Wellington in May
In May, Wellington averages 15°C (59°F) during the day and 12°C (53°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 18 days of the month see precipitation (100 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 Wellington. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Wellington
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Wellington (7th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (4th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C below the annual average (16°C). May runs 1°C cooler than April (16°C) and cools 2°C in June (13°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Wellington
Times shown for Wellington local time (Pacific/Auckland), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Wellington — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Wellington's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Wellington 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 Wellington's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Wellington
Wellington 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 Wellington
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.
Wellington in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 20°C / 67°F | 15°C / 59°F | 46 mm | 14 | — |
| February | 19°C / 67°F | 15°C / 59°F | 80 mm | 12 | — |
| March | 18°C / 65°F | 14°C / 58°F | 78 mm | 15 | — |
| April | 16°C / 62°F | 13°C / 55°F | 96 mm | 16 | — |
| May | 15°C / 59°F | 12°C / 53°F | 100 mm | 18 | — |
| June | 13°C / 56°F | 10°C / 49°F | 100 mm | 17 | — |
| July | 12°C / 54°F | 9°C / 47°F | 102 mm | 19 | — |
| August | 12°C / 54°F | 9°C / 48°F | 103 mm | 19 | — |
| September | 13°C / 55°F | 9°C / 49°F | 88 mm | 19 | — |
| October | 15°C / 58°F | 11°C / 51°F | 66 mm | 17 | — |
| November | 16°C / 61°F | 12°C / 54°F | 88 mm | 18 | — |
| December | 18°C / 64°F | 14°C / 57°F | 77 mm | 16 | — |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Wellington in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Wellington in May?
In May, Wellington averages a high of 15°C (59°F) and a low of 12°C (53°F) — generally cool.
Does it rain a lot in Wellington in May?
May is quite rainy in Wellington, with about 18 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Wellington?
May is cool but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cool weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Wellington in May?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Wellington for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.