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Lake Tekapo Weather in May

Thinking of visiting Lake Tekapo in May? Expect low temperatures reaching 10°C (50°F) during the day, dropping to 2°C (36°F) at night, and note that quite a bit of rainfall is likely.

Rainfall in Lake Tekapo in May

Typically around 9 days of rainfall are expected, averaging 111 mm (4.4 in) for the month. The rain this month tends to fall in heavier spells rather than light drizzle. When it rains, showers can be significant.

Temperature in Lake Tekapo in May

Daytime temperatures in Lake Tekapo reach 10°C (50°F) in May, dropping to 2°C (36°F) at night. Expect a cold feel throughout the day, not just in the mornings and evenings. Warm layers are essential. Nights drop to 2°C (36°F). Cold nights like these are actually great for sleeping well, as long as you have a warm enough duvet.

If you prefer dry days with pleasant temperatures, May may not be the ideal month to visit Lake Tekapo. Our weather planner can help you explore destinations with more pleasant weather conditions.

Lake Tekapo Temperature in May

Min Temperature

2°C (36°F)

Max Temperature

10°C (50°F)

Chance of Rain

29%

Precipitation

111 mm (4.4 in)

Rainy days

9 days

Lake Tekapo Weather by Month

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

January

19°C (66°F)View January → February

19°C (66°F)View February → March

17°C (63°F)View March → April

14°C (57°F)View April → May

10°C (50°F)View May → June

6°C (43°F)View June → July

5°C (41°F)View July → August

7°C (45°F)View August → September

9°C (48°F)View September → This monthOctober

12°C (54°F)View October → November

14°C (57°F)View November → December

17°C (63°F)View December →

Best Time to Visit Lake Tekapo →

Daily Historical Temperatures

35-year average (1991-2025)

Based on our historical records, temperatures in Lake Tekapo typically stay consistent throughout May, with daily highs averaging around 10°C (50°F). Nights are cold, with lows typically ranging from 1°C (34°F) to 4°C (39°F).

Average temperatures in May

Daily Historical Precipitation

35-year average (1991-2025)

Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.

Average precipitation in May

Historical weather records for Lake Tekapo in May

Browse day-by-day weather records for Lake Tekapo spanning 49 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.

Lake Tekapo historical weather extremes in May

Based on weather observations in Lake Tekapo between 1991 and 2026, these are the recorded extremes during May.

The warmest day in May was on May 4, 2002, with a maximum of 25°C (77°F).
The lowest daytime temperature in May was 3°C (37°F), recorded on May 25, 2015.
The lowest overnight temperature recorded in May was -8°C (18°F) (May 26, 2014).

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 Lake Tekapo in May

The weather can be unpredictable in May, so pack clothes you can easily mix and match. You could bring jeans, other long pants, and a few t-shirts. A light jacket or light sweater will be pleasant for the cooler moments. High rain levels are expected, so pack waterproof gear and an umbrella or poncho.