May Weather in Tauranga, New Zealand

Last updated: August 31, 2025

In May, Tauranga, New Zealand, experiences a delightful transition into winter, with average temperatures hovering around 14°C (57°F). Daily maximums can reach a comfortable 20°C (69°F), while nighttime lows dip to about 4°C (39°F). This month is characterized by significant precipitation, totaling 93 mm (3.7 in) over approximately 10 days, which contributes to the region's lush landscapes. Alongside this moisture, humidity levels remain notably high at 79%, adding a refreshing maritime feel to the air. Whether you enjoy exploring the vibrant flora or cozying up indoors, Tauranga's May weather offers a unique blend of experiences.

May Temperature in Tauranga

As May rolls into Tauranga, New Zealand, the temperatures begin to shift noticeably, reflecting the arrival of late autumn. With minimum temperatures dipping to around 4°C (39°F), the coolness of the season becomes evident, while the average temperature settles at a comfortable 14°C (57°F). Daytime highs reach up to 20°C (69°F), providing pleasant afternoons perfect for outdoor activities before the chill sets in after sunset. Compared to the warmer summer months, May marks a significant drop in temperature, inviting cozy layers and the chance to enjoy the stunning autumnal scenery. As the region transitions towards winter, these mild yet crisp conditions create an ideal atmosphere for exploring Tauranga’s beautiful landscapes and vibrant local culture.

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

The chart illustrates May temperature patterns in Tauranga, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends. In Tauranga, May typically has an average temperature of {2}°C ({3}°F), with highs reaching up to {4}°C ({5}°F) and lows dropping to around {6}°C ({7}°F).
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec686865615653515254576165
Data source: Temperature data for Tauranga 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 Tauranga

May in Tauranga, New Zealand, brings a refreshing shift in the weather, characterized by an average precipitation of 93 mm (3.7 in) over 10 days. This marks a slight decrease from the wetter months of April, which recorded 148 mm (5.8 in), but still maintains a notable level of rainfall. As the region transitions towards winter, May often serves as a reminder of the increasing moisture trends that continue into June. Interestingly, while May's precipitation is less intense than its predecessor, it continues to support the lush landscapes Tauranga is known for, highlighting the balance between cooler temperatures and the residual warmth of autumn. With rain falling on nearly a third of the month, May effectively bridges the gap between the vibrant autumn and the more pronounced winter patterns ahead.

May Precipitation Trends in Tauranga

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Tauranga, 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. In Tauranga, May typically receives around {2} mm ({3} inches) of precipitation spread over approximately {4} days.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec661011131489413512512310811090111
Data source: Precipitation data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Choose your preferred precipitation unit

May Humidity in Tauranga

As May rolls into Tauranga, New Zealand, residents and visitors experience a noticeable rise in humidity, peaking at 79%—the highest level since January. This increase sets the tone for the upcoming winter months, as humidity continues to elevate through June and July, reaching 81% and 82%, respectively. Interestingly, this late-autumn spike contrasts sharply with the humidity values seen in the preceding months, where stability marked February through April with consistent readings around 73%. As spring gives way to winter, the overall trend indicates a gradual climb, highlighting Tauranga's transition into a more humid season, perfect for those who appreciate the lush greenery that thrives in such environments.

May Average Humidity in Tauranga

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Tauranga, with May’s data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, helping you understand how conditions vary by season. In May, average humidity in Tauranga is approximately {2}%, offering insight into how humid the weather typically is during this month.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec75%73%73%73%79%81%82%79%77%76%75%74%
Data source: Humidity data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

May UV Index in Tauranga

In May, Tauranga experiences a significant shift in ultraviolet (UV) radiation, marked by a UV Index of 4, which places it in the moderate exposure category. With a decreased burn time of just 30 minutes, this transition from the extreme levels seen in the height of summer (with indices soaring to 14 in January and 13 in February) reflects the cooler, milder weather. As autumn progresses, such moderation allows for safer outdoor activities without the immediate risk of sunburn. Comparatively, the burn time increases from only 10 minutes in the peak summer months to a more forgiving 30 minutes in May. This trend of decreasing UV levels continues into June and July, where the index remains at a moderate 3, emphasizing the importance of adapting sun safety practices as the seasons change. For more insights on UV levels throughout the year, check the detailed information on the Tauranga UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Tauranga for May

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Tauranga 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. In May, the maximum UV index in Tauranga typically reaches {2}, which falls under the {3} exposure category.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec14131074335791113
Data source: Tauranga 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 Tauranga

May in Tauranga, New Zealand, offers a charming blend of sunshine, bringing in 217 hours of bright days. While this may seem modest compared to the sun-drenched January and November, which boast 287 and 305 hours respectively, May exemplifies the gentle transition into cooler months. Notably, it follows a consistent decline from April's 240 hours, indicating that as autumn deepens, daylight hours naturally diminish. Yet, even with this reduction, May still shines brighter than the cold winter months of June and July, reminding us of Tauranga's vibrant seasonal character. As we look forward, the sun’s return in spring will soon ramp up again, leading to the sun-kissed days of the upcoming summer.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Tauranga: May Highlighted

The May sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Tauranga 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec287h283h282h240h217h183h206h230h251h283h305h342h
Data source: Tauranga May Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Tauranga During May

In Tauranga, New Zealand, the likelihood of sunny weather in May holds steady at 48%, mirroring the general trend seen in the months preceding it. As autumn settles in, May’s chance of sunshine is on par with both April and July, suggesting a consistent pattern of partly cloudy skies. While the chances increase slightly in January and March, they dip in June, hinting at a seasonal shift as winter approaches. Overall, while May offers a decent chance for sun, it falls within a moderate range that characterizes Tauranga’s transitional weather, inviting potential admirers of the outdoors to enjoy its mild, albeit unpredictable, charm.

Percentage of Sunny Days in May in Tauranga

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Tauranga 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 Tauranga experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec53%41%47%48%48%37%48%46%43%30%35%33%
Data source: Tauranga May chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Tauranga in May

In Tauranga, New Zealand, the pattern of daylight duration showcases a captivating seasonal rhythm. As summer reaches its peak in January, the days stretch to an impressive 14 hours, gradually tapering to 10 hours by May. This subtle decline reflects the transition into winter, with daylight hours shrinking through April and May. Interestingly, the trend stabilizes in June and July, where the darkness lingers at 9 hours, before gradually reclaiming length in August. With the arrival of spring, daylight durations climb once again, reaching 14 hours by December, heralding the return of summer's brilliance. This cyclical dance of daylight not only marks the seasons but also enriches the vibrant life and activities in Tauranga throughout the year.

Average Daylight Hours in Tauranga for May

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Tauranga throughout the year, with May highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec14h 26m13h 29m12h 17m11h 4m10h 4m9h 34m9h 49m10h 41m11h 50m13h 3m14h 8m14h 43m
Data source: Tauranga daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

May Winds in Tauranga

In Tauranga, New Zealand, the winds of May bring a gentle increase in the breeze, with average wind speeds reaching 3.9 m/s (9 mph), slightly higher than the preceding months. As autumn settles in, the winds begin to pick up momentum, leading into the stronger gusts of winter. This gradual rise in speed mirrors a broader trend observed over the months: while January to April hover around a consistent 3.4 to 3.7 m/s, the onset of May signals a shift that continues into the winter months, where winds can reach up to 4.4 m/s (10 mph) by September. This cycle creates a dynamic climate ideal for outdoor activities, providing just enough breeze to invigorate the landscape while allowing for the enjoyment of Tauranga's stunning natural beauty.

Average May Wind Speed in Tauranga

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Tauranga, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec3.73.53.43.63.9 m/s3.74.24.14.44.33.64.0
Data source: Tauranga May wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How May Weather in Tauranga Compares to Other Months

Weather in Tauranga varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Tauranga, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.

When comparing the weather in May to that in January, notable differences emerge. In May, temperatures are milder, with a minimum of 4°C (39°F), an average of 14°C (57°F), and a maximum reaching 20°C (69°F). The month sees higher precipitation levels at 93 mm (3.7 in) over about 10 days, accompanied by a humidity of 79%. In contrast, January experiences warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 11°C (51°F), an average of 20°C (68°F), and a maximum of 29°C (84°F). Additionally, precipitation is lower at 66 mm (2.6 in) across 7 days, and humidity is slightly less at 75%. For more detailed weather insights, you can check Tauranga weather in January.

In comparing the weather between May and February, it’s clear that February tends to be warmer, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 11°C (53°F) to a maximum of 31°C (88°F), while May sees much cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 4°C (39°F) and a maximum of 20°C (69°F). Furthermore, February experiences slightly higher humidity at 73%, compared to May's 79%. Both months have comparable precipitation, with February totaling 101 mm (4.0 in) over 8 days and May receiving 93 mm (3.7 in) over 10 days. For more detailed information on February weather in Tauranga, you can check Tauranga weather in February.

When comparing the weather in March and May, noticeable differences emerge in both temperature and precipitation. March typically experiences milder nights with a minimum temperature of 10°C (50°F) and an average high of 26°C (80°F), while May's temperatures are cooler, ranging from a minimum of 4°C (39°F) to an average maximum of 20°C (69°F). Although March is warmer, it also sees more rainfall, with 113 mm (4.4 in) over 12 days compared to May's 93 mm (3.7 in) over 10 days. Humidity levels are relatively similar, with March at 73% and May slightly higher at 79%. For a more detailed look at the weather specifics, you can check Tauranga weather in March.

In comparing the weather of April and May, we observe distinct differences in temperature and precipitation patterns. April generally experiences warmer temperatures, with minimums around 7°C (45°F) and maximums reaching up to 24°C (76°F), resulting in a comfortable average of 16°C (61°F). However, it also brings more rainfall, with a total of 148 mm (5.8 in) over 10 days. In contrast, May has a cooler temperature range, with a minimum of 4°C (39°F) and a maximum of 20°C (69°F) for an average of 14°C (57°F), along with reduced precipitation of 93 mm (3.7 in) over the same number of days. Additionally, May boasts a slightly higher humidity level at 79%, compared to April's 73%. For a detailed look at April weather conditions, you can check Tauranga weather in April.

When comparing the weather in May and June, we see some notable differences and similarities. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 4°C (39°F) to an average of 14°C (57°F), peaking at 20°C (69°F). The month experiences about 93 mm (3.7 in) of precipitation over approximately 10 days, with a humidity level of 79%. In contrast, June has a slightly wider range, with a minimum temperature of 4°C (40°F), an average of 12°C (54°F), and a maximum of 19°C (66°F). Precipitation increases to 135 mm (5.3 in) distributed over 11 days, and humidity rises marginally to 81%. While both months share similar temperature lows, June is generally wetter and cooler, making it a more humid month overall. For detailed insights about June weather in Tauranga, visit Tauranga weather in June.

In comparing the weather between May and July, May generally exhibits milder temperatures, with an average of 14°C (57°F) and maximums reaching up to 20°C (69°F). In contrast, July experiences cooler temperatures, averaging 11°C (51°F) and peaking at 17°C (62°F). While May sees approximately 93 mm (3.7 in) of precipitation over 10 days, July records slightly higher rainfall at 125 mm (4.9 in) across 11 days, indicating a shift towards wetter conditions. Additionally, July's humidity is a touch higher, at 82%, compared to May's 79%. For a more detailed look at July's weather, you can check Tauranga weather in July.

In comparing the weather of May and August, May tends to be slightly warmer, with average temperatures reaching 14°C (57°F) compared to August's cooler average of 11°C (52°F). While both months experience high humidity levels of 79%, August sees a bit more precipitation at 123 mm (4.9 in) over 14 days, compared to May's 93 mm (3.7 in) over 10 days. Consequently, August is typically a wetter month, making for a more overcast and potentially damp atmosphere. For more details, you can view Tauranga weather in August.

In comparing the weather between May and September, May tends to be slightly warmer, with an average temperature of 14°C (57°F) compared to September's average of 12°C (54°F). The maximum temperatures are also higher in May, reaching 20°C (69°F) versus September's maximum of 19°C (66°F). However, September experiences a bit more rainfall, with 108 mm (4.2 in) over 12 days compared to May's 93 mm (3.7 in) across 10 days. Humidity levels are relatively similar, with May at 79% and September at 77%. For more specific information, you can check Tauranga weather in September.

In May, temperatures generally range from a minimum of 4°C (39°F) to a maximum of 20°C (69°F), with an average temperature of 14°C (57°F). The month sees around 93 mm (3.7 in) of precipitation across approximately 10 days, and humidity levels are relatively high at 79%. In contrast, October boasts slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 5°C (41°F) and a maximum of 22°C (72°F), maintaining the same average of 14°C (57°F). However, it experiences more precipitation at 110 mm (4.3 in) over about 13 days, with humidity at a slightly lower 76%. For a more detailed look at October weather, visit Tauranga weather in October.

In comparing the weather of May and November, we see notable differences in temperature and precipitation patterns. May experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 4°C (39°F) and an average of 14°C (57°F), while November boasts milder conditions, starting at a minimum of 8°C (46°F) and reaching an average of 16°C (62°F). Although both months have similar precipitation levels, May has slightly more rainfall at 93 mm (3.7 in) over about 10 days, compared to November's 90 mm (3.6 in) across 12 days. Additionally, November's humidity is a touch lower at 75%, making for generally more pleasant weather overall. For more specific details about November weather, you can visit Tauranga weather in November.

In May, temperatures in Tauranga are milder, ranging from a minimum of 4°C (39°F) to a maximum of 20°C (69°F), with an average of 14°C (57°F). The month sees considerable precipitation, with 93 mm (3.7 in) falling over approximately 10 days and humidity levels around 79%. In contrast, December offers warmer weather, where temperatures range from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F), with a comfortable average of 19°C (66°F). Although December experiences slightly higher rainfall at 111 mm (4.4 in) across 14 days, the humidity is lower at 74%. For a detailed view of the weather patterns, you can check Tauranga weather in December.

Compare Tauranga's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From May Weather in Tauranga

As May arrives in Tauranga, temperatures begin to cool noticeably compared to the warmer months, with average highs dipping to a comfortable 14°C (57°F) and lows reaching 4°C (39°F). This month also marks a shift towards wetter weather, with an average of 93 mm (3.7 in) of precipitation spread over approximately 10 days, resulting in a more humid atmosphere at 79%. The transition to winter brings a refreshing change, making it a unique time to experience Tauranga's charm. For a deeper dive into how May fits into the broader patterns of Tauranga's weather, visit Tauranga Climate.