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Picton Weather in May

During May, Picton experiences moderate daytime temperatures of 16°C (61°F) and cooler nights around 9°C (48°F). Expect quite a bit of rainfall. Around 76 mm (3 in) is typical.

Rainfall in Picton in May

Typically, about 10 days will experience rainfall, with an average of 76 mm (3 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 Picton in May

May in Picton brings moderate temperatures, with highs of 16°C (61°F) and nights around 9°C (48°F). Temperatures can feel cooler in the morning and evening, so layering is often the best approach. Nights drop to 9°C (48°F). Cold nights like these are actually great for sleeping well, as long as you have a warm enough duvet.

Sunshine in Picton in May

The city usually sees around 176 hours of sunlight, indicating a moderately sunny period.

If you prefer dry days with pleasant temperatures, January, February, March and December typically offer the best circumstances. If you're seeking pleasant, dry and sunny weather somewhere else in the world, our weather planner can help you explore other options.

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For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit New Zealand, check out our Picton's climate page.

Picton Temperature in May

Min TemperatureMin Temperature 9°C (48°F)  
Max TemperatureMax Temperature 16°C (61°F)  
Chance of RainChance of Rain 35%  
PrecipitationPrecipitation 76 mm (3 in)  
Rainy daysRainy days 10 days  
HumidityHumidity 88% *  
SunshineSunshine 176 hours *  
Percentage SunshinePercentage Sunshine *  
* Data from: Nelson, New Zealand (60 KM, 37 Miles).

Daily Historical Temperatures

50-year average (1976-2025)

Based on our historical records, temperatures in Picton typically stay consistent throughout May, with daily highs averaging around 16°C (61°F). Nights are cool, with lows typically ranging from 8°C (46°F) to 11°C (52°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 Picton in May

Browse day-by-day weather records for Picton spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.

Picton historical weather extremes in May

Based on 49 years of weather observations in Picton between 1976 and 2025, these are the recorded extremes.

  • Picton recorded its highest May temperature of 21°C (70°F) on May 6, 2001.
  • Picton experienced its chilliest May day on May 23, 1979, reaching only 8°C (46°F).
  • The coldest night in May in Picton was on May 31, 1992, with a minimum of 1°C (34°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 →

Map not visible? Whoops sorry! Please refresh the page.
Legend 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 Picton 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. Rain is likely on several days, so bring a good rain jacket. Bring sunglasses since you'll have some sunny periods throughout the month

What To Do in Picton in May

We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.

Swimming
5/10
Cycling
6/10
Walking
6/10
Camping
4/10
Outdoor sports
9/10

Select a Month

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 Picton's climate page.

More climate data for Picton