Gisborne Weather in May
In Gisborne, May brings moderate daytime temperatures around 18°C (64°F), with nights cooling to 10°C (50°F). Expect quite a bit of rainfall this month.
Rainfall in Gisborne in May
Historically, the month has about 12 days of rain, averaging 77 mm (3 in) in total. Rain this month is fairly typical, a standard mix of wet and dry days with no particularly heavy or persistent showers.
Temperature in Gisborne in May
Daytime temperatures in Gisborne reach 18°C (64°F) in May, dropping to 10°C (50°F) at night. A light jacket or extra layer can be useful, especially outside the warmest hours of the day. Nights drop to 10°C (50°F). Cold nights like these are actually great for sleeping well, as long as you have a warm enough duvet.
Sunshine in Gisborne in May
The area enjoys a balanced 144 hours of sunlight, ensuring it's neither too overcast nor too sunny.
Wind Speed in Gisborne in May
Wind speeds average 3 m/s (6 knots) during May. At this speed, light breezes keep leaves and small twigs in gentle motion while the wind also provides natural cooling. Since this is an average, some days are more tranquil while others have more persistent light winds that are more noticeable.
Average water temperature in May
The water temperature is 15°C (59°F) — chilly, but perfectly fine for a swim if you're not too sensitive to cold water. A short wetsuit can make longer sessions more comfortable.If your ideal day consists of dry skies and pleasant temperatures, January, February, March, April, November and December typically offer the best circumstances for Gisborne.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit New Zealand, check out our Gisborne's climate page.
Gisborne Temperature in May
Min Temperature
10°C (50°F)
Max Temperature
18°C (64°F)
Water Temperature
15°C (59°F)
Chance of Rain
41%
Precipitation
77 mm (3 in)
Rainy days
12 days
Humidity
80%
Windspeed
3 m/s (6 knots)
Sunshine
144 hours
Percentage Sunshine
48%
Daily Historical Temperatures
49-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Gisborne typically stay consistent throughout May, with daily highs averaging around 18°C (64°F). Nights are cool, with lows typically ranging from 7°C (45°F) to 10°C (50°F).
Average temperatures in May
Daily Historical Precipitation
49-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in May
Historical weather for Gisborne in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Gisborne spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Gisborne historical weather extremes in May
Based on weather observations in Gisborne between 1993 and 2026, these are the recorded extremes during May.
- The hottest May day on record in Gisborne reached 25°C (77°F) (May 4, 2002).
- Gisborne experienced its chilliest May day on May 6, 1999, reaching only 10°C (50°F).
- The lowest overnight temperature recorded in May was 1°C (34°F) (May 30, 2015).
Best Places in New Zealand in May
Find out more about the weather in New Zealand and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of New Zealand in May →
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What to Wear in Gisborne in May
For Gisborne in May, you'll want flexible clothing. It's wise to pack cotton shirts, comfortable shorts, and a pair of jeans for cooler evenings. A light sweater or jacket is useful for air-conditioned spaces (like buses) or unexpected cool moments. Rain is likely on several days, so bring a good rain jacket. With water temperatures around 15°C (59°F), the water is quite cold for swimming. You can skip the swimwear unless you're particularly tough. Sunglasses could come in handy during the sunnier parts of your trip.What To Do in Gisborne in May
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit New Zealand, check out our Gisborne's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp
See the full Gisborne climate overview or explore weather in New Zealand.
