May Weather in Launceston, Australia

Last updated: February 25, 2025

In May, Launceston, Australia experiences a blend of temperate weather and refreshing rainfall. The maximum temperature hovers around 20°C (68°F), while the average settles at a crisp 9°C (49°F), dipping to a chilly minimum of -2°C (30°F) at night. This transitional month brings an average of 77 mm (3.0 in) of precipitation over 9 days, creating a humid atmosphere with levels reaching 83%. The mixture of cool temperatures and increased humidity offers a unique charm, making May an ideal time for those who appreciate the beauty of Tasmania's autumn landscapes.

May Temperature in Launceston

May in Launceston, Australia, marks a distinct shift towards cooler temperatures as the region transitions into winter. With average daily temperatures dropping to around 9°C (49°F), the month features a chilly yet pleasant ambiance. Nighttime lows can dip to -2°C (30°F), reminding residents to bundle up as they embrace the cool evenings. The maximum daytime temperature reaches a comfortable 20°C (68°F), making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. Compared to the balmy days of summer, where highs approach the low 30s, May’s weather invites a cozy atmosphere, blending crisp air with the lingering warmth of autumn’s end. This seasonal change not only brings a refreshing coolness but also sets the stage for Launceston's stunning winter landscapes.

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

The chart illustrates May temperature patterns in Launceston, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec636159534844434447525659
Data source: Temperature data for Launceston generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

May Precipitation in Launceston

In May, Launceston experiences a notable increase in precipitation, receiving 77 mm (3.0 in) over approximately 9 days. This amount marks a rise compared to the preceding months, especially when compared to April’s 58 mm (2.3 in). As autumn progresses, this uptick in rainfall sets the stage for the wetter winter months ahead, with June typically bringing 55 mm (2.2 in). Interestingly, May's precipitation not only underscores the shift towards cooler weather but also aligns with a broader trend of increasing rainfall as the year unfolds, suggesting that Launceston’s climate cycles play a significant role in shaping its seasonal landscape.

May Precipitation Trends in Launceston

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Launceston, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec506868587755897068855671
Data source: Precipitation data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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May Humidity in Launceston

In Launceston, Australia, May marks the height of humidity, reaching a notable 83%, a trend that continues from the increasingly damp conditions seen in April. This period of high humidity is part of a gradual rise observed throughout the year, with the month of March already displaying a significant 72% humidity. As we transition from the cooler autumn months into late autumn, the trend indicates a consistent pattern where humidity tends to peak during May and June. Following this, the winter months, particularly July, maintain this elevated humidity level at 84%, suggesting that Launceston experiences its most humid conditions during this part of the year, creating a crisp and moist atmosphere that characterizes the region.

May Average Humidity in Launceston

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Launceston, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec69%68%73%77%83%83%84%83%80%76%76%71%
Data source: Humidity data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

May UV Index in Launceston

As we transition into May in Launceston, Australia, the UV Index dips to 3, indicating a moderate level of sun exposure. This marks a notable decrease from the extreme levels seen in January and February, where the index soared to 13 and 11 respectively. Despite the cooler autumn weather, residents and visitors can enjoy outdoor activities for up to 30 minutes without significant risk of sunburn. The trend shows a gradual decline in UV intensity as the seasons shift; for instance, the UV Index falls from 10 in March to 6 in April, continuing its decline into late autumn and winter. This seasonal variation underscores the importance of sun safety throughout the year, even in milder months. For further insights on the UV levels throughout the year, visit Launceston UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Launceston for May

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Launceston 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec13111063224681113
Data source: Launceston 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 Launceston

As autumn transitions to winter in Launceston, May brings a notable decline in sunshine hours, with just 217 hours of golden rays gracing the city. This marks a significant drop from the sunnier months of January to April, where residents enjoyed an excess of 286 to 297 hours. While May signals the onset of cooler days, the trend continues into June, where sunshine dips further to 191 hours. Interestingly, the sunshine hours begin to rebound in July and gradually climb through late winter and into spring, peaking again in November and December. The cyclical nature of Launceston’s sunshine serves as a reminder of the rhythmic dance between seasons, with each month presenting its own unique charm and light.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Launceston: May Highlighted

The May sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Launceston 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec297h296h286h249h217h191h210h235h260h299h319h354h
Data source: Launceston May Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Launceston During May

In Launceston, Australia, the likelihood of sunny weather in May stands at 44%, a position that reflects a stable trend in the region's seasonal weather patterns. This percentage reinforces May's favorable chances when compared to the preceding month of April, which boasts a slightly higher 50% chance of sunshine. Following this peak, however, the likelihood dips significantly as winter approaches, with June dropping to a mere 19%. Overall, while May enjoys a reasonable amount of sunshine, it signals the transition towards the cooler months when sunny days become less frequent, illustrating the ebb and flow of Tasmanian weather throughout the year.

Percentage of Sunny Days in May in Launceston

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Launceston 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 Launceston experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec38%44%40%50%44%19%32%32%43%30%37%49%
Data source: Launceston May chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Launceston in May

In Launceston, Australia, the daylight duration dramatically shifts throughout the year, reflecting the changing seasons. Starting with a generous 14 hours in January, daylight begins to gradually decrease, reaching a low of 9 hours in both May and June. This period marks the transition into winter, where the shorter days provide a stark contrast to the long summer evenings. However, as August approaches, daylight begins to creep back, with 10 hours returning, followed by a steady increase through spring and into summer. By December, Launceston enjoys its longest days, basking in 15 hours of daylight. This cyclical pattern highlights the rhythmic nature of daylight throughout the year, inviting residents to embrace the unique beauty of each season.

Average Daylight Hours in Launceston for May

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Launceston throughout the year, with May highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec14h 46m13h 41m12h 19m10h 56m9h 46m9h 11m9h 29m10h 29m11h 48m13h 12m14h 27m15h 6m
Data source: Launceston daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

May Winds in Launceston

In May, Launceston experiences an average wind speed of 2.8 m/s (6 mph), which aligns with the trend of mild breezes typical for autumn. This month stands out for maintaining a consistent wind speed similar to February and June, both at 2.8 m/s. After a slight uptick in April to 3.0 m/s, which suggests a temporary increase in wind activity, May continues this gentler pace, paving the way for a smooth transition into the cooler winter months. Interestingly, the wind speeds tend to rise slightly in the following months of July and August, peaking at 3.7 m/s (8 mph) in August. Overall, May's breezy yet tempered conditions mark a harmonious balance before the seasonal winds pick up momentum.

Average May Wind Speed in Launceston

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Launceston, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2.92.82.63.02.8 m/s2.83.03.73.63.22.73.2
Data source: Launceston May wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How May Weather in Launceston Compares to Other Months

The weather in Launceston 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 Launceston and find detailed weather information for every month.

May and January present contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -2°C (30°F) to a comfortable average of 9°C (49°F), peaking at 20°C (68°F). This month tends to be wetter, with 77 mm (3.0 in) of precipitation over about 9 days, and a higher humidity of 83%. In contrast, January boasts milder temperatures, with a minimum of 4°C (40°F), an average of 17°C (64°F), and a maximum of 33°C (91°F). With only 50 mm (2.0 in) of rainfall spread over 5 days and lower humidity at 69%, January offers a drier and warmer experience. For more details, you can check Launceston weather in January.

When comparing the weather in May and February, we see notable differences in temperature and humidity levels. May experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -2°C and an average of 9°C, while February offers much warmer conditions, starting at a minimum of 3°C and reaching an average of 16°C. February also boasts a higher maximum temperature of 33°C compared to May's 20°C. Precipitation levels are fairly similar, with May receiving 77 mm over 9 days and February slightly less at 68 mm over 8 days. Additionally, February has lower humidity at 68% compared to May's 83%, making it feel more comfortable despite the higher temperatures. For more details on February weather, you can check Launceston weather in February.

In comparing the weather of May and March, we see some notable differences. May typically experiences cooler temperatures, with an average of 9°C (49°F) and a maximum of 20°C (68°F), while March has a warmer average of 15°C (59°F) and can reach highs of 31°C (88°F). Precipitation is slightly higher in May at 77 mm (3.0 in) compared to 68 mm (2.7 in) in March, both months featuring about nine days of rain. Additionally, May has a higher humidity level of 83%, while March's humidity is lower at 72%. For more detailed insights into March weather, you can check this link: Launceston weather in March.

In comparing the weather of May and April, May tends to be cooler, with average temperatures ranging from -2°C to a maximum of 20°C, while April showcases slightly warmer average temperatures from -2°C to a high of 25°C. Precipitation is more pronounced in May, with 77 mm recorded over 9 days, compared to April's 58 mm over just 7 days. Humidity levels are also higher in May at 83%, compared to April's 77%. For a deeper look into April's weather specifics, you can visit Launceston weather in April.

May and June exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of -2°C (30°F) to a maximum of 20°C (68°F), with an average of 9°C (49°F). The month sees 77 mm (3.0 in) of precipitation over 9 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 83%. In contrast, June experiences slightly lower temperatures, with a minimum of -4°C (25°F) and a maximum of 15°C (60°F), along with an average temperature of 7°C (45°F). Precipitation decreases to 55 mm (2.2 in) over the same number of days, while humidity remains constant at 83%. For more insights into June weather conditions, you can check this link: Launceston weather in June.

In comparing the weather between May and July, May tends to be milder with average temperatures around 9°C (49°F), compared to July's cooler average of 6°C (44°F). May also experiences a maximum temperature of 20°C (68°F), significantly higher than July's maximum of 14°C (58°F). Both months see similar levels of precipitation, with May recording 77 mm (3.0 in) over 9 days, while July has slightly more at 89 mm (3.5 in) across 12 days. Humidity levels are fairly comparable, with May at 83% and July slightly higher at 84%. For more specific insights, you can check Launceston weather in July.

In May, the weather features a more moderate temperature range with an average of 9°C (49°F), peaking at 20°C (68°F), while August sees colder conditions, with a max temperature of only 15°C (60°F) and an average of 7°C (45°F). Both months experience high humidity at 83%, but May tends to be slightly wetter, receiving 77 mm (3.0 in) of precipitation over 9 days, compared to 70 mm (2.8 in) over 12 days in August. For a closer look at August conditions, check out Launceston weather in August.

May and September exhibit similarities in temperature ranges and precipitation patterns, but with some notable differences. In May, temperatures typically fluctuate between a minimum of -2°C (30°F) and a maximum of 20°C (68°F), resulting in an average of 9°C (49°F). This month experiences approximately 77 mm (3.0 in) of precipitation over 9 days, along with a relatively high humidity level of 83%. In contrast, September sees slightly cooler temperatures, with minimums dropping to -3°C (26°F) and maximums reaching 21°C (69°F), yielding an average of 8°C (47°F). Although September receives less precipitation at 68 mm (2.7 in) over 11 days, it maintains a similar humidity level of 80%. For more detailed insights, you can refer to Launceston weather in September.

May and October exhibit distinct weather patterns, reflecting the transition between spring and autumn. In May, temperatures range from a chilly -2°C (30°F) to a comfortable 20°C (68°F), averaging around 9°C (49°F). This month experiences about 77 mm (3.0 in) of precipitation over approximately 9 days, accompanied by high humidity at 83%. Conversely, October offers slightly milder conditions with temperatures ranging from -1°C (31°F) to a warm 25°C (78°F), averaging 11°C (52°F). Rainfall increases slightly to 85 mm (3.4 in) over 12 days, while humidity drops to 76%. For those looking for more detailed insights, check out Launceston weather in October.

In comparison to May, November experiences milder temperatures, with minimums rising from -2°C (30°F) to 0°C (32°F) and an average temperature increase from 9°C (49°F) to 13°C (56°F). The maximum temperature in November can reach up to 28°C (83°F), significantly warmer than May’s cap of 20°C (68°F). While May sees more precipitation (77 mm or 3.0 in) over the same number of rainy days (9), November has a slightly lower total at 56 mm (2.2 in). Additionally, humidity is a touch lower in November at 76% compared to May’s 83%. For more details, you can check Launceston weather in November.

May and December exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly -2°C (30°F) at night to a moderate 20°C (68°F) during the day, with an average temperature of 9°C (49°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 77 mm (3.0 in) over approximately 9 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 83%. In contrast, December offers a much warmer climate, with minimum temperatures of 3°C (37°F) and maximums reaching as high as 33°C (92°F), averaging 15°C (60°F). Precipitation slightly decreases to 71 mm (2.8 in) over just 7 days, and humidity drops to a more comfortable 71%. For more specific information on December weather, you can visit Launceston weather in December.

Compare Launceston's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From May Weather in Launceston

As May unfolds in Launceston, it presents a notable transition from the milder temperatures of earlier months, introducing cooler days with an average temperature lingering around 9°C (49°F). The maximum temperature can reach up to 20°C (68°F), but the nights can bite with lows dipping to -2°C (30°F). This month also brings considerable rainfall, with approximately 77 mm spread over 9 days, contributing to the higher humidity levels of 83%. While May may signal the onset of chillier, wetter weather, it also offers a picturesque backdrop of autumnal beauty. For a more detailed understanding of the city’s weather patterns, check out Launceston Climate.