Melbourne Weather in May
May in Melbourne brings moderate temperatures around 17°C (63°F) during the day, dropping to 9°C (48°F) at night, with some rainfall expected.
Rainfall in Melbourne in May
Expect around 10 days of rain based on historical data, with 53 mm (2.1 in) average. Rain this month is fairly typical, a standard mix of wet and dry days with no particularly heavy or persistent showers.
Temperature in Melbourne in May
In May, expect moderate temperatures in Melbourne, with highs of 17°C (63°F) and lows of 9°C (48°F) at night. Even when the weather is stable, mornings and evenings can still feel distinctly cool. With overnight lows of 9°C (48°F), nights are cold. The cold air does make for deep, comfortable sleep if you have enough blankets.
Sunshine in Melbourne in May
The month experiences a moderate amount of sunlight, with 140 hours of sunshine. This provides a nice balance between sunshine and clouds.
Wind Speed in Melbourne 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.Our weather planner can help you find worldwide destinations with pleasant weather during this period. January, February, March, April, October, November and December typically offer the best weather for Melbourne.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Australia, check out our Melbourne's climate page.
Melbourne Temperature in May
Min Temperature
9°C (48°F)
Max Temperature
17°C (63°F)
Water Temperature
15°C (59°F)
Chance of Rain
34%
Precipitation
53 mm (2.1 in)
Rainy days
10 days
Humidity
58%
Windspeed
3 m/s (6 knots)
Sunshine
140 hours
Percentage Sunshine
46%
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Melbourne typically stay consistent throughout May, with daily highs averaging around 17°C (63°F). Nights are cool, with lows typically ranging from 8°C (46°F) to 10°C (50°F).
Average temperatures in May
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-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 Melbourne in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Melbourne spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Melbourne historical weather extremes in May
The extremes listed below come from historical weather data collected in Melbourne from 1976 through 2026.
- The hottest May day on record in Melbourne reached 26°C (79°F) (May 1, 2026).
- Melbourne experienced its chilliest May day on May 31, 1977, reaching only 8°C (46°F).
- Melbourne registered its coldest May night on May 19, 2025, with temperatures dropping to 0°C (32°F).
Best Places in Australia in May
Find out more about the weather in Australia and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Australia in May →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
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What to Wear in Melbourne in May
Pleasant temperatures in May mean you can pack light but flexibel pieces. Think cotton t-shirts, comfortable walking shorts, and one warmer layer for evenings. A light sweater or denim jacket works well. Rain gear is recommended, you can expect wet weather on multiple days. 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. Bring sunglasses since you'll have some sunny periods throughout the monthWhat To Do in Melbourne 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 Australia, check out our Melbourne's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp
See the full Melbourne climate overview or explore weather in Australia.
