What May feels like in Melbourne
Late autumn arrives in Melbourne with May (Melbourne is in the southern hemisphere, so the seasons run opposite to Europe and North America). Expect cool, jacket-on afternoons — comfortable for a long walk. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights are cool and the temperature hardly changes after dark. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Melbourne in May
Showers are a regular feature, arriving about one day in 3. Each rainy day adds about 5.2 mm (0.2 in), a proper wetting rather than a sprinkle. That is close to Melbourne's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 6.2 mm). It is among the three driest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in May
Mid-month, Melbourne gets 10 h 8 min of daylight, from sunrise near 7:12 am to sunset near 5:20 pm. Evenings are drawing in — 1 h 1 min less daylight than mid-April. The sun is out for roughly 74% of those daylight hours, so there are plenty of bright spells.
How May compares to the rest of the year
In Melbourne's temperature order, May sits as the 4th coolest month. Against April, the average high is 3.7°C (6.7°F) lower, with 1 mm less rain. The cooling trend carries on into June. By June, typical highs are 13.6°C (56.5°F).
Who May suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — daytime temperatures are fine for walking around.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — good conditions for sitting outside.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
Tips for visiting Melbourne in May
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Light Jacket
Bring a sweater or light coat for cool afternoons.
Sunglasses
Frequent sunshine — sunglasses and a light hat.
Quick questions
How warm is Melbourne in May?
Afternoons average 16.3°C (61.3°F) and nights about 9°C (48.2°F) — cool by most people's standards. It is the 4th coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Melbourne in May?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 3 and totals about 52 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Melbourne in May?
Pack rain protection, a light jacket and sunglasses. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is May or June better for visiting Melbourne?
On our 12-month climate ranking, May comes out ahead (#8 of 12 vs #9). June is cooler.