May Weather in Sydney, Australia

Last updated: February 26, 2025

May in Sydney, Australia offers a delightful mix of mild temperatures and a touch of autumn rain. With maximum temperatures reaching 24°C (76°F) and an average of 17°C (62°F), the city enjoys pleasant experiences for outdoor activities. However, nights can be cool, dipping to a minimum of 8°C (46°F). The month also brings about 63 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over approximately 9 days, contributing to a humidity level of 74% that lends a fresh feel to the air. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant city or relaxing by the harbor, May is a wonderful time to experience all that Sydney has to offer.

May Temperature in Sydney

In May, Sydney welcomes the chill of autumn, with temperatures showing a noticeable drop compared to the sweltering summer months. The month ushers in cooler evenings, with minimums dipping to 8°C (46°F), while the average temperature settles at a mild 17°C (62°F). Daytime highs can reach up to 24°C (76°F), providing a comfortable blend of warmth and freshness that encourages outdoor activities. As the city transitions from the vibrant warmth of January through to April, May signals the start of a cooling trend, setting the stage for the winter months ahead. The pleasant balance of these temperatures makes May a delightful time to explore Sydney's iconic sights and enjoy its beautiful natural landscapes.

May Weather in Sydney: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates May temperature patterns in Sydney, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec737371676258575761646770
Data source: Temperature data for Sydney generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Choose your preferred temperature unit
The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

May Precipitation in Sydney

In May, Sydney experiences a moderate shift in weather as the city receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over 9 rainy days. This marks a notable increase compared to April's meager 40 mm (1.6 in), hinting at the arrival of autumn's damp embrace. While not as wet as the preceding months, May holds significance as it bridges the heavier rainfall of March and the impending chill of June with its 108 mm (4.3 in) forecast. The overall trend showcases a gradual rise in precipitation as summer transitions to winter, underscoring Sydney's changing climate patterns as the year progresses.

May Precipitation Trends in Sydney

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Sydney, with values for each month alongside May's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the amount of precipitation, providing insights into how May's conditions compare to those of other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec421251864063108545349858578
Data source: Precipitation data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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May Humidity in Sydney

In May, Sydney experiences a relative drop in humidity, settling at 74%, just one percentage point lower than the preceding month—April’s humid conditions at 75%. This slight decrease marks the beginning of a transition towards the drier winter months, as June's humidity further dips to 72%. The trend throughout the year shows a peak in humidity during the summer, especially in February at 69%, while the cooler months diminish humidity levels, with October boasting the lowest average at 55%. Overall, May maintains a humid ambiance characteristic of Sydney's climate, falling comfortably in the higher range before the gradual decline into winter.

May Average Humidity in Sydney

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Sydney, with May's data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, allowing you to see how May's humidity levels compare to other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec65%69%72%75%74%72%68%67%63%55%58%68%
Data source: Humidity data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

May UV Index in Sydney

In May, Sydney experiences a notable shift in UV exposure, with the UV Index dropping to 5, classified as moderate. This marks a significant decrease from the extreme levels seen during the summer months, where indices climbed as high as 14 in January and 13 in February. As the autumn season progresses, residents can enjoy increased burn times of up to 30 minutes, indicating a more forgiving sun. It's a welcome change that allows for outdoor activities without the urgent need for sunscreen. However, as the UV Index remains present, staying informed, such as through resources like the Sydney UV Index, is essential for skin protection year-round.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Sydney for May

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Sydney in May, representing the highest UV radiation level. The UVI measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, indicating the potential risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec141311853468101214
Data source: Sydney May UVI data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

May Sunshine in Sydney

As May arrives in Sydney, it's met with a delightful 253 hours of sunshine, marking a slight dip from the sun-drenched summer months. The city basks in light following April's generous 269 hours, showcasing a trend of consistent brightness from January through April. However, as the cool of winter approaches, there's a noticeable decline; June drops to 225 hours, hinting at the seasonal shift ahead. Despite this, May remains a charming month, with ample sunshine that allows Sydneysiders to enjoy the vibrant autumn atmosphere before the chill sets in. The overall yearly trend reveals an encouraging growth in daylight hours as the year progresses, with the promise of longer, sunnier days on the horizon as October rolls around, boasting an impressive 297 hours. This rhythm of sun and shadow paints a captivating picture of Sydney's climate, inviting both locals and visitors to relish each sunny moment.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Sydney: May Highlighted

The May sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Sydney experiences direct sunlight during the month of May, excluding cloudy or obstructed periods. This chart compares the sunshine duration of May with the other months of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec251h274h270h269h253h225h248h273h287h297h305h319h
Data source: Sydney May Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Sydney During May

May in Sydney presents a promising chance of sunny weather, with a 57% likelihood of basking in the sun. This places it in the middle range among the months, showcasing a notable increase compared to the preceding rainy months of March and February, which dipped to 38% and 41%, respectively. April's 68% chance of sunshine suggests that the city transitions into a more pleasant May, maintaining a favorable climate before the cooler winter months. Although June experiences a slight drop to 51%, Sydney's weather remains relatively bright leading into the winter season. As we look toward the end of the year, the significantly lower chances in November at 25% can serve as a reminder of the city's seasonal shifts, making May an appealing choice for sun-seekers.

Percentage of Sunny Days in May in Sydney

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Sydney throughout the year, with May highlighted. It highlights the variation in sunshine across each month and provides an overview of the typical frequency of sunny days, offering insights into how often Sydney experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec47%41%38%68%57%51%61%68%61%55%25%42%
Data source: Sydney May chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Sydney in May

As autumn unfolds in Sydney, May heralds a notable shift in daylight duration, with sunlight lasting 10 hours each day. This marks a consistent decline from the long, sunlit days of 14 hours in January, transitioning gradually through the months. The steady descent to 10 hours in May highlights the natural ebb of light that occurs as winter approaches, creating shorter, cooler days compared to the vibrant summer months. Interestingly, this trend doesn't last long; by mid-year, daylight slightly rebounds to 10 hours in both July and August, before once again climbing toward the longer days of spring in September and October. Such variations underscore the dynamic nature of Sydney's climate, as the city balances between the extremes of summer brightness and winter’s cozy embrace.

Average Daylight Hours in Sydney for May

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Sydney throughout the year, with May highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec14h 6m13h 17m12h 15m11h 12m10h 20m9h 55m10h 8m10h 53m11h 52m12h 55m13h 51m14h 20m
Data source: Sydney daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

May Winds in Sydney

In May, Sydney experiences a gentle average wind speed of 4.6 m/s (10 mph), a noticeable dip from the breezier months of March and April. This transition reflects a pattern in the city's climate, where winds begin to moderate as autumn progresses toward winter. Following April's lower average of 3.5 m/s (8 mph), May's winds pick up slightly, suggesting a mild yet refreshing atmosphere ideal for outdoor activities. As the year unfolds, June sees a slight increase once more to 5.0 m/s (11 mph), hinting at the approaching winter chill. Overall, the data illustrates a beautifully dynamic wind pattern in Sydney, where the gentle May breezes offer a pleasant pause before the more robust winds of winter take hold.

Average May Wind Speed in Sydney

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Sydney, with values for each month shown alongside May's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It illustrates the average wind speed, offering insights into how May's wind conditions compare to the rest of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec5.25.35.73.54.6 m/s5.05.65.05.74.65.55.1
Data source: Sydney May wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How May Weather in Sydney Compares to Other Months

The weather in Sydney changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of May's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Sydney and find detailed weather information for every month.

May and January in Sydney present distinctly different weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 8°C (46°F) to a maximum of 24°C (76°F), with an average of 17°C (62°F). The month sees about 63 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation across 9 days and a relatively high humidity of 74%. In contrast, January experiences warmer conditions, with temperatures varying from 16°C (62°F) to a scorching 34°C (93°F) and an average of 23°C (74°F). Precipitation is lower in January at approximately 42 mm (1.7 in), also over 9 days, but humidity is slightly lower at 65%. For more detailed information, check out Sydney weather in January.

When comparing the weather in May and February, February stands out with warmer temperatures, typically ranging from a minimum of 17°C (62°F) to a maximum of 35°C (95°F), and an average of 23°C (73°F). In contrast, May experiences milder conditions, with a minimum of 8°C (46°F) and a maximum of 24°C (76°F), averaging 17°C (62°F). Additionally, February sees more precipitation, totaling 125 mm (4.9 in) over 13 days, while May has 63 mm (2.5 in) spread across 9 days. However, the humidity is slightly higher in May at 74%, compared to 69% in February. For more detailed insights, check out Sydney weather in February.

When comparing the weather in March and May, it becomes clear that each month presents distinct conditions. March tends to be warmer overall, with average temperatures peaking at 22°C (71°F) and maximums reaching up to 33°C (92°F). However, it also experiences significantly more rainfall, totaling 185 mm (7.3 in) over 18 days, resulting in a humidity level of 72%. In contrast, May has milder temperatures averaging 17°C (62°F) and maxing out at 24°C (76°F). The month sees less precipitation—63 mm (2.5 in) spread across only 9 days—though humidity remains relatively high at 74%. For a more detailed look at March weather, you can visit Sydney weather in March.

In comparing the weather patterns of April and May, it is evident that April tends to be warmer overall, with average temperatures reaching a maximum of 30°C (86°F) compared to May's peak of 24°C (76°F). Notably, April experiences a higher minimum temperature of 12°C (54°F) versus May's minimum of 8°C (46°F). Although both months see precipitation over 9 days, May has a higher total rainfall at 63 mm (2.5 in) compared to April's 40 mm (1.6 in), contributing to slightly higher humidity levels in May at 74%, while April hovers around 75%. For more detailed insights about April's weather, you can visit Sydney weather in April.

May and June exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures tend to be more favorable with a minimum of 8°C (46°F), an average of 17°C (62°F), and a maximum of 24°C (76°F). Precipitation is relatively lighter, totaling 63 mm (2.5 in) over 9 days, and humidity levels are at 74%. Conversely, June experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 8°C (47°F), an average of 14°C (58°F), and a maximum of 22°C (72°F). The precipitation increases significantly to 108 mm (4.3 in) across 15 days, paired with a slightly lower humidity level of 72%. For more detailed information, you can refer to Sydney weather in June.

In comparing the weather between May and July, we can observe notable differences in temperature and precipitation. May experiences a warmer average temperature of 17°C (62°F) with a maximum reaching 24°C (76°F), while July's averages are cooler, with a maximum of 23°C (74°F) and an average of 14°C (57°F). Additionally, May sees a higher humidity level of 74%, contrasted with July's 68%. Precipitation is slightly lower in July, with 54 mm (2.1 in) over 6 days, compared to 63 mm (2.5 in) across 9 days in May. For a more detailed look at the weather in July, you can visit Sydney weather in July.

In May, the weather is generally milder with average temperatures reaching 17°C (62°F), peaking at 24°C (76°F) and experiencing slightly higher humidity at 74%. This month also sees about 63 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over 9 days, indicating a wetter period. In contrast, August tends to be cooler, with an average temperature of 14°C (58°F), a maximum of 22°C (72°F), and lower humidity levels at 67%. Precipitation decreases slightly to 53 mm (2.1 in) over just 6 days, making it a drier month than May. For more detailed information, you can check Sydney weather in August.

May and September exhibit distinct weather characteristics that reflect the transition between spring and autumn. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 8°C (46°F) to a maximum of 24°C (76°F), with an average of 17°C (62°F). This month experiences 63 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over about 9 days and tends to have a higher humidity level at 74%. In contrast, September presents slightly milder temperatures, with a minimum of 10°C (50°F) and a maximum of 28°C (83°F), averaging 16°C (61°F). Precipitation decreases to 49 mm (1.9 in) over 8 days, and humidity drops to 63%. For more detailed information, you can check Sydney weather in September.

May and October present distinct weather patterns. In May, the temperatures range from a minimum of 8°C (46°F) to a comfortable average of 17°C (62°F), peaking at 24°C (76°F). The month experiences around 63 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over approximately 9 days, with higher humidity at 74%. In contrast, October boasts somewhat milder temperatures, with a minimum of 12°C (54°F) and an average of 18°C (65°F), reaching a maximum of 29°C (84°F). Precipitation increases to 85 mm (3.4 in) spread over about 12 days, but humidity drops to a more comfortable 55%. For more details on the October climate, you can visit Sydney weather in October.

In comparing the weather of May and November, we see notable differences in temperature and precipitation patterns. May has a cooler climate with average temperatures around 17°C (62°F) and a maximum of 24°C (76°F), while November enjoys warmer conditions, with an average temperature of 19°C (67°F) and peaks reaching as high as 34°C (94°F). Precipitation is slightly higher in November, at 85 mm (3.3 in) over 10 days compared to May’s 63 mm (2.5 in) over 9 days. Additionally, May experiences a higher humidity level of 74%, contrasting with November's lower humidity at 57%. For more detailed information on November weather, you can check Sydney weather in November.

In comparing the weather between May and December, it's clear that December is generally warmer, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 15°C (60°F) to a maximum of 30°C (87°F), compared to May's 8°C (46°F) minimum and 24°C (76°F) maximum. Additionally, December experiences slightly more precipitation, with 78 mm (3.1 in) over 11 days, whereas May sees 63 mm (2.5 in) across 9 days. Humidity levels are also lower in December at 68%, compared to a higher 74% in May. For more detailed weather information, check out Sydney weather in December.

Compare Sydney's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From May Weather in Sydney

As autumn settles in, Sydney's May weather brings a notable shift compared to the vibrancy of earlier months. With average temperatures hovering around a mild 17°C, the days are comfortably warm, yet the nights dip into cooler territory. This transitional period sees slightly increased humidity and a modest amount of rain, marking May as one of the wetter months. While outdoor activities are still enjoyable, the frequent showers remind residents and visitors that winter is just around the corner. To better understand how weather evolves throughout the year, take a closer look at Sydney Climate.