Canberra Weather in May
May in Canberra averages 16°C (61°F) during the day and 4°C (39°F) at night. With just 32 mm (1.3 in) of rainfall on average, it doesn't get much drier than this.
Rainfall in Canberra in May
The risk of rain is at its lowest this month, making it a reliable choice for outdoor plans. You can expect rain on around 11 days based on historical patterns, with 32 mm (1.3 in) average for the month. A fairly balanced picture this month, some wet days but nothing too extreme in terms of intensity.
Temperature in Canberra in May
May in Canberra sees highs of 16°C (61°F) and lows of 4°C (39°F) overnight. Even when the weather is stable, mornings and evenings can still feel distinctly cool. Nights fall to 4°C (39°F), which is cold enough to feel it indoors too. A good thick duvet makes all the difference for a comfortable night's sleep.
Sunshine in Canberra in May
You can expect a moderate amount of sunlight, with approximately 167 hours. This means a pleasant mix of sun and overcast.
Wind Speed in Canberra in May
Wind speeds average 1 m/s (2 knots) during May. At this speed, you'll experience mostly light air movement that's just barely noticeable. As an average, some days will be completely calm while others have gentle breezes you can feel on your skin.For Canberra itself, January, February, March, April, October, November and December 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 Australia, check out our Canberra's climate page.
Canberra Temperature in May
Min Temperature
4°C (39°F)
Max Temperature
16°C (61°F)
Chance of Rain
38%
Precipitation
32 mm (1.3 in)
Rainy days
11 days
Humidity
79%
Windspeed
1 m/s (2 knots)
Sunshine
167 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Canberra typically drop from around 18°C (64°F) at the start of May to approximately 14°C (57°F) by the end. Nights are cold, with lows typically ranging from 2°C (36°F) to 6°C (43°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 Canberra in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Canberra spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Canberra historical weather extremes in May
According to our 50 years of weather records for Canberra, the following extremes were recorded between 1976 and 2026.
- On May 11, 1992, temperatures climbed to 24°C (75°F), marking the warmest May day on record.
- On May 28, 2000, Canberra saw its coldest May day with temperatures maxing out at 4°C (39°F).
- The lowest overnight temperature recorded in May was -7°C (19°F) (May 15, 2011).
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 →
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What to Wear in Canberra in May
Pack for changing conditions in Canberra in May. Bring a mix of short and long sleeves, a warm layer like a hoodie or light jacket, and comfortable pants. The key is being able to add or remove layers as the days goes by. Pack a light rain jacket or compact umbrella for occasional showers. It won't hurt to bring your sunglasses along, as you'll see some sunny periods.What To Do in Canberra 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 Canberra's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed
See the full Canberra climate overview or explore weather in Australia.
