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.
May in Franz Josef brings low temperatures, with highs of 10°C (50°F) and nights dropping to 4°C (39°F). The rainy season is in full swing this month, so frequent downpours are part of the picture.
If you're planning additional trips, our weather planner can help you find destinations that match your weather preferences.
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Franz Josef - and find the best time to visit.
Browse day-by-day weather records for Franz Josef spanning 21 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
The extremes listed below come from historical weather data collected in Franz Josef from 2006 through 2026.
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 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).
Pack for changing conditions in Franz Josef 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. Heavy rain is guaranteed, please bring a good poncho and waterproof everything!
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
See the full Franz Josef climate overview or explore weather in New Zealand.
Where to go in May - average daytime high across popular destinations.
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.
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