What May feels like in Brisbane
Late autumn arrives in Brisbane with May (Brisbane is in the southern hemisphere, so the seasons run opposite to Europe and North America). The middle of the day is pleasantly mild. After sunset it cools off noticeably — nights stay mild. The air is fairly humid, though at these temperatures it rarely feels oppressive.
Rain in Brisbane in May
Rain turns up now and then — about one day in 4. Each rainy day adds about 8.7 mm (0.3 in), a proper wetting rather than a sprinkle. Across the year Brisbane averages about 9.1 mm per rainy day, so May is typical.
Daylight and sunshine in May
In mid-May, sunrise is at about 6:20 am and sunset at about 5:08 pm (local time) — 10 h 47 min of daylight. Compared with mid-April, the day has lost 41 min. Measured sunshine covers about 87% of the daylight — skies are mostly clear.
How May compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, May comes out as the 4th coolest month in Brisbane. Afternoons run 2.6°C (4.7°F) cooler than in April, with 6 mm more rain. June is cooler again. June averages a high of 20.3°C (68.5°F).
Who May suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — the weather rarely gets in the way of a city walk.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — comfortable for long walks and picnics.
- Beach: less ideal — too many rainy days.
Tips for visiting Brisbane in May
Versatile Layers
Mornings and evenings are cooler than midday, so dress in layers.
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Sunglasses
Bright days make sunglasses worth packing.
Quick questions
How warm is Brisbane in May?
Expect around 22.7°C (72.9°F) in the afternoon and 13.7°C (56.7°F) at night, which most visitors would call mild.
Does it rain a lot in Brisbane in May?
Only moderately: roughly 7 wet days and 61 mm, usually moderate rain.
What should I wear in Brisbane in May?
The numbers point to versatile layers, rain protection and sunglasses. Bring something extra for the cooler evenings.
Is May or June better for visiting Brisbane?
June, narrowly: it ranks #4 of 12 among Brisbane's months, against #5 for the other. June is cooler and has fewer rainy days.