Australia (Melbourne) · May
Low seasonAustralia · Oceania
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 27° (81°)18– (64–)40 (104) | 26° (79°)18– (64–)37 (99) | 24° (75°)16– (61–)35 (95) | 21° (70°)14– (57–)28 (82) | 17° (63°)12– (54–)22 (72) | 14° (57°)10– (50–)18 (64) | 14° (57°)10– (50–)17 (63) | 15° (59°)10– (50–)20 (68) | 18° (64°)12– (54–)26 (79) | 20° (68°)13– (55–)30 (86) | 23° (73°)14– (57–)35 (95) | 25° (77°)16– (61–)38 (100) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 16° (61°)9– (48–)22 (72) | 15° (59°)9– (48–)20 (68) | 14° (57°)8– (46–)20 (68) | 11° (52°)5– (41–)17 (63) | 9° (48°)3– (37–)15 (59) | 7° (45°)1– (34–)12 (54) | 7° (45°)0– (32–)11 (52) | 8° (46°)1– (34–)12 (54) | 9° (48°)2– (36–)15 (59) | 10° (50°)4– (39–)16 (61) | 12° (54°)6– (43–)19 (66) | 14° (57°)8– (46–)19 (66) |
☀️Sunshine | 9h UV 8 | 8h UV 8 | 7h UV 7 | 5h UV 5 | 4h UV 4 | 4h UV 3 | 4h UV 3 | 5h UV 4 | 5h UV 6 | 7h UV 7 | 7h UV 7 | 9h UV 8 |
🌊Water Temp | 21° (70°) | 22° (72°) | 20° (68°) | 18° (64°) | 15° (59°) | 13° (55°) | 12° (54°) | 12° (54°) | 13° (55°) | 15° (59°) | 18° (64°) | 20° (68°) |
🌧Rain Days | 4d42mm (1.7") | 3d39mm (1.5") | 3d33mm (1.3") | 5d50mm (2.0") | 5d40mm (1.6") | 5d37mm (1.5") | 6d40mm (1.6") | 6d41mm (1.6") | 6d43mm (1.7") | 5d45mm (1.8") | 6d57mm (2.3") | 5d49mm (1.9") |
Best travel time current monthØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Off-season — lowest travel prices with still acceptable climate.
May in Australia (Melbourne) is on the cool side — with highs around 17°C (63°F) it's less suited for a beach holiday, but good for sightseeing away from the high season.
Daytime highs average 17°C (63°F), cooling to 9°C (48°F) at night (daily average: 13°C (55°F)). Peaks reach around 22°C (72°F), the coldest nights around 3°C (37°F). With 4 sunshine hours per day and 5 rain days (40 mm (1.6 in)), this is one of the cloudier months. At 15°C (59°F), the water is still quite cool in May — a wetsuit may be useful.
Pack warm clothing and sturdy footwear. Cool temperatures make hiking and cultural trips enjoyable — beaches are off the agenda.
Autumn is Melbourne's quiet best: leaves in the parks, March evenings that are still warm and café terraces with blankets. From April the hours of sunshine drop sharply, May turns noticeably fresh, and the city retreats into pubs, galleries and cinemas.
Packing list for Australia (Melbourne) in May
- Long-sleeved shirts and light trousers
- Light jacket
- Jumper or fleece
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Small umbrella (occasional showers possible)
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is May a good time to visit Australia (Melbourne)?
- May is not an optimal month for Australia (Melbourne) (Score: 49/100), but it is manageable. For better conditions, consider January, February, March, and December.
- How warm is it in Australia (Melbourne) in May?
- In May, Australia (Melbourne) sees daily highs of 17°C (63°F). Nights cool to 9°C (48°F), with a daily average of 13°C (55°F). Peaks reach around 22°C (72°F), the coldest nights around 3°C (37°F).
- How much rain falls in Australia (Melbourne) in May?
- In May, Australia (Melbourne) receives an average of 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain over 5 rain days. That is comparatively dry.
- How many sunshine hours does Australia (Melbourne) get in May?
- Australia (Melbourne) averages 4 sunshine hours per day in May — below the annual average.
- How warm is the water in Australia (Melbourne) in May?
- Water temperature in Australia (Melbourne) in May averages 15°C (59°F) — still quite cool — a wetsuit may be useful.
