Melbourne in May
In May, Melbourne averages 17°C (63°F) during the day and 9°C (48°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 14 days of the month see precipitation (55 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
May is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Melbourne. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Melbourne
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Melbourne (9th of 12) and one of the wettest months (2nd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C below the annual average (20°C). May runs 3°C cooler than April (20°C) and cools 3°C in June (14°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Melbourne
Times shown for Melbourne local time (Australia/Melbourne), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Melbourne — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Melbourne's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Melbourne 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 Melbourne's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Melbourne
Melbourne 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.
Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — May in Melbourne
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 Melbourne — May
Across the year Melbourne's sea swings from 10.5°C (July) to 22.2°C (January) — May sits at 14.5°C.
Melbourne in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26°C / 79°F | 14°C / 57°F | 45 mm | 8 | 0 |
| February | 26°C / 79°F | 15°C / 59°F | 50 mm | 7 | 0 |
| March | 24°C / 75°F | 13°C / 55°F | 50 mm | 9 | 0 |
| April | 20°C / 68°F | 11°C / 52°F | 55 mm | 12 | 0 |
| May | 17°C / 63°F | 9°C / 48°F | 55 mm | 14 | 0 |
| June | 14°C / 57°F | 7°C / 45°F | 50 mm | 14 | 0 |
| July | 14°C / 57°F | 6°C / 43°F | 50 mm | 14 | 0 |
| August | 15°C / 59°F | 7°C / 45°F | 55 mm | 15 | 0 |
| September | 18°C / 64°F | 8°C / 46°F | 60 mm | 14 | 0 |
| October | 20°C / 68°F | 9°C / 48°F | 65 mm | 14 | 0 |
| November | 22°C / 72°F | 11°C / 52°F | 60 mm | 12 | 0 |
| December | 25°C / 77°F | 13°C / 55°F | 60 mm | 10 | 0 |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Melbourne in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Melbourne in May?
In May, Melbourne averages a high of 17°C (63°F) and a low of 9°C (48°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Melbourne in May?
May can be fairly wet in Melbourne, with about 14 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Melbourne?
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 Melbourne in May?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Melbourne for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.