An alternative way to discover Sydney
We have made an overview of the sights in Sydney that you must see if you want to visit Sydney in an alternative way.
With daytime temperatures of 20°C (68°F) and nighttime lows of 14°C (57°F), May in Sydney brings pleasant temperatures during the day. Do keep in mind that quite a bit of rainfall is typical. Around 79 mm (3.1 in) falls on average.
If you're inclined towards comfortable temperatures and drier conditions, May is a good time to visit Sydney.
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Sydney - and find the best time to visit.
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Sydney typically stay consistent throughout May, with daily highs averaging around 20°C (68°F). Nights are cool, with lows typically ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 14°C (57°F).
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Browse day-by-day weather records for Sydney spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
According to our 45 years of weather records for Sydney, the following extremes were recorded between 1981 and 2026.
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 is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).
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. The water temperature sits at about 19°C (66°F), making it perfect for swimming and water activities. Don't forget to pack your favorite swimwear and perhaps some snorkel gear. It won't hurt to bring your sunglasses along, as you'll see some sunny periods.
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp
See the full Sydney climate overview or explore weather in Australia.
Where to go in May - average daytime high across popular destinations.
Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.
An alternative way to discover Sydney
We have made an overview of the sights in Sydney that you must see if you want to visit Sydney in an alternative way.
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