Timaru Weather in May
May in Timaru sees daytime temperatures around 14°C (57°F) and lows of 6°C (43°F) at night. As the driest month of the year.
Rainfall in Timaru in May
With the least rainfall of the year, this month offers good conditions for outdoor exploration, even if the temperatures are a little cool. Take advantage of the dry weather to plan your activities. The climate data from previous years indicates about 9 days of rain, averaging 57 mm (2.2 in) for the month. Neither particularly heavy nor particularly frequent, the rain this month is about average. A light jacket should be enough on most wet days.
Temperature in Timaru in May
Daytime highs in Timaru in May reach 14°C (57°F), with nights around 6°C (43°F). Even when the weather is stable, mornings and evenings can still feel distinctly cool. Nights drop to 6°C (43°F). Cold nights like these are actually great for sleeping well, as long as you have a warm enough duvet.
Sunshine in Timaru in May
The area experiences a moderate amount of sunshine, with approximately 131 hours of sunlight expected. This means a decent mix of sun and overcast.If you prefer enjoying temperate temperatures and rain-free days, January and February 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.
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 Timaru's climate page.
Timaru Temperature in May
Min Temperature
6°C (43°F)
Max Temperature
14°C (57°F)
Chance of Rain
29%
Precipitation
57 mm (2.2 in)
Rainy days
9 days
Humidity
86%
Sunshine
131 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Daily Historical Temperatures
35-year average (1991-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Timaru typically stay consistent throughout May, with daily highs averaging around 14°C (57°F). Nights are cold, with lows typically ranging from 2°C (36°F) to 5°C (41°F).
Average temperatures in May
Daily Historical Precipitation
35-year average (1991-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in May
Historical weather for Timaru in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Timaru spanning 49 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Timaru historical weather extremes in May
The extremes listed below come from historical weather data collected in Timaru from 1991 through 2026.
- The hottest May day on record in Timaru reached 25°C (77°F) (May 4, 2002).
- On May 28, 2013, Timaru saw its coldest May day with temperatures maxing out at 7°C (45°F).
- The lowest overnight temperature recorded in May was -7°C (19°F) (May 26, 2021).
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 →
perfect weather
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tolerable
unpleasant
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What to Wear in Timaru in May
Pack for changing conditions in Timaru in May. Bring a mix of short and long sleeves, a warm layer like a hoodie or light jacket, and comfortable pants. The key is being able to add or remove layers as the days goes by. Rain gear is recommended, you can expect wet weather on multiple days. It won't hurt to bring your sunglasses along, as you'll see some sunny periods.What To Do in Timaru 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 Timaru's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity
See the full Timaru climate overview or explore weather in New Zealand.
