Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park Weather in May

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in the Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand in May.

Considering a trip to the Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand this May and wondering about the expected weather conditions? Find all the crucial information you need right here, addressing your question:

What to Expect in the Abel Tasman National Park in May

The Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand is a region in New Zealand. May in the Abel Tasman National Park generally has mild temperatures, with precipitation levels ranging from high to heavy.

Temperatures

You can expect mild maximum daytime temperatures of around 15°C (59°F) and nighttime temperatures around 9°C (48°F) in Motueka.

For specific regional insights in the Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand, refer to the map provided below.

Precipitation

In May, precipitation varies across different areas. From high rainfall in Motueka with an average of 134 mm (5.3 in) to heavy rainfall in Takaka with 161 mm (6.3 in).

Average sunshine

Most areas see decent amounts of sunshine this month. Motueka gets around 156 hours of sunlight, providing a pleasant balance of sun and clouds. If you'd prefer more guaranteed sunshine, our weather planner can show you sunnier spots around the world.

Explore the Abel Tasman National Park by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in the Abel Tasman National Park — and find the best time to visit. (based on Motueka)

Best Places to Visit in the Abel Tasman National Park in May

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across the Abel Tasman National Park.

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).

Popular Destinations in the Abel Tasman National Park

What is the weather like in May for some of the most popular destinations in the Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand?

Temperature range in the Abel Tasman National Park (May)

Precipitation variation in the Abel Tasman National Park (May)

Motueka

In May Motueka generally has moderate temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 15°C (59°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 9°C (48°F) and high monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are unpleasant that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
17°C (63°F)
15°C (59°F)
13°C (55°F)
Min temperature
11°C (52°F)
9°C (48°F)
7°C (45°F)
Monthly sun hours
188 hours
156 hours
150 hours
Monthly rainfall
123 mm (4.8 in)
134 mm (5.3 in)
150 mm (5.9 in)
Monthly rainy days
10 days
11 days
11 days
Weather conditions

Takaka

In May Takaka generally has moderate temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 15°C (59°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 8°C (46°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are unpleasant that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
17°C (63°F)
15°C (59°F)
13°C (55°F)
Min temperature
10°C (50°F)
8°C (46°F)
6°C (43°F)
Monthly sun hours
188 hours
156 hours
150 hours
Monthly rainfall
150 mm (5.9 in)
161 mm (6.3 in)
184 mm (7.2 in)
Monthly rainy days
12 days
14 days
14 days
Weather conditions

Kaiteriteri

In May Kaiteriteri generally has moderate temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 15°C (59°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 9°C (48°F) and high monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are unpleasant that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
17°C (63°F)
15°C (59°F)
13°C (55°F)
Min temperature
11°C (52°F)
9°C (48°F)
7°C (45°F)
Monthly sun hours
188 hours
156 hours
150 hours
Monthly rainfall
128 mm (5 in)
139 mm (5.5 in)
157 mm (6.2 in)
Monthly rainy days
10 days
12 days
12 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in the Abel Tasman National Park, in New Zealand.

In our records: New Zealand May extremes

Notable May records observed across cities in New Zealand in our climate database (1976 – 2026). Historic readings can vary in quality, so treat these as illustrative.

  • In our records, the coldest May daytime high in New Zealand was -6°C (21°F) in Franz Josef on May 28, 2013.

Popular cities in May

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in the Abel Tasman National Park in May.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Motueka 15°C (59°F) 9°C (48°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Takaka 15°C (59°F) 8°C (46°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Kaiteriteri 15°C (59°F) 9°C (48°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)

The Abel Tasman National Park weather in May: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in the Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand in May?

In May, the Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand generally has unpleasant weather conditions. Motueka sees daytime temperatures near 15°C (59°F), with nights cooling to roughly 9°C (48°F).

What is the average temperature in the Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand in May?

Average temperatures in the Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand during May range from a nighttime low near 9°C (48°F) to a daytime high around 15°C (59°F) in Motueka.

Does the Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand get a lot of rain in May?

Yes, May tends to be a wetter month in the Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand. Average rainfall in Motueka sits around 134 mm (5.3 in).

Is May a Good Time to Visit the Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand?

In our view, May might not be the best time to travel to the Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand with often unpleasant weather in Motueka.

Generally speaking, February provides perfect weather in Motueka. In contrast, June, July and August tend to have poor weather conditions.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in the Abel Tasman National Park.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to New Zealand? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in New Zealand.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.