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Kaikoura Weather in May

With daytime temperatures of 14°C (57°F) and nighttime lows of 7°C (45°F), May in Kaikoura brings moderate temperatures during the day. It is also the driest month of the year, with minimal rainfall.

Rainfall in Kaikoura in May

This is the driest month of the year, though the temperatures are on the cooler side. Looking at the last 30 years, the data shows about 11 days with rain, averaging 71 mm (2.8 in) for the month. Expect a fairly normal spread of rainfall this month, with no particular pattern of very heavy or very persistent showers.

Temperature in Kaikoura in May

May in Kaikoura brings typical temperatures with highs around 14°C (57°F) and lows of 7°C (45°F). Even when the weather is stable, mornings and evenings can still feel distinctly cool. With lows around 7°C (45°F), nights are cold. The upside is that cool, crisp nights are often the best for a deep sleep.

Our weather planner can help you find worldwide destinations with pleasant weather during this period. January and February typically offer the best weather for Kaikoura.

Kaikoura Temperature in May

Min Temperature

7°C (45°F)

Max Temperature

14°C (57°F)

Chance of Rain

36%

Precipitation

71 mm (2.8 in)

Rainy days

11 days

Kaikoura Weather by Month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Kaikoura - and find the best time to visit.

January

20°C (68°F)View January → February

20°C (68°F)View February → March

19°C (66°F)View March → April

16°C (61°F)View April → May

14°C (57°F)View May → June

11°C (52°F)View June → July

10°C (50°F)View July → August

11°C (52°F)View August → September

13°C (55°F)View September → This monthOctober

15°C (59°F)View October → November

17°C (63°F)View November → December

19°C (66°F)View December →

Best Time to Visit Kaikoura →

Historical weather records for Kaikoura in May

Browse day-by-day weather records for Kaikoura spanning 30 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.

Kaikoura historical weather extremes in May

Based on 29 years of weather observations (1997-2026), these are the most extreme conditions recorded in Kaikoura.

On May 4, 2002, temperatures climbed to 25°C (77°F), marking the warmest May day on record.
Kaikoura experienced its chilliest May day on May 28, 2013, reaching only 6°C (43°F).
The coldest night in May in Kaikoura was on May 28, 2013, with a minimum of 3°C (37°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 →

Conditions Temperatures Precipitation

Temperatures Precipitation

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).

Marker color shows the average daytime high temperature in May: blue is cold, red is hot.

Marker color shows total monthly precipitation in May: pale blue is dry, deep blue is wet.

What to Wear in Kaikoura in May

The weather can swing between comfortable and chilly in May, so flexibility is key. Pack a variety of tops, at least one warm layer, and both shorts and long pants. This gives you options no matter what the day brings. Wet weather is likely, so pack waterproof gear for multiple rainy days.