Last updated: February 25, 2025
In May, Adelaide, Australia experiences a charming transition into autumn, characterized by a maximum temperature of 25°C (77°F) and an average of 14°C (58°F). Nights can be quite cool, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of 8°C (46°F). The month sees about 61 mm (2.4 in) of rainfall over approximately 10 days, adding a refreshing touch to the vibrant cityscape. With a humidity level of 73%, Adelaide's May weather embodies a crisp yet pleasant atmosphere, perfect for exploring outdoor activities and enjoying the beautiful fall foliage.
In May, Adelaide experiences a gentle transition into winter, with temperatures reflecting this shift. The month sees a minimum of 8°C (46°F) and an average of 14°C (58°F), offering a cozy atmosphere perfect for layering up. Maximum daytime temperatures reach around 25°C (77°F), allowing for pleasant afternoons outdoors. Notably, as the month progresses, the temperatures steadily decline from the warmer autumn days of April, indicating the city's gradual embrace of cooler weather. This cool, yet mild climate makes May an ideal time for exploring Adelaide's charming streets and vibrant outdoor cafes, all while enjoying the crispness in the air.
In May, Adelaide experiences a significant uptick in precipitation, with 61 mm (2.4 in) falling over 10 days—making it one of the wettest months of the year. This increase marks a notable shift from the drier early months, such as January and February, where rainfall is sparse. As autumn deepens, May's abundant showers contribute to a lush transition into winter, aligning with the trend of rising precipitation that peaks in the cooler months of July and August. The city’s landscape transforms, embracing the vibrancy brought on by these rains, and sets the stage for a lively winter season ahead.
In May, Adelaide experiences a notable surge in humidity, reaching 73%, a significant increase from April's 66%. This rising trend throughout the months showcases a gradual transition as the city moves closer to the cooler winter season. Following this peak, the humidity remains high in June and July at 76%, before tapering off in late winter and spring. The data reflects a clear seasonal shift, where May stands out as a month of heightened humidity, setting the stage for the damp chill that is characteristic of the approaching winter months.
In May, Adelaide experiences a noticeable shift in its UV Index, dropping to 5, which falls under the moderate exposure category. This reduction offers a welcome break from the extreme levels seen in the summer months, where indices soared as high as 14 in January. As temperatures cool, the associated burn time increases to 30 minutes, allowing for more leisurely outdoor activities without immediate sunburn concerns. While sun protection is still advisable, especially during the peak hours, May marks a transition toward safer sun exposure. To explore the UV Index trends for the year in greater detail, check out Adelaide UV Index.
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In Adelaide, Australia, the month of May brings a gentle transition from the sun-drenched days of summer to the cooler embrace of winter. With 236 hours of sunshine, May showcases a noticeable decrease from the vibrant rays of March (309 hours) and even April (259 hours), illustrating the gradual shift toward the shorter days of winter. This trend continues into June, which experiences the least sunlight with just 224 hours. However, the overall pattern of sunshine throughout the year reveals a generally bright outlook, with peak brightness in December (356 hours) and a consistent climb from the depths of winter to the sunny heights of spring. Despite the drop in May, it remains an enchanting time to enjoy Adelaide’s softer, warming rays as the landscape shifts in preparation for the cooler months ahead.
In Adelaide, Australia, the likelihood of sunny weather takes a noticeable dip in May, with only 40% chances of sunshine, making it one of the cloudier months of the year. This marks a significant decrease from the late summer months, where the sun shines bright with probabilities of 57-63% from January to March. While April maintains a respectable 60%, May ushers in cooler conditions, signaling the transition towards winter. Following May, the chances remain steady at 40% in June, and drop slightly to 38% in July. As spring approaches, the sun begins to return, with probabilities rising to 54% by August and September. This trend highlights a typical seasonal shift in Adelaide, where warmer months enjoy more sunshine, while May serves as a bridge into the cooler, less sunny period of the year.
As the sun journeys across the sky in Adelaide, Australia, May marks a notable transition in daylight duration, with the hours of sunlight gradually dwindling to 10 hours. This reduction reflects a broader trend as the year progresses; from the lengthy 14 hours of daylight in January, the days steadily shorten, reaching their minimum around June with just 9 hours of light. Following this dip, daylight begins to rebound, creeping back up to 10 hours in July and August, continuing the rhythm of changing seasons. The pattern highlights the beautiful cycle of light in this southern city, inviting residents to savor the warmth of each hour as autumn gives way to winter.
In Adelaide, May's winds present a gentle transition as the average wind speed reaches 4.6 m/s (10 mph), slightly under the year’s peak just a month prior. This shift reflects a typical autumnal lull, following the consistent breezes of summer and the more vigorous gusts of early winter. As the city moves into the colder months, wind speeds begin to rise again, hinting at the stronger gales that June and July will bring, which average 5.2 m/s (12 mph) and 6.2 m/s (14 mph), respectively. May, however, maintains a balanced atmosphere, offering a perfect backdrop for outdoor activities as the winds remain comfortably mild, encouraging residents to bask in the fall scenery while savoring the last whispers of warmth before winter sets in.
The weather in Adelaide 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 Adelaide and find detailed weather information for every month.
When comparing the weather in May and January, we see significant differences in temperature and precipitation. May experiences cooler temperatures, with averages ranging from a minimum of 8°C (46°F) to a maximum of 25°C (77°F). In contrast, January is much warmer, featuring temperatures that can soar from a minimum of 13°C (55°F) to a scorching maximum of 39°C (103°F). Precipitation is more frequent in May, with 61 mm (2.4 in) over about 10 days, while January enjoys significantly less rainfall, totaling only 16 mm (0.6 in) across just 2 days. Additionally, the humidity levels are higher in May at 73% compared to January's 41%. For more details on January's climate characteristics, you can learn more about Adelaide weather in January.
In comparing the weather between May and February, May typically offers milder temperatures, with a minimum of 8°C and a maximum reaching 25°C, while February experiences warmer conditions, ranging from a minimum of 12°C to a high of 34°C. Precipitation is more common in May, with about 61 mm falling over roughly 10 days, compared to February's light rainfall of 20 mm on just 3 days. Additionally, May has a higher humidity level at 73%, whereas February boasts a drier atmosphere with only 46% humidity. For more detailed information, you can check Adelaide weather in February.
In comparing the weather between March and May, it’s evident that March experiences warmer conditions, with average temperatures reaching 19°C (67°F) and highs of up to 33°C (92°F). In contrast, May presents a cooler climate, with average temperatures around 14°C (58°F) and maximums peaking at 25°C (77°F). Additionally, March is significantly drier, with only 15 mm (0.6 in) of precipitation over 4 days, while May sees an increase in rainfall, totaling 61 mm (2.4 in) across 10 days, contributing to a higher humidity level of 73%. For a closer look at March weather specifics, you can visit Adelaide weather in March.
In comparing the weather of May and April, we see notable differences in both temperature and precipitation. April features higher average temperatures, with a minimum of 10°C (49°F) and a maximum reaching up to 30°C (87°F), while May’s temperatures range from a minimum of 8°C (46°F) to a maximum of 25°C (77°F). Additionally, April experiences significantly less rainfall, with only 32 mm (1.3 in) over five days compared to May's 61 mm (2.4 in) spread across ten days. Humidity levels are also slightly lower in April at 66%, compared to 73% in May. For a closer look at April's weather, you can visit Adelaide weather in April.
May and June in Adelaide exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. May experiences a wider temperature range, with a minimum of 8°C (46°F), an average of 14°C (58°F), and a maximum of 25°C (77°F), while June sees lower temperatures, with a minimum of 6°C (43°F), an average of 12°C (53°F), and a maximum of only 19°C (66°F). Precipitation levels are slightly lower in June, with 54 mm (2.1 in) compared to May's 61 mm (2.4 in), although both months have a similar frequency of wet days at 10. Humidity remains fairly consistent, with June being marginally more humid at 76% compared to May's 73%. For more information, visit Adelaide weather in June.
In comparing the weather between May and July, May typically offers warmer temperatures, with an average of 14°C (58°F) and highs reaching up to 25°C (77°F). In contrast, July is cooler, with an average temperature of 11°C (53°F) and a maximum of only 18°C (65°F). Both months experience frequent precipitation, though July has slightly more, totaling 68 mm (2.7 in) over about 12 days compared to May's 61 mm (2.4 in) over 10 days. Humidity remains fairly consistent between the two months, with July showing a marginal increase at 76% compared to May's 73%. For a more detailed look at July weather, you can visit Adelaide weather in July.
May and August exhibit distinct differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 8°C (46°F) to a pleasant maximum of 25°C (77°F), with an average of 14°C (58°F). The month sees around 61 mm (2.4 in) of precipitation over 10 days, coupled with a humidity level of 73%. Conversely, August experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 5°C (41°F) and a maximum of 20°C (68°F), averaging 11°C (52°F). Precipitation increases to 75 mm (2.9 in) over 12 days, while humidity remains relatively stable at 70%. For more details, check Adelaide weather in August.
In comparing the weather of May and September, both months share a maximum temperature of 25°C (77°F), but May typically has a slightly milder average temperature of 14°C (58°F) compared to September's 13°C (55°F). While May experiences higher precipitation at 61 mm (2.4 in) over approximately 10 days, September sees less rain, totaling 44 mm (1.7 in) across about 9 days. Additionally, humidity levels are higher in May at 73%, whereas September enjoys a lower humidity of 65%. For more detailed information on September weather, you can visit Adelaide weather in September.
May and October exhibit notable differences in climate characteristics. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 8°C (46°F) to a maximum of 25°C (77°F), with an average of 14°C (58°F) and higher humidity at 73%. The month experiences approximately 61 mm (2.4 in) of precipitation over about 10 days, contributing to a more humid atmosphere. In contrast, October sees cooler evenings with temperatures starting at the same minimum of 8°C (47°F) but rising to a warmer maximum of 30°C (86°F), leading to a slightly higher average temperature of 15°C (59°F). Precipitation decreases significantly to 38 mm (1.5 in) across only 7 days, and humidity drops to 51%, resulting in a drier and more comfortable feel. For more detailed October weather insights, you can check Adelaide weather in October.
May and November exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 8°C (46°F) to a maximum of 25°C (77°F), with an average of 14°C (58°F). The month also sees about 61 mm (2.4 in) of precipitation over 10 days and a humidity level of 73%. In contrast, November boasts warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 8°C (47°F), an average of 17°C (63°F), and maximums reaching 34°C (93°F). It experiences less rainfall, totaling 38 mm (1.5 in) over approximately 6 days, and has lower humidity at 50%. This shift from the wetter, cooler May to the drier, hotter November is evident in the climate profile. For more detailed insights, refer to Adelaide weather in November.
In May, temperatures show a range from a cooler 8°C (46°F) to a comfortable 25°C (77°F), with an average of 14°C (58°F). The month experiences moderate rainfall, totaling 61 mm (2.4 in) over about 10 days, resulting in a higher humidity level of 73%. In contrast, December presents a warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 10°C (51°F) to an impressive maximum of 36°C (97°F), averaging around 19°C (67°F). Rainfall is significantly lower at 17 mm (0.7 in) across just 4 days, contributing to a reduced humidity of 46%. For more detailed insights, check out Adelaide weather in December.
As May arrives in Adelaide, the weather transitions into a more temperate phase, offering a refreshing blend of cool mornings and pleasantly warm afternoons. While temperatures consistently remain lower compared to the sweltering summer months, the skies often remain overcast, contributing to a slight uptick in precipitation with about ten rainy days throughout the month. The heightened humidity adds to the softness of the air, creating a cozy atmosphere that encourages outdoor activities in the mild conditions. Overall, May's climate invites residents and visitors alike to enjoy the beauty of autumn in Adelaide, standing in pleasant contrast to the preceding warmer months. For a deeper understanding of the city's overall climate trends, explore the detailed insights at Adelaide Climate.