Last updated: February 25, 2025
In Brisbane, Australia, May showcases a delightful transition into the cooler months, with temperatures ranging from a charming minimum of 6°C (43°F) to a comfortable maximum of 28°C (83°F). The average temperature settles around 18°C (64°F), making it a pleasant time for outdoor activities. The month experiences 37 mm (1.5 in) of rainfall spread over 6 days, contributing to a humidity level of 73% that adds a touch of freshness to the air. Whether strolling through lush gardens or exploring the vibrant cityscape, May is a beautiful time to experience the unique allure of Brisbane.
As May unfolds in Brisbane, Australia, temperatures begin to shift, welcoming the cooler embrace of autumn. The month starts with a crisp minimum of 6°C (43°F), a stark contrast to the sweltering summer months. Daytime averages hover around 18°C (64°F), striking a comfortable balance for outdoor activities, while maximum temperatures can still reach a pleasant 28°C (83°F). This trend reflects a gradual decline from the warmer highs of earlier months, illustrating Brisbane's transition from a vibrant, hot summer to a more temperate climate. Overall, May serves as a lovely bridge between the heat of the season past and the cooler months ahead, making it an ideal time for both locals and visitors to enjoy the diverse landscapes and activities this city has to offer.
In May, Brisbane experiences a noticeable drop in precipitation, accumulating only 37 mm (1.5 in) over just 6 days. This marks a stark contrast to the preceding months, particularly March, which sees nearly 192 mm (7.6 in), revealing a clear trend of tapering rainfall as the city transitions into the dry season. While April has a modest amount of 68 mm (2.7 in) concentrated in 8 days, May’s drier conditions hint at the upcoming winter months, with rainfall continuing to decline into June. This pattern highlights an interesting ebb in Brisbane's weather, where the lush green of autumn gradually gives way to the sunnier, more arid days of winter.
As the seasons transition in Brisbane, May ushers in a noteworthy decrease in humidity, dipping to 73%. This marks a continued decline from the higher levels observed earlier in the year, where January and February saw humidity peaking at 79% and 80%, respectively. Following this trend, April recorded a slight decrease to 77% before settling into May's more comfortable levels. The trend suggests that as winter approaches, the air becomes noticeably drier, a pattern that continues into June with a further drop to 72%. This gentle decline in humidity makes May an inviting time in Brisbane, offering a respite from the preceding months' stickiness and laying the groundwork for the cooler, more temperate winter ahead.
As May arrives in Brisbane, Australia, residents can expect a high UV Index of 7, indicating a 25-minute burn time for unprotected skin. This marks a noticeable shift from the extreme levels experienced in the early months of the year, where the UV Index soared to 15. The transition through April's very high index of 10 suggests a gradual easing into milder conditions, allowing for longer exposure times without the immediate threat of sunburn. As winter approaches in June, the UV Index drops further to 5, categorized as moderate, offering an even safer environment for outdoor activities. For a detailed understanding of UV levels throughout the year, be sure to explore the Brisbane UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
May in Brisbane offers a delightful splash of sunshine, totaling 260 hours of bright days. While this marks a slight dip from the preceding months of January through April, the overall trend is clear: Brisbane shines brightly for the majority of the year. As the seasons shift, May sets the stage for an impressive upward climb into the warmer months, with November and December emerging as the sunniest periods, boasting over 320 hours of sunlight. This charming city’s consistent daylight invites both locals and visitors to bask in its warmth, making every month a worthy celebration of the sun.
In Brisbane, Australia, May emerges as a standout month for sunshine, boasting a 63% chance of clear skies. This figure marks an increase from the previous months, particularly March, which dips to 39%, and even nudges upward from April’s 58%. As the region transitions from the wet season, the likelihood of sunny weather steadily improves, holding strong through June and July, both at 63% and even reaching 65% in July. This upward trend highlights May as an excellent time for outdoor activities, as Brisbane basks in delightful autumn weather before the chill of winter sets in.
As the seasons transition in Brisbane, May marks the beginning of shorter days, with daylight dwindling to 10 hours—a noticeable reduction from the 11 hours seen in April. This pattern continues into June and July, where daylight remains consistent at 10 hours. However, as winter gives way to spring, daylight hours gradually increase again in August and September. Notably, Brisbane enjoys a bright return of longer days in the latter part of the year, reaching 13 hours by November and December, signaling a vibrant comeback of sunlight after the cooler months. Overall, the rhythm of daylight in Brisbane reflects the seasonal shifts, offering both the tranquility of winter nights and the exuberance of summer brightness.
In Brisbane, Australia, the wind speeds in May average around 2.4 m/s (5 mph), marking a slight dip compared to the preceding months. This seasonal trend reveals a gentle decline in wind speeds from the high summer months of January and February, both hovering near 2.9 m/s. As we move into the autumn months, March experiences a decrease to 2.5 m/s, followed by April holding steady at 2.7 m/s. However, May takes a subtle step back before a rebound in June, where winds return to 2.5 m/s. Overall, the data reflects a consistent pattern of moderate winds through the year, with May offering a brief respite before the winds begin to pick up again as winter approaches.
The weather in Brisbane 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 Brisbane and find detailed weather information for every month.
When comparing the weather in May to January, notable differences emerge. May experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 6°C (43°F) and a maximum of 28°C (83°F), while January boasts a warmer range, featuring a minimum of 15°C (59°F) and a peak of 36°C (96°F). Additionally, January sees more precipitation, totaling 70 mm (2.8 in) over 11 days compared to May's 37 mm (1.5 in) across just 6 days. Humidity levels are slightly higher in January at 79%, whereas May maintains a lower average of 73%. For more detailed information, you can explore Brisbane weather in January.
When comparing the weather in May to that of February, significant differences emerge. May experiences milder temperatures, with averages ranging from a minimum of 6°C (43°F) to a maximum of 28°C (83°F), while February presents a much hotter climate, featuring a minimum of 16°C (62°F) and peaking at 38°C (101°F). Additionally, February sees notably higher precipitation, with 147 mm (5.8 in) over 14 days compared to May's 37 mm (1.5 in) across just 6 days. The humidity levels are also slightly elevated in February at 80%, compared to May's 73%. For a more detailed look at February weather patterns, check out Brisbane weather in February.
In comparing the weather of May and March, March experiences notably higher temperatures, with average highs reaching 36°C (98°F) compared to May's maximum of 28°C (83°F). Additionally, March is much wetter, with a significant 192 mm (7.6 in) of precipitation over 19 days, while May sees a much lighter rainfall of only 37 mm (1.5 in) across 6 days. Humidity levels are also slightly higher in March at 80%, compared to May's 73%, making March feel more oppressive despite its warmer temperatures. For more detailed insights, you can check Brisbane weather in March.
In comparing the weather patterns of April and May, April tends to be warmer overall, with average temperatures reaching 21°C (69°F) and maximums peaking at 33°C (91°F). However, it also sees higher precipitation, totaling 68 mm (2.7 in) over 8 days, making it a wetter month compared to May, which experiences lower precipitation at 37 mm (1.5 in) over just 6 days. On the other hand, May features a more moderate climate with an average temperature of 18°C (64°F) and a maximum of 28°C (83°F). Additionally, humidity levels are slightly lower in May at 73%, compared to April's 77%. For a more detailed insight into April's weather, you can visit Brisbane weather in April.
May typically offers warmer temperatures compared to June, with average highs reaching up to 28°C (83°F) versus June's 26°C (79°F). Despite having a slightly higher average temperature, May also experiences milder minimum temperatures of 6°C (43°F) compared to June's cooler 3°C (38°F). Precipitation levels are slightly lower in May at 37 mm (1.5 in), while June sees an increase to 45 mm (1.8 in), although both months share a similar number of rainy days at six. Humidity remains relatively consistent, with May at 73% and June at 72%. For more detailed insights, check out Brisbane weather in June.
In comparing the weather of May and July, May generally offers warmer temperatures, with an average of 18°C (64°F) and maximum highs reaching 28°C (83°F). In contrast, July experiences cooler conditions, averaging 15°C (59°F) and peaking at 26°C (79°F). While both months see a similar level of precipitation, with May receiving 37 mm and July slightly less at 32 mm, the humidity remains fairly consistent, with May at 73% and July at 70%. For further details on July's weather, you can visit Brisbane weather in July.
May and August present distinct weather characteristics. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 6°C (43°F) to a maximum of 28°C (83°F), with an average of 18°C (64°F). This month typically experiences 37 mm (1.5 in) of precipitation over 6 days and maintains a humidity level of 73%. In contrast, August sees a slightly cooler minimum temperature of 3°C (38°F) and an average temperature of 16°C (60°F), with highs reaching up to 32°C (89°F). Precipitation is notably lower in August at 18 mm (0.7 in) occurring over just 3 days, while humidity remains relatively stable at 72%. For a detailed overview, check out Brisbane weather in August.
May and September present distinct yet somewhat similar weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 6°C (43°F) to a maximum of 28°C (83°F), with an average of 18°C (64°F) and relatively higher humidity at 73%. The month experiences about 37 mm (1.5 in) of precipitation over 6 days. In contrast, September showcases a broader temperature range, with a minimum of 6°C (44°F) and a striking maximum reaching 37°C (100°F), while maintaining a similar average of 18°C (65°F). Precipitation is notably lower at 19 mm (0.8 in) over just 5 days, accompanied by slightly lower humidity at 70%. For more details on the weather during this month, you can refer to Brisbane weather in September.
In May, the weather tends to be more moderate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 6°C (43°F) to a maximum of 28°C (83°F) and an average temperature of 18°C (64°F). The month sees a total precipitation of 37 mm (1.5 in) over about 6 days, resulting in a relatively comfortable humidity level of 73%.
In contrast, October experiences slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 9°C (49°F) and a maximum reaching 34°C (94°F), averaging around 21°C (70°F). However, October is significantly wetter, with precipitation totaling 142 mm (5.6 in) across 14 days, while humidity remains comparable at 72%. For more details on the weather in Brisbane during October, check out Brisbane weather in October.
In May, the weather tends to be milder with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 6°C (43°F) to a maximum of 28°C (83°F), averaging around 18°C (64°F). It experiences about 37 mm (1.5 in) of precipitation over approximately 6 days, with a humidity level of 73%. In contrast, November features warmer temperatures with a minimum of 12°C (54°F) and a higher maximum reaching 37°C (98°F), averaging at 22°C (72°F). November also sees increased precipitation, totaling 74 mm (2.9 in) across 9 days, and a slightly higher humidity of 77%. For more detailed information, check out Brisbane weather in November.
May and December present contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a cool 6°C (43°F) at night to a comfortable average of 18°C (64°F) during the day, peaking at 28°C (83°F). The month experiences mild precipitation totals of 37 mm (1.5 in) over about 6 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 73%. In contrast, December sees significantly warmer conditions, with nighttime lows of 15°C (59°F) and daytime averages hitting 24°C (76°F), soaring up to a sweltering 39°C (102°F). Additionally, December receives much more rainfall, totaling 136 mm (5.3 in) spread over roughly 13 days, and experiences higher humidity at 80%. For more details, check Brisbane weather in December.
As May unfolds in Brisbane, the weather begins to shift, offering a delightful blend of warmth and coolness. With maximum temperatures hovering around a comfortable 28°C, the city experiences pleasant days that contrast with cooler nights averaging 6°C. As rainfall gradually decreases with just a few days of precipitation, the humidity remains moderate, creating a crispness in the air that’s refreshing. This transitional month serves as a bridge between the intense heat of summer and the cooler winter months, making it an ideal time to explore the outdoors. For a deeper understanding of Brisbane’s weather patterns throughout the year, be sure to check out Brisbane Climate.