days
  • Rangiora15 °C (59 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 9 rain days
  • Rawene18 °C (64 °F) / 11 °C (52 °F), 14 rain days
  • Reefton14 °C (57 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 14 rain days
  • Renwick16 °C (61 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 9 rain days
  • Ross13 °C (55 °F) / 6 °C (43 °F), 15 rain days
  • Rotorua15 °C (59 °F) / 6 °C (43 °F), 10 rain days
  • Russell19 °C (66 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 13 rain days
  • Seddon15 °C (59 °F) / 6 °C (43 °F), 9 rain days
  • Shannon15 °C (59 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 9 rain days
  • Springfield14 °C (57 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 9 rain days
  • St Arnaud13 °C (55 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 10 rain days
  • Stratford15 °C (59 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 13 rain days
  • Taipa-Mangonui19 °C (66 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 14 rain days
  • Tairua18 °C (64 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 12 rain days
  • Takaka16 °C (61 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 11 rain days
  • Takapuna17 °C (63 °F) / 11 °C (52 °F), 13 rain days
  • Taradale16 °C (61 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 9 rain days
  • Taumarunui15 °C (59 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 9 rain days
  • Taupō14 °C (57 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 11 rain days
  • Tauranga18 °C (64 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 11 rain days
  • Te Awamutu17 °C (63 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 5 rain days
  • Te Kuiti16 °C (61 °F) / 6 °C (43 °F), 13 rain days
  • Te Puke17 °C (63 °F) / 8 °C (46 °F), 11 rain days
  • Thames17 °C (63 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 13 rain days
  • Timaru14 °C (57 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 8 rain days
  • Torbay17 °C (63 °F) / 11 °C (52 °F), 13 rain days
  • Turangi14 °C (57 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 12 rain days
  • Twizel12 °C (54 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 8 rain days
  • Waihi Beach17 °C (63 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 12 rain days
  • Waikanae18 °C (64 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 5 rain days
  • Waipara15 °C (59 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 8 rain days
  • Waipukurau17 °C (63 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 9 rain days
  • Wairoa16 °C (61 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 11 rain days
  • Waitomo17 °C (63 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 12 rain days
  • Wakefield15 °C (59 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 9 rain days
  • Wanaka13 °C (55 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 9 rain days
  • Ward15 °C (59 °F) / 6 °C (43 °F), 9 rain days
  • Warkworth16 °C (61 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 6 rain days
  • Wellington15 °C (59 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 12 rain days
  • Wellsford17 °C (63 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 12 rain days
  • Westport15 °C (59 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 15 rain days
  • Whakatane18 °C (64 °F) / 8 °C (46 °F), 10 rain days
  • Whangamata17 °C (63 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 11 rain days
  • Whanganui16 °C (61 °F) / 8 °C (46 °F), 12 rain days
  • Whangarei19 °C (66 °F) / 11 °C (52 °F), 13 rain days
  • Whangaroa18 °C (64 °F) / 11 °C (52 °F), 14 rain days
  • Whataroa14 °C (57 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 7 rain days
  • Whitianga18 °C (64 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 12 rain days

Crowds and prices

Crowds · New Zealand
Low
Prices · New Zealand
Low

Compare two months

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in New Zealand, side by side.

  • Verdict

    May: Mixed

    Jan: Great (better)

  • Crowds

    May: Low

    Jan: High

  • Prices

    May: Low

    Jan: High

  • Festivals listed

    May: 0

    Jan: 5

May: Cool and short days; Great Walk huts leave peak season, services thin; good value in the north.

January: Peak summer and local holidays: long days, warm lakes; book cars, ferries and huts well ahead.

New Zealand: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.

What to pack

  • Layers: a fleece or light jacket
  • A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast

Build the full packing list for your trip →

Where to go in May

Rated best or good this month

  • Arrowtown

    Best months: Mar–May (autumn colour), Dec–Mar (summer walking)

  • Bluff

    Best months: Nov–Apr; Mar–Aug for oysters

  • Collingwood

    Best months: Dec–Feb, Mar–May

  • Feilding

    Best months: Dec–Feb, Mar–May

  • Helensville

    Best months: Dec–Feb, Mar–May (warm, dry)

  • Long Bay

    Best months: Mar–May, Sep–Nov

  • Matamata

    Best months: Dec–Feb (warm, dry), Mar–May (shoulder season)

  • Opononi

    Best months: Dec–Feb, Mar–May

  • Opotiki

    Best months: Dec–Feb, Apr–May

  • Paekākāriki

    Best months: Dec–Feb (summer), Mar–May (shoulder) (check)

  • Rangiora

    Best months: Dec–Feb, Mar–May

  • Shannon

    Best months: Dec–Feb, Mar–May