Last updated: February 25, 2025
May in Melbourne, Australia ushers in a transition into winter, showcasing a delightful range of temperatures with a maximum of 25°C (77°F), an average of 12°C (54°F), and a refreshing minimum of 3°C (38°F). This month is also characterized by a moderate precipitation level of 57 mm (2.2 in), occurring over approximately 10 days, contributing to the lush greenery that the region is known for. With a humidity level of 79%, residents and visitors alike can expect a crisp yet pleasantly cool atmosphere, making May an ideal time to explore the city's vibrant culture and outdoor attractions.
May in Melbourne heralds the arrival of cooler temperatures as the city transitions from the warmth of summer. With minimums dipping to 3°C (38°F) and averages averaging around 12°C (54°F), the crisp air becomes a hallmark of this late autumn month. The maximum temperature reaches a comfortable 25°C (77°F), providing pleasant days for outdoor activities, while nights invite cozy gatherings indoors. As May unfolds, the temperatures continue to drop from the balmy autumn highs seen earlier in the year, making it an ideal time to enjoy the city's vibrant cultural scene amidst the fresh autumn breeze. The gentle shift in climate underscores a transition towards winter, inviting locals and visitors alike to savor the charm of Melbourne's cooler season.
In May, Melbourne experiences a noticeable increase in precipitation, with 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain spread over 10 days. This marks a continuation of the upward trend in rainfall that begins in late autumn, as April brings 51 mm and is followed by June with 54 mm. This period sees a shift from the lighter showers of earlier months, with both the amount of rain and the number of rainy days peaking in the cooler months. As winter approaches, May serves as a bridge, signaling the transition to a wetter season, where Melbourne's charm transforms under the drizzling skies and lush landscapes flourish.
May marks a significant shift in humidity levels in Melbourne, Australia, with humidity soaring to 79%. This increase follows a gradual rise from 60% in March and 71% in April, showing a clear trend of growing moisture as the colder months approach. As the city transitions deeper into winter, June and July see even higher levels, peaking at 83% in July, suggesting that Melburnians can expect a notably humid start to winter. The fluctuating humidity highlights the shift from the drier summer months, where January saw just 43% humidity, leading to an overall pattern of rising humidity as the year progresses into the cooler season.
In May, Melbourne experiences a notable shift in UV exposure, with the UV Index dropping to 4, categorized as moderate. This decline marks a transition from the extreme levels seen in the summer months of January through March, where sunburn could occur within just 10 minutes of exposure. As autumn settles in, the burn time increases to 30 minutes, offering a bit more leeway for those enjoying the outdoors. While precautions should still be taken, May's milder sun provides an opportunity to relish outdoor activities without the intense risks of earlier months. For more detailed information on UV levels throughout the year, visit the Melbourne UV Index.
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As the heart of autumn settles in, May in Melbourne brings a gradual reduction in sunshine, with 214 hours of glorious daylight illuminating the city's vibrant streets. This marks a noticeable dip from the previous months, reflecting a trend of shorter days as winter approaches. April, with its 240 hours of sunlight, signals the tail end of the sunnier months, while January and February bask in the highest totals of 279 and 290 hours respectively. The increasing cloud cover and cooler temperatures begin to take hold, but the charm of Melbourne remains, inviting residents and visitors to embrace the gentle transition into winter.
In Melbourne, Australia, May shows a 42% chance of sunny weather, aligning with the trends observed in preceding months like February and April, which also boast similar probabilities. This consistency suggests a relatively reliable window for enjoying bright spells as the city transitions from autumn to winter. While the likelihood of sunshine dips in June and July to 31%, May stands out as a peak period for sunny days in the lead-up to the colder months, offering residents and visitors alike a chance to bask in the mild climate before the chill sets in. With a blend of pleasant temperatures and a favorable forecast, May is an excellent time to explore Melbourne's vibrant outdoors.
In Melbourne, Australia, May heralds a notable transition in daylight duration, as the vibrant long days of summer recede into the cooler months. With 10 hours of daylight, May marks a significant drop from the 14 hours seen in January, initiating a gradual decrease through autumn and into winter. This pattern continues with June and July offering only 9 hours of daylight, reflecting the city's seasonal shift. However, as the year progresses towards spring, daylight begins to lengthen again, with 10 hours returning in August. This rhythmic ebb and flow of light not only shapes daily activities but also highlights Melbourne's unique climate, where each month brings a fresh experience of daylight.
As May arrives in Melbourne, the city experiences a gentle average wind speed of 3.7 m/s (8 mph), a continuation of the mild breezes seen in earlier months. This moderate wind speed mirrors February's conditions and underscores a transitional phase as the colder winter months approach. It's interesting to note that the winds tend to pick up slightly in the following months, with June marking an increase to 4.0 m/s (9 mph), hinting at the seasonal shift ahead. Overall, May's winds offer a pleasant backdrop for outdoor activities, embodying the fading warmth of autumn while signaling the invigorating aspects of the winter to come.
The weather in Melbourne 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 Melbourne and find detailed weather information for every month.
May and January in Melbourne showcase striking differences in weather patterns. May experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of 3°C (38°F), an average of 12°C (54°F), and a maximum of 25°C (77°F). It also sees a considerable amount of rainfall, averaging 57 mm (2.2 in) over about 10 days, coupled with higher humidity levels at 79%. In contrast, January boasts warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 9°C (49°F), an average of 21°C (70°F), and a scorching maximum of 43°C (110°F). Precipitation is less frequent, totaling around 42 mm (1.6 in) over just 5 days, and the humidity level drops to a comfortable 43%. For a more detailed look at the climate, you can visit Melbourne weather in January.
When comparing the weather in May and February, notable differences can be observed. May typically experiences cooler temperatures, with averages around 12°C (54°F) and a maximum of 25°C (77°F), while February boasts much warmer temperatures, averaging 19°C (67°F) and peaking at a scorching 42°C (109°F). Additionally, May has higher humidity levels at 79%, alongside more rainy days, with precipitation recorded on 10 days and totaling 57 mm (2.2 in). In contrast, February sees significantly lower humidity at 49%, less rainfall over just 4 days, and a total precipitation of 44 mm (1.7 in). For more details, check Melbourne weather in February.
When comparing the weather in May and March, there are notable differences in temperatures and precipitation. May experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of 3°C (38°F) and an average of 12°C (54°F), while March tends to be warmer, boasting a minimum of 8°C (47°F) and an average of 19°C (66°F). Additionally, March can see higher maximum temperatures, reaching up to 38°C (101°F), compared to May's maximum of 25°C (77°F). In terms of precipitation, May has a slightly higher total of 57 mm (2.2 in) over 10 days, compared to March's 40 mm (1.6 in) over just 6 days. The humidity is also higher in May at 79%, while March enjoys a lower humidity level of 60%. For more detailed insights, you can refer to Melbourne weather in March.
When comparing the weather in May and April, notable differences emerge. April tends to be warmer overall, with average temperatures reaching 15°C (60°F) and a maximum of 32°C (89°F). In contrast, May's temperatures are cooler, averaging 12°C (54°F) with a maximum reaching only 25°C (77°F). Additionally, April experiences slightly less precipitation, totaling 51 mm (2.0 in) over 7 days, compared to May's 57 mm (2.2 in) spread over 10 days. Humidity levels are also lower in April at 71%, compared to May's 79%. For more specific weather details, you can visit Melbourne weather in April.
In comparing the weather of May and June, May tends to be warmer with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a maximum of 25°C (77°F), while June is cooler, with temperatures reaching a minimum of 1°C (34°F) and a maximum of 18°C (65°F). Both months experience relatively similar levels of precipitation, with May receiving 57 mm (2.2 in) over about 10 days and June slightly less at 54 mm (2.1 in) across 9 days. Humidity remains high in both months, with May averaging 79% and June slightly higher at 81%. For those interested in more detailed insights, visit Melbourne weather in June.
The weather in May and July shows notable differences. May typically experiences higher temperatures with minimums around 3°C (38°F), averaging 12°C (54°F), and reaching a maximum of 25°C (77°F). This month also has a moderate level of rainfall, totaling 57 mm (2.2 in) over approximately 10 days, with a humidity level of 79%. In contrast, July features cooler temperatures, with minimums dropping to -1°C (31°F) and an average of 10°C (49°F), peaking at 18°C (64°F). July experiences slightly less precipitation at 46 mm (1.8 in) across about 12 days, along with an increased humidity level of 83%. For a detailed look at July weather, visit Melbourne weather in July.
In comparing the weather of May and August, it's evident that both months experience cool temperatures and similar humidity levels. May boasts a higher average temperature of 12°C (54°F) with maximums reaching 25°C (77°F), while August sees a lower average of 10°C (50°F) and maximums peaking at 21°C (70°F). Precipitation is comparable, with May receiving 57 mm (2.2 in) over 10 days and August slightly higher at 58 mm (2.3 in) over 13 days. Both months maintain a humidity level of 79%, contributing to the cool, damp feel of the season. For more detailed information, you can check Melbourne weather in August.
May and September in Melbourne both feature similar average temperatures at around 12°C (54°F). However, May experiences slightly warmer maximum temperatures of up to 25°C (77°F) compared to September's peak of 27°C (81°F). In terms of precipitation, September sees a marginal increase, with 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain over about 12 days, while May has 57 mm (2.2 in) across 10 days. The humidity is also higher in May at 79%, compared to 72% in September, indicating that September's weather may feel a bit drier. For more detailed insights, check out Melbourne weather in September.
May and October exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a pleasant maximum of 25°C (77°F), with an average of 12°C (54°F). The month sees about 57 mm (2.2 in) of rainfall over approximately 10 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 79%. In contrast, October offers slightly warmer temperatures, with an average of 14°C (58°F) and highs reaching 32°C (91°F). However, it also experiences more rainfall, totaling 74 mm (2.9 in) across 12 days, while humidity decreases to 61%. For a more detailed view of October weather, you can visit Melbourne weather in October.
May and November present contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a pleasant average of 12°C (54°F), with a maximum reaching 25°C (77°F). The month experiences about 57 mm (2.2 in) of rainfall over approximately 10 days, along with higher humidity levels at 79%. In comparison, November sees slightly milder conditions with a minimum of 5°C (42°F) and a more comfortable average of 17°C (62°F), while the maximum can soar up to 39°C (102°F). Precipitation remains comparable at 58 mm (2.3 in) with the same 10 rainy days, but humidity drops to 59%. For a detailed look at November's climate, check out Melbourne weather in November.
May and December showcase distinct differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a comfortable maximum of 25°C (77°F), with an average of 12°C (54°F). The month sees around 57 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over approximately 10 days, accompanied by high humidity at 79%. In contrast, December experiences milder conditions with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 8°C (46°F) to a scorching maximum of 43°C (109°F), averaging at 18°C (65°F). Although December has a higher total precipitation of 74 mm (2.9 in), it only rains on about 7 days, leading to a significantly lower humidity level of 50%. For more detailed insights, check out Melbourne weather in December.
As May ushers in the cooler months, Melbourne experiences a noticeable shift in weather compared to the warmer April and the approaching winter. With average temperatures hovering around 12°C, the city sees maximums peaking at 25°C during the day, while nighttime can drop to a crisp 3°C. This month is characterized by increased humidity and an uptick in rainy days, averaging 10 days of precipitation, which may leave many residents yearning for the sunnier days of summer. For a deeper understanding of the city's climate patterns, check out Melbourne Climate.