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Queenstown Weather in May

May in Queenstown typically sees daytime highs of 8°C (46°F) and nighttime lows of 1°C (34°F). Rainfall is also possible this month, so it's worth packing an umbrella.

Rainfall in Queenstown in May

The climate data from previous years indicates about 12 days of rain, averaging 140 mm (5.5 in) for the month. Individual showers can be quite heavy this month. A proper umbrella or rain jacket is worth having.

Temperature in Queenstown in May

If you're visiting Queenstown in May, expect highs of 8°C (46°F) and overnight lows around 1°C (34°F). Expect a cold feel throughout the day, not just in the mornings and evenings. Warm layers are essential. Nights drop to 1°C (34°F). Cold nights like these are actually great for sleeping well, as long as you have a warm enough duvet.

Sunshine in Queenstown in May

The area sees fewer sunny days, with a projection of about 87 hours of sunshine. This reduced sunlight makes it ideal for those who prefer overcast conditions over bright sunny days.

May in Queenstown has its charm, but if you're looking for destinations with pleasant temperatures and sunny skies, our weather planner can help you explore other options in the world.

Queenstown Temperature in May

Min Temperature

1°C (34°F)

Max Temperature

8°C (46°F)

Chance of Rain

41%

Precipitation

140 mm (5.5 in)

Rainy days

12 days

Humidity

81%

Sunshine

87 hours

Percentage Sunshine

Queenstown Weather by Month

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

January

17°C (63°F)View January → February

17°C (63°F)View February → March

15°C (59°F)View March → April

12°C (54°F)View April → May

8°C (46°F)View May → June

4°C (39°F)View June → July

3°C (37°F)View July → August

4°C (39°F)View August → September

6°C (43°F)View September → This monthOctober

9°C (48°F)View October → November

13°C (55°F)View November → December

15°C (59°F)View December →

Best Time to Visit Queenstown →

Daily Historical Temperatures

30-year average (1996-2025)

Based on our historical records, temperatures in Queenstown typically drop from around 13°C (55°F) at the start of May to approximately 10°C (50°F) by the end. Nights are cold, with lows typically ranging from 0°C (32°F) to 4°C (39°F).

Average temperatures in May

Daily Historical Precipitation

30-year average (1996-2025)

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

Average precipitation in May

Historical weather records for Queenstown in May

Browse day-by-day weather records for Queenstown spanning 32 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.

Queenstown historical weather extremes in May

Our historical data for Queenstown spans 1996 to 2026, revealing these weather extremes.

On May 3, 2023, temperatures climbed to 23°C (73°F), marking the warmest May day on record.
On May 25, 2015, Queenstown saw its coldest May day with temperatures maxing out at -2°C (28°F).
Nighttime temperatures dropped to -8°C (18°F) on May 25, 2015, marking the coldest May night on record.
Peak precipitation in May occurred on May 9, 2025, when 56 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation was measured.

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 Queenstown in May

Dress warmly and in layers for your trip to Queenstown in May. A good base layer system works wonders. Start with good thermal underwear, add something warm like a fleece sweater, then finish with a waterproof jacket on top. Expect heavy rainfall, so bring good rain protection and waterproof bags. You can probably leave your sunglasses at home, because sunny days are pretty rare this month.