Hokitika

West Coast Weather in May

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in the West Coast, New Zealand in May.

Considering a trip to the West Coast, 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 West Coast in May

The West Coast, New Zealand is a region in New Zealand. May in the West Coast generally has temperatures that range from cold to mild, with heavy precipitation.

Temperatures

During the day temperatures vary from cold in Otira at 10°C (50°F) to mild in Greymouth at 15°C (59°F). At night it cools down to 8°C (46°F) in Greymouth and 2°C (36°F) in Otira.

To explore the conditions in the West Coast, New Zealand in more detail, check the map below.

Precipitation

In May, precipitation varies across different areas. From heavy rainfall in Reefton with an average of 209 mm (8.2 in) to heavy rainfall in Haast with 349 mm (14 in).

Average sunshine

Sunshine levels are moderate in most locations. Greymouth typically sees 122 hours of sunlight, creating comfortable conditions that aren't too bright or too dim. Looking for something sunnier? Our weather planner helps you discover destinations with more reliable sunshine.

Explore the West Coast by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in the West Coast — and find the best time to visit. (based on Franz Josef)

Best Places to Visit in the West Coast in May

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across the West Coast.

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 West Coast

What is the weather like in May for some of the most popular destinations in the West Coast, New Zealand?

Temperature range in the West Coast (May)

Precipitation variation in the West Coast (May)

Greymouth

In May Greymouth 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 poor 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
142 hours
122 hours
107 hours
Monthly rainfall
207 mm (8.1 in)
220 mm (8.7 in)
230 mm (9.1 in)
Monthly rainy days
17 days
18 days
17 days
Weather conditions

Franz Josef

In May Franz Josef generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 10°C (50°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 4°C (39°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
13°C (55°F)
10°C (50°F)
8°C (46°F)
Min temperature
6°C (43°F)
4°C (39°F)
1°C (34°F)
Monthly rainfall
302 mm (12 in)
313 mm (12 in)
295 mm (12 in)
Monthly rainy days
15 days
16 days
14 days
Weather conditions

Hokitika

In May Hokitika generally has moderate temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 14°C (57°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 8°C (46°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
16°C (61°F)
14°C (57°F)
12°C (54°F)
Min temperature
10°C (50°F)
8°C (46°F)
6°C (43°F)
Monthly sun hours
142 hours
122 hours
107 hours
Monthly rainfall
267 mm (11 in)
274 mm (11 in)
263 mm (10 in)
Monthly rainy days
15 days
17 days
15 days
Weather conditions

Fox Glacier

In May Fox Glacier generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 11°C (52°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 4°C (39°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
14°C (57°F)
11°C (52°F)
9°C (48°F)
Min temperature
6°C (43°F)
4°C (39°F)
1°C (34°F)
Monthly rainfall
296 mm (12 in)
308 mm (12 in)
281 mm (11 in)
Monthly rainy days
15 days
16 days
14 days
Weather conditions

Westport

In May Westport generally has moderate temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 15°C (59°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 9°C (48°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor 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 rainfall
215 mm (8.5 in)
244 mm (9.6 in)
251 mm (9.9 in)
Monthly rainy days
16 days
18 days
17 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in the West Coast, 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 West Coast in May.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Franz Josef 10°C (50°F) 4°C (39°F) 313 mm (12 in)
Greymouth 15°C (59°F) 8°C (46°F) 220 mm (8.7 in)
Hokitika 14°C (57°F) 8°C (46°F) 274 mm (11 in)
Fox Glacier 11°C (52°F) 4°C (39°F) 308 mm (12 in)
Westport 15°C (59°F) 9°C (48°F) 244 mm (9.6 in)
Punakaiki 14°C (57°F) 10°C (50°F) 258 mm (10 in)

The West Coast weather in May: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in the West Coast, New Zealand in May?

May in the West Coast, New Zealand brings poor weather. In Greymouth, daytime temperatures are typically around 15°C (59°F) and nighttime lows hover near 8°C (46°F).

What is the average temperature in the West Coast, New Zealand in May?

Daytime temperatures in Greymouth peak at roughly 15°C (59°F) in May, dropping to about 8°C (46°F) overnight.

Does the West Coast, New Zealand get a lot of rain in May?

Yes. May brings heavy rainfall to the West Coast, New Zealand, with Greymouth averaging around 220 mm (8.7 in). Expect frequent showers and pack accordingly.

Is May a Good Time to Visit the West Coast, New Zealand?

In our view, May might not be the best time to travel to the West Coast, New Zealand with often poor weather in Greymouth.

Generally speaking, the best visiting conditions can be found in February offering mostly pleasant weather in Greymouth. On the other hand, the months of April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December tend to have poor weather conditions.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in the West Coast.

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.