Napier Weather in May
With daytime temperatures of 17°C (63°F) and nighttime lows of 10°C (50°F), May in Napier brings moderate temperatures during the day. Do keep in mind that quite a bit of rainfall is typical. Around 67 mm (2.6 in) falls on average.
Rainfall in Napier in May
Typically around 10 days of rainfall are expected, averaging 67 mm (2.6 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 Napier in May
Daytime highs in Napier in May reach 17°C (63°F), with nights around 10°C (50°F). The difference between afternoon and evening temperatures is usually noticeable. With overnight lows of 10°C (50°F), nights are cold. The cold air does make for deep, comfortable sleep if you have enough blankets.
Sunshine in Napier in May
The area experiences a moderate amount of sunshine, with approximately 155 hours of sunlight expected. This means a decent mix of sun and overcast.If you prefer dry days with pleasant temperatures, May may not be the ideal month to visit Napier. Our weather planner can help you explore destinations with more pleasant weather conditions.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit New Zealand, check out our Napier's climate page.
Napier Temperature in May
Min Temperature
10°C (50°F)
Max Temperature
17°C (63°F)
Chance of Rain
34%
Precipitation
67 mm (2.6 in)
Rainy days
10 days
Humidity
78%
Sunshine
155 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Napier typically stay consistent throughout May, with daily highs averaging around 17°C (63°F). Nights are cool, with lows typically ranging from 8°C (46°F) to 10°C (50°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 Napier in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Napier spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Napier historical weather extremes in May
Our historical data for Napier spans 1999 to 2026, revealing these weather extremes.
- The warmest day in May was on May 10, 2021, with a maximum of 27°C (81°F).
- The coldest May day was on May 30, 2001, with a maximum of 9°C (48°F).
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to -1°C (30°F) on May 30, 2012, marking the coldest May night on record.
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 →
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What to Wear in Napier in May
Comfortable temperatures call for an easy wardrobe in May. Pack summer basics like t-shirts and shorts, but include a light jacket for cooler moments. A pair of comfortable walking shoes is essential. Wet weather is likely, so pack waterproof gear for multiple rainy days. It won't hurt to bring your sunglasses along, as you'll see some sunny periods.What To Do in Napier 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 New Zealand, check out our Napier's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity
See the full Napier climate overview or explore weather in New Zealand.
