What May feels like in Wellington
Late autumn arrives in Wellington with May (Wellington 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 Wellington in May
Showers are a regular feature, arriving about one day in 3. Wet days average about 8.1 mm (0.3 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. That is close to Wellington's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 7.4 mm).
Daylight and sunshine in May
Mid-month, Wellington gets 9 h 52 min of daylight, from sunrise near 7:21 am to sunset near 5:13 pm. Evenings are drawing in — 1 h 10 min less daylight than mid-April. The sun is out for roughly 75% of those daylight hours, so there are plenty of bright spells.
How May compares to the rest of the year
In Wellington's temperature order, May sits as the 6th coolest month. Against April, the average high is 1.8°C (3.2°F) lower, with about the same rain. The cooling trend carries on into June. By June, typical highs are 12.6°C (54.7°F).
Who May suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — daytime temperatures are fine for walking around.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
Tips for visiting Wellington in May
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Light Jacket
Cool days — a light jacket or sweater for walking around.
Sunglasses
Bright days make sunglasses worth packing.
Quick questions
How warm is Wellington in May?
Afternoons average 14.4°C (57.9°F) and nights about 11.2°C (52.2°F) — cool by most people's standards. It is the 6th coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Wellington in May?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 3 and totals about 89 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Wellington 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 Wellington?
On our 12-month climate ranking, May comes out ahead (#7 of 12 vs #10). June is cooler and has more rainy days.