Brisbane in May
In May, Brisbane averages 23°C (74°F) during the day and 14°C (56°F) at night, with around 13 days of rain (60 mm total).
High seasonConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
May offers comfortable temperatures in Brisbane, with some rain to plan around.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Brisbane
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Brisbane (9th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (9th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C below the annual average (26°C). May runs 2°C cooler than April (26°C) and cools 2°C in June (21°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Brisbane
Times shown for Brisbane local time (Australia/Brisbane), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Brisbane — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Brisbane's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Brisbane 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 (High season) and Brisbane's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Brisbane
This is a busy month in Brisbane — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.
Why this tier: excellent tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — May in Brisbane
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.
Sea temperature in Brisbane — May
Across the year Brisbane's sea swings from 17.1°C (July) to 27.6°C (February) — May sits at 20.3°C.
Brisbane in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29°C / 85°F | 21°C / 70°F | 110 mm | 22 | — |
| February | 29°C / 84°F | 21°C / 69°F | 165 mm | 20 | — |
| March | 28°C / 82°F | 20°C / 68°F | 144 mm | 24 | — |
| April | 26°C / 78°F | 17°C / 62°F | 54 mm | 18 | — |
| May | 23°C / 74°F | 14°C / 56°F | 60 mm | 13 | — |
| June | 21°C / 69°F | 11°C / 52°F | 44 mm | 13 | — |
| July | 21°C / 70°F | 10°C / 50°F | 34 mm | 10 | — |
| August | 22°C / 72°F | 11°C / 52°F | 37 mm | 11 | — |
| September | 25°C / 76°F | 13°C / 56°F | 44 mm | 14 | — |
| October | 26°C / 79°F | 16°C / 61°F | 103 mm | 17 | — |
| November | 28°C / 83°F | 18°C / 64°F | 79 mm | 16 | — |
| December | 29°C / 84°F | 20°C / 68°F | 102 mm | 18 | — |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Brisbane in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Brisbane in May?
In May, Brisbane averages a high of 23°C (74°F) and a low of 14°C (56°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Brisbane in May?
May can be fairly wet in Brisbane, with about 13 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Brisbane?
May is mild and pleasant. 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 Brisbane in May?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Brisbane for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.