Sydney in May
In May, Sydney averages 19°C (66°F) during the day and 11°C (52°F) at night, with around 11 days of rain (121 mm total).
High seasonConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
May offers comfortable temperatures in Sydney, with some rain to plan around.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Sydney
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Sydney (9th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C below the annual average (22°C). May runs 3°C cooler than April (22°C) and cools 2°C in June (17°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Sydney
Times shown for Sydney local time (Australia/Sydney), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Sydney — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Sydney's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Sydney 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 Sydney's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Sydney
This is a busy month in Sydney — 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 Sydney
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 Sydney — May
Across the year Sydney's sea swings from 17.7°C (July) to 23.4°C (February) — May sits at 20.9°C.
Sydney in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26°C / 79°F | 19°C / 66°F | 102 mm | 11 | — |
| February | 26°C / 79°F | 19°C / 66°F | 117 mm | 11 | — |
| March | 25°C / 77°F | 17°C / 63°F | 130 mm | 12 | — |
| April | 22°C / 72°F | 14°C / 57°F | 127 mm | 11 | — |
| May | 19°C / 66°F | 11°C / 52°F | 121 mm | 11 | — |
| June | 17°C / 63°F | 9°C / 48°F | 131 mm | 11 | — |
| July | 17°C / 63°F | 8°C / 46°F | 98 mm | 9 | — |
| August | 18°C / 64°F | 9°C / 48°F | 81 mm | 9 | — |
| September | 20°C / 68°F | 11°C / 52°F | 69 mm | 9 | — |
| October | 22°C / 72°F | 13°C / 55°F | 77 mm | 10 | — |
| November | 24°C / 75°F | 16°C / 61°F | 84 mm | 10 | — |
| December | 25°C / 77°F | 18°C / 64°F | 78 mm | 11 | — |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Sydney in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Sydney in May?
In May, Sydney averages a high of 19°C (66°F) and a low of 11°C (52°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Sydney in May?
May can be fairly wet in Sydney, with about 11 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Sydney?
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 Sydney 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 Sydney for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.