Wellington Weather in May
May in Wellington brings moderate temperatures, with highs of 15°C (59°F) and nights dropping to 11°C (52°F). Rainfall is on the higher side this month, averaging around 78 mm (3.1 in), so keep a rain jacket handy.
Rainfall in Wellington in May
Historically, the month has about 15 days of rain, averaging 78 mm (3.1 in) in total. Expect a fairly normal spread of rainfall this month, with no particular pattern of very heavy or very persistent showers.
Temperature in Wellington in May
May in Wellington brings typical temperatures with highs around 15°C (59°F) and lows of 11°C (52°F). A light jacket or extra layer can be useful, especially outside the warmest hours of the day. Nights cool down to 11°C (52°F), so a light jacket or extra layer is useful once the sun goes down. On the plus side, the cooler nights make for comfortable sleeping conditions.
Sunshine in Wellington in May
The month brings about 118 hours of sunlight, offering a comfortable mix of sun and overcast.
Wind Speed in Wellington in May
Wind speeds average 7 m/s (14 knots) during May. At this speed, you experience strong wind that can make entire trees sway and create resistance when walking. Since this is an average, expect variation from moderate windy periods to particularly gusty days when umbrellas become difficult to control.
Average water temperature in May
At 14°C (57°F), the water is cool but manageable for those who don't mind a bit of a shock getting in. Most people adjust after a few minutes.For Wellington itself, January, February and March generally stand out with the best circumstances. If you're seeking pleasant, dry and sunny weather somewhere else in the world, our weather planner can help you explore other options.
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 Wellington's climate page.
Wellington Temperature in May
Min Temperature
11°C (52°F)
Max Temperature
15°C (59°F)
Water Temperature
14°C (57°F)
Chance of Rain
51%
Precipitation
78 mm (3.1 in)
Rainy days
15 days
Humidity
84%
Windspeed
7 m/s (14 knots)
Sunshine
118 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Wellington typically stay consistent throughout May, with daily highs averaging around 15°C (59°F). Nights are cool, with lows typically ranging from 9°C (48°F) to 11°C (52°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 Wellington in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Wellington spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Wellington historical weather extremes in May
Based on 49 years of weather observations in Wellington between 1976 and 2025, these are the recorded extremes.
- The hottest May day on record in Wellington reached 22°C (72°F) (May 8, 2023).
- The coldest May day was on May 17, 1979, with a maximum of 7°C (45°F).
- Wellington registered its coldest May night on May 26, 2015, with temperatures dropping to 2°C (36°F).
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 Wellington in May
The weather can be unpredictable in May, so pack clothes you can easily mix and match. You could bring jeans, other long pants, and a few t-shirts. A light jacket or light sweater will be pleasant for the cooler moments. Rain is likely on several days, so bring a good rain jacket. With water temperatures around 14°C (57°F), the water is quite cold for swimming. You can skip the swimwear unless you're particularly tough. It won't hurt to bring your sunglasses along, as you'll see some sunny periods.What To Do in Wellington 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 Wellington's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp
See the full Wellington climate overview or explore weather in New Zealand.
