When to go · Oamaru

Oamaru in May

Mixed month. Outside the best window (Nov–Apr; penguin viewing runs year-round). Across New Zealand: Cool and short days; Great Walk huts leave peak season, services thin; good value in the north.

Key facts

Verdict: Mixed
Temperature: 13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C) / 5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C); average high / low
Rain days: 8
Crowds: Low; New Zealand overall
Prices: Low; New Zealand overall

Plan around it

Verdict

MixedNew Zealand month rating

Outside the best window (Nov–Apr; penguin viewing runs year-round). Across 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

Long-term averages

OamaruHighs around 13 °C (55 °F), lows around 5 °C (41 °F), rain on about 8 daysHighs around 55 °F (13 °C), lows around 41 °F (5 °C), rain on about 8 days

Crowds and prices

Crowds · New Zealand overall: Low
Prices · New Zealand overall: Low

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

Compare two months

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

First month

Second month

Verdict
May: Mixed
Jan: Great (better)
Daytime high
May: 13 °C (55 °F)55 °F (13 °C)
Jan: 21 °C (70 °F)70 °F (21 °C)
Night low
May: 5 °C (41 °F)41 °F (5 °C)
Jan: 11 °C (52 °F)52 °F (11 °C)
Rain days
May: 8
Jan: 8
Crowds
May: Low
Jan: High
Prices
May: Low
Jan: High
Festivals listed
May: 0
Jan: 1

May: Outside the best window (Nov–Apr; penguin viewing runs year-round). Across New Zealand: Cool and short days; Great Walk huts leave peak season, services thin; good value in the north.

January: Inside Oamaru's best window: Nov–Apr; penguin viewing runs year-round.

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

What to pack

A warm coat, hat and gloves for mornings and evenings

Build the full packing list for your trip →

Across New Zealand in May →