May weather forecast
Australia

As May unfolds, Australia is well into its autumn season, with evident changes in the landscape and atmospheric conditions. The transition from the warmth of summer to the crisper, cooler days of winter becomes more pronounced during this month.

In central Australia, the diurnal temperature difference widens. Daytime temperatures remain warm, but as night falls, a distinct coolness envelops the region. This change marks the approaching winter and signifies the need for warmer clothing, especially during the evenings.

The Northern Territory experiences milder weather in May. The torrential rains of the wet season are now a distant memory, and the landscape transforms, presenting hues of golden brown as the vegetation responds to the drier conditions. Temperatures remain moderate, seldom reaching the 36.1°C (97°F) highs of the summer months.

Queensland, with its diverse geography, undergoes a significant transformation. The western regions, which were previously dominated by heat, now embrace milder temperatures. The central areas, too, move away from the intense heat, aligning more with the cooler conditions of the broader continent.

Western Australia witnesses a clear reduction in rainfall, especially in its interior regions. With precipitation levels between 305mm (12.01") and 1,397mm (15.63"), the land is distinctly drier. New South Wales, with its vast and varied landscapes, welcomes the cooler breezes of May. The previously hot arid zones, which once experienced temperatures close to 32.8°C (91°F), now settle into a more moderate range, offering relief to its inhabitants.

South Australia, particularly the southern coasts, gets a touch of the Mediterranean climate. The temperate conditions combined with variable but generally reduced rainfall make outdoor activities particularly pleasant. The state becomes a hub for many outdoor festivals and events during this period.

In Tasmania, the island state south of the mainland, the approach of winter is felt strongly. Temperatures start to dip consistently, and there's a freshness in the air, signalling the close of autumn and the imminent arrival of winter.

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• Sydney - May »
  On the last day of the month, in Sydney, sunrise is at 6:51 am and sunset at 4:54 pm AEST. As Sydney transitions into May, the average high-temperature stands at an enjoyable 19.5°C (67.1°F), offering little variation from the preceding month.
• Melbourne - May »
  In Melbourne in May, the average water temperature is 17.2°C (63°F). In Melbourne in May, during 15.8 rainfall days, 42mm (1.65") of precipitation is typically accumulated.
• Brisbane - May »
  Brisbane in May decides to embrace its winter essence with a distinct drop in temperature when compared to April. In Brisbane, in May, the average water temperature is 24°C (75.2°F).
• Perth - May »
  In Perth during the entire year, the rain falls for 108.4 days and collects up to 725mm (28.54") of precipitation. On the last day of May, in Perth, sunrise is at 7:08 am and sunset at 5:20 pm AWST.
• Adelaide - May »
  On the last day of the month, in Adelaide sunrise is at 7:14 am and sunset at 5:12 pm ACST. In Adelaide, in May, it is raining for 12.9 days, with typically 36mm (1.42") of accumulated precipitation.
• Canberra - May »
  In Canberra snow does not fall in January through May, November and December. In Canberra, snow does not fall in January through May, November and December.
• Gold Coast - May »
  In Gold Coast in May, the average water temperature is 24.2°C (75.6°F). In Gold Coast in May, during 9 rainfall days, 19mm (0.75") of precipitation is typically accumulated.
• Newcastle - May »
  On the last day of the month, in Newcastle, sunrise is at 6:46 am and sunset at 4:54 pm AEST. On the last day of May, in Newcastle, sunrise is at 6:46 am and sunset at 4:54 pm AEST.
• Hobart - May »
  In Hobart in May, during 13.6 rainfall days, 30mm (1.18") of precipitation is typically accumulated. Throughout the year, in Hobart, Australia, there are 163.7 rainfall days, and 356mm (14.02") of precipitation is accumulated.
• Darwin - May »
  On the first day of May in Darwin, Australia, sunrise is at 6:53 am and sunset at 6:33 pm. Astronomical enthusiasts might find May an especially enthralling time in Darwin as it offers longer periods of night sky visibility owing to increased daylight duration.
• Cairns - May »
  In Cairns in May, the average water temperature is 26.2°C (79.2°F). The climate in Cairns during May is characterised by dry and sunny conditions with a remarkable decline in sea temperature from 27.8°C (82°F) to 26.2°C (79.2°F).
• Geelong - May »
  On the last day of May, in Geelong sunrise is at 7:29 am and sunset at 5:11 pm AEST. In Geelong, Australia, in May, during 14.3 rainfall days, 30mm (1.18") of precipitation is typically accumulated.