Adelaide in May
In May, Adelaide averages 17°C (63°F) during the day and 11°C (52°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 16 days of the month see precipitation (71 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
May is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Adelaide. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Adelaide
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Adelaide (8th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (4th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C below the annual average (21°C). May runs 4°C cooler than April (21°C) and cools 3°C in June (15°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Adelaide
Times shown for Adelaide local time (Australia/Adelaide), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Adelaide — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Adelaide's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Adelaide in May
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on May's tier (Shoulder) and Adelaide's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Adelaide
Adelaide is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Sun & mosquito risk — May in Adelaide
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Adelaide in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28°C / 82°F | 17°C / 62°F | 34 mm | 8 | — |
| February | 27°C / 81°F | 17°C / 62°F | 23 mm | 6 | — |
| March | 25°C / 77°F | 15°C / 60°F | 20 mm | 9 | — |
| April | 21°C / 71°F | 13°C / 56°F | 53 mm | 12 | — |
| May | 17°C / 63°F | 11°C / 52°F | 71 mm | 16 | — |
| June | 15°C / 58°F | 9°C / 48°F | 83 mm | 17 | — |
| July | 14°C / 57°F | 8°C / 47°F | 88 mm | 19 | — |
| August | 15°C / 59°F | 8°C / 47°F | 78 mm | 18 | — |
| September | 17°C / 63°F | 10°C / 49°F | 53 mm | 15 | — |
| October | 21°C / 69°F | 12°C / 53°F | 47 mm | 14 | — |
| November | 23°C / 73°F | 13°C / 56°F | 42 mm | 11 | — |
| December | 26°C / 79°F | 15°C / 59°F | 23 mm | 9 | — |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Adelaide in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Adelaide in May?
In May, Adelaide averages a high of 17°C (63°F) and a low of 11°C (52°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Adelaide in May?
May is quite rainy in Adelaide, with about 16 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Adelaide?
May is mild and pleasant but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Adelaide in May?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Adelaide for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.