Daytime highs, nighttime lows and the warmest cities across New Zealand this May.
New Zealand, experiences maximum daytime temperatures in May ranging from 6°C (43°F) in Mount Cook Village to 19°C (66°F) in Cable Bay. Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 12°C (54°F) in Cable Bay and -2°C (28°F) in Mount Cook Village.
To get a sense of May's typical temperatures in the key spots of New Zealand, explore the map below. Click on a point for an in-depth look.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across New Zealand.
Marker color shows the average daytime high temperature in May: blue is cold, red is hot.
Average daytime highs in New Zealand during May reach about 18°C (64°F) in Auckland.
Nighttime temperatures in Auckland typically drop to around 12°C (54°F) in May.
From a thorough analysis of our records, Cable Bay clearly dominates in terms of high temperatures. The city witnesses daytime temperatures hovering around 19°C (66°F), and evenings that remain near 12°C (54°F).
When looking through our records, we find that Mount Cook Village stands out as the coolest city in New Zealand for the month of May. Daytime highs average 6°C (43°F) and it cools down to about -2°C (28°F) at night.
Across New Zealand, sunshine in May ranges from overcast in Queenstown (87 hours) to moderately sunny in Nelson (176 hours).
Across New Zealand, sea temperatures in May range from frigid at 11°C (52°F) in Invercargill to cool at 18°C (64°F) in Auckland — so swimming conditions depend on which coast you pick.
We have much more information about the climate in New Zealand.
Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to New Zealand? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in New Zealand.
Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.
Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.
The Tongariro Crossing in New Zealand
It is called the most beautiful walk in New Zealand, the Tongariro Crossing. The official hiking season starts late October until end of April.
White-water sledge and raft in Rotorua
We recommend to white-water sledge and raft in Rotorua in summer (January, February) when the Glacier melt fills the rivers. This is the best time.