Townsville Weather in May
May in Townsville sees daytime temperatures around 28°C (82°F) and lows of 19°C (66°F) at night. The perfect weather makes it a good time to visit.
Rainfall in Townsville in May
You can expect rain on around 7 days based on historical patterns, with 33 mm (1.3 in) average for the month. A fairly balanced picture this month, some wet days but nothing too extreme in terms of intensity.
Temperature in Townsville in May
Townsville has perfect weather in May, with days reaching 28°C (82°F) and nights cooling to 19°C (66°F). Conditions stay fairly consistent through the month, making it easier to plan what to wear. With overnight lows of 19°C (66°F), evenings can feel noticeably cooler than the daytime. An extra layer is a good idea, though the cool air makes for a good night's sleep.
Sunshine in Townsville in May
There are approximately 226 hours of sunshine this month, resulting in mostly clear days.
Wind Speed in Townsville in May
Wind speeds average 2 m/s (4 knots) during May. At this speed, expect light breezes that you can feel on your face and cause leaves to rustle gently. Since this is an average, some days are calmer with barely any wind while others have more noticeable gentle breezes.
Average water temperature in May
At 24°C (75°F), the water is warm and comfortable for swimming. Most people find this temperature ideal for spending longer periods in the water.If you're inclined towards comfortable temperatures and drier conditions, May is a good time to visit Townsville.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Australia, check out our Townsville's climate page.
Townsville Temperature in May
Min Temperature
19°C (66°F)
Max Temperature
28°C (82°F)
Water Temperature
24°C (75°F)
Chance of Rain
24%
Precipitation
33 mm (1.3 in)
Rainy days
7 days
Humidity
67%
Windspeed
2 m/s (4 knots)
Sunshine
226 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Townsville typically stay consistent throughout May, with daily highs averaging around 28°C (82°F). Nights are pleasant, with lows typically ranging from 17°C (63°F) to 20°C (68°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 Townsville in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Townsville spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Townsville historical weather extremes in May
Our historical data for Townsville spans 1976 to 2026, revealing these weather extremes.
- On May 1, 1996, temperatures climbed to 32°C (90°F), marking the warmest May day on record.
- The coldest May day was on May 26, 1990, with a maximum of 16°C (61°F).
- Townsville registered its coldest May night on May 31, 2001, with temperatures dropping to 9°C (48°F).
Best Places in Australia in May
Find out more about the weather in Australia and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Australia in May →
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What to Wear in Townsville in May
Warm but pleasant conditions in Townsville in May. Focus on lightweight, maybe with natural fabrics, cotton blend shirts, comfortable shorts, and breathable footwear. A light cover-up for sun protection is smart too. Light rain is possible, so consider bringing a small umbrella or rain jacket. With water temperatures around 24°C (75°F), swimming conditions are excellent. Pack your swimsuit, goggles, and maybe some water shoes. Don't forget sun protection, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. These are all good ideas with this much sunshine.What To Do in Townsville 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 Australia, check out our Townsville's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp
See the full Townsville climate overview or explore weather in Australia.
