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.
Cromwell Weather in May
Cromwell in May averages 9°C (48°F) during the day and 1°C (34°F) at night. Keep in mind that quite a bit of rainfall is expected this month.
Rainfall in Cromwell in May
Climate statistics over the past 30 years suggest around 9 days of rain, with 93 mm (3.7 in) average for the month. When showers do arrive, they tend to be on the heavier side. Worth being prepared even if rain days are not that numerous.
Temperature in Cromwell in May
Cromwell in May gets highs of 9°C (48°F) during the day and drops to 1°C (34°F) at night. Temperatures remain on the cold side all day. A proper warm jacket is worth having, not just for evenings. At 1°C (34°F) overnight, it gets properly cold after dark. On the bright side, cold nights tend to make for excellent sleeping conditions.
Sunshine in Cromwell in May
With about 135 hours of sunshine, the area enjoys a nice balance of sun and overcast, creating a pleasant environment.May in Cromwell can still be great, but if you prefer pleasant temperatures along with dry and sunny conditions, our weather planner can help you explore other options in the world.
Cromwell Temperature in May
Min Temperature
1°C (34°F)
Max Temperature
9°C (48°F)
Chance of Rain
28%
Precipitation
93 mm (3.7 in)
Rainy days
9 days
Sunshine
135 hours *
Percentage Sunshine
*
* Data from: Wanaka, New Zealand (38 KM, 24 Miles).
Cromwell Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Cromwell - and find the best time to visit.
Daily Historical Temperatures
30-year average (1996-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Cromwell typically drop from around 13°C (55°F) at the start of May to approximately 10°C (50°F) by the end. Nights are cold, with lows typically ranging from 0°C (32°F) to 4°C (39°F).
Average temperatures in May
Daily Historical Precipitation
30-year average (1996-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in May
Historical weather records for Cromwell in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Cromwell spanning 32 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Cromwell historical weather extremes in May
Based on 30 years of weather observations in Cromwell between 1996 and 2026, these are the recorded extremes.
- The warmest day in May was on May 3, 2023, with a maximum of 22°C (72°F).
- The lowest daytime temperature in May was 0°C (32°F), recorded on May 25, 2015.
- The coldest night in May in Cromwell was on May 30, 2018, with a minimum of -10°C (14°F).
- The heaviest May precipitation occurred on May 9, 2025, when 48 mm (1.9 in) of precipitation fell.
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 →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
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).
What to Wear in Cromwell in May
We recommend to layer up for chilly conditions in Cromwell in May. You could start with thermal underwear or a good base layer to keep your core warm on the cooler days this month. Maybe also add a sweater or fleece, and top it off with a windproof jacket. High rain levels are expected, so pack waterproof gear and an umbrella or poncho. Bring sunglasses since you'll have some sunny periods throughout the month
What To Do in Cromwell in May
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
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Swimming5/10 -
Cycling4/10 -
Walking4/10 -
Camping4/10 -
Outdoor sports4/10
Cromwell 3-Day Forecast
More climate data for Cromwell
See the full Cromwell climate overview or explore weather in New Zealand.
Popular in May
Where to go in May - average daytime high across popular destinations.
Auckland
18°C (64°F) Paihia
19°C (66°F) Wellington15°C (59°F) Rotorua16°C (61°F) Christchurch
15°C (59°F) Nelson15°C (59°F) Taupo15°C (59°F) Queenstown8°C (46°F) Bucket list
Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.
The Tongariro Crossing in New Zealand
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