Last updated: August 31, 2025
May in Ashburton, New Zealand presents a blend of mild temperatures and occasional rain, making it a unique month for locals and visitors alike. Maximum temperatures can reach a pleasant 21°C (71°F), while the average hovers around 10°C (50°F), offering comfortable days and cool nights. However, temperatures can dip to a brisk -1°C (31°F), reminding everyone that winter is on the horizon. Over the course of the month, Ashburton accumulates about 51 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation, falling on approximately 8 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 84%. This combination of factors creates an atmosphere that is both refreshing and invigorating, reflecting the beauty of late autumn in this picturesque region.
In May, Ashburton experiences a notable shift as temperatures dip, marking the transition into winter. The minimum temperature plummets to a chilly -1°C (31°F), while the average holds steady at a brisk 10°C (50°F). Daytime highs can still reach a pleasant 21°C (71°F), hinting at a mix of cooler mornings and more temperate afternoons. As the month progresses, you'll notice a significant decline from the warmer autumn months, where April boasted average highs of 13°C (55°F). This gradual cooling indicates a shift toward winter, making May a perfect time for cozy layers and enjoying Ashburton's picturesque landscapes.
May in Ashburton, New Zealand, brings a gentle reprieve in precipitation, with an average of 51 mm (2.0 inches) of rain falling over 8 days. This marks a slight decrease from the wetter months leading up to it, where April recorded 75 mm (3.0 inches). As autumn draws to a close, the rainfall tends to lessen, signaling a transition into the drier winter months ahead. Interestingly, the pattern reveals a notable spike in rainfall as winter begins, particularly in July, underscoring a seasonal rhythm where May serves as a bridge between the lush, rainy autumn and the more temperate winter. Overall, May's moderate precipitation continues to sustain the region's natural beauty, making it a tranquil time before the cold sets in.
As May arrives in Ashburton, New Zealand, residents experience an uptick in humidity, reaching 84%—the highest level recorded since April. This gradual increase is part of a noticeable trend, as the region's humidity consistently rises through the early months of the year, peaking in the late autumn. Following a pattern, it starts at 79% in January, dips slightly in February, and steadily climbs to 81% in April before peaking again in May and June. By juxtaposing these figures, it's clear that the transition into winter brings an increase in moisture, positioning Ashburton as a place with significant humidity levels as it heads into the colder months.
In May, Ashburton experiences a moderate UV Index of 3, marking a noticeable shift from the extreme conditions of earlier months. With a burn time of 30 minutes, residents and visitors can enjoy outdoor activities with a significantly lower risk of sunburn compared to the peak summer months of January and February. This gradual decline in UV intensity continues from April's high levels, suggesting a transition into the cooler season. As winter approaches in June with a low UV Index of 2, the risk of sun exposure becomes even less concerning. For those planning their outdoor adventures, staying informed about the UV Index trends can enhance safety and enjoyment under the sun. For more details, check the Ashburton UV Index.
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As the seasons change in Ashburton, New Zealand, May ushers in a gentler embrace of sunshine, with an average of 194 hours—a noticeable dip from the vibrant summer months that peak in January with 272 hours. Following April’s decline, May continues this trend, reflecting the region's transition into the cooler winter period. Despite the reduced sunshine, there’s a comforting charm in the crisp air and the beauty of autumn, paving the way for the shorter, cloudier days of winter. Interestingly, April holds just 227 hours, hinting that the daylight hours consistently shrink as the year progresses, before slowly boosting again with the approach of spring in August and summer in November, where sunshine hours beautifully rebound to their highest at 298 hours.
In Ashburton, New Zealand, May holds a 49% chance of sunny weather, marking a notable uptick from the preceding months. This increase follows April's more robust 56% likelihood of sunshine, while May outshines the winter months that follow, such as June with its 30% chance. Interestingly, as the seasons transition, September emerges as another peak, with a 50% chance of clear skies. Overall, May presents a favorable window for enjoying the outdoors before the colder months settle in, making it a fine time for residents and visitors to soak up the last rays of autumn sun.
As spring gives way to summer in Ashburton, New Zealand, daylight duration experiences a gradual shift, showcasing a vibrant seasonal rhythm. In January, the sun graces the sky for an impressive 15 hours, providing ample time for outdoor adventures. As the year progresses into February and March, daylight begins to wane slightly, dropping to 13 and 12 hours, respectively. By April, the sun retreats even further with just 10 hours of light, heralding the onset of autumn. May sees a continuation of this trend, with daylight lasting just 9 hours, making way for longer nights. However, the cycle turns again in July, where daylight returns to 9 hours, hinting at the impending arrival of greater daylight in the coming months. This pattern of increasing daylight is further emphasized from August through December, with hours gradually climbing back to 15 by year's end, inviting the warmth of summer once more. The ebb and flow of daylight in Ashburton beautifully encapsulates the changing seasons, offering both a reminder of nature's cycles and the joy of longer days ahead.
In May, Ashburton experiences a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 3.5 m/s (8 mph), slightly up from the calmer months of March and April. This increase heralds the transition towards winter, as the winds typically become more unpredictable in the upcoming months. Overall, May reflects a mild wind pattern compared to the year, bustling ahead of the slower June winds at 2.7 m/s (6 mph). However, as we look towards the warmer months like October and December, the winds pick up again, highlighting a seasonal rhythm that characterizes Ashburton's unique meteorological landscape.
Weather in Ashburton varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Ashburton, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -1°C (31°F) to a pleasant maximum of 21°C (71°F), with an average of 10°C (50°F). The month experiences around 51 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation over 8 days and a high humidity level of 84%. In contrast, January sees much warmer weather, with temperatures varying from a minimum of 8°C (46°F) to a scorching maximum of 33°C (92°F), averaging at 17°C (63°F). Jan's precipitation is slightly lower at 50 mm (2.0 in) over just 7 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 79%. For more detailed information on January weather, you can visit Ashburton weather in January.
When comparing the weather in May and February, we can observe some notable differences. In February, temperatures are generally warmer, with a minimum of 7°C (44°F) and a maximum reaching 30°C (86°F), averaging around 17°C (63°F). In contrast, May experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -1°C (31°F) and an average of 10°C (50°F), peaking at 21°C (71°F). Additionally, February receives slightly more precipitation, totaling 66 mm (2.6 in) over 6 days, compared to May’s 51 mm (2.0 in) across 8 days. Humidity levels are also quite different, with February at 76% and May higher at 84%. For more details, you can check Ashburton weather in February.
In comparing the weather between March and May, we can see notable differences in temperature and precipitation. March tends to be warmer, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 6°C (43°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F), while May's temperatures are cooler, averaging from -1°C (31°F) to a maximum of 21°C (71°F). Additionally, March experiences higher humidity at 78% compared to May's 84%. Precipitation is more frequent in March, with 72 mm (2.8 in) over 10 days, whereas May sees slightly less rainfall at 51 mm (2.0 in) over 8 days. For more details on March weather, you can check out Ashburton weather in March.
Comparing the weather in May to that of April reveals some notable differences. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of -1°C (31°F) to a maximum of 21°C (71°F) with an average of 10°C (50°F), which shows a significant drop in temperature compared to April's milder range of 4°C (39°F) to 26°C (79°F) and an average of 13°C (55°F). Additionally, May experienced slightly less rainfall with 51 mm (2.0 in) over 8 days, compared to April's 75 mm (3.0 in) over 10 days. Humidity also remains high in both months, with May's humidity at 84% compared to April's 81%. For a more detailed look at April weather, refer to Ashburton weather in April.
In May, the weather in Ashburton features a comfortable average temperature of 10°C (50°F), with highs reaching up to 21°C (71°F) and lows dipping to 1°C (34°F). The month experiences 51 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation over 8 days, coupled with a humidity level of 84%. In contrast, June sees slightly cooler temperatures, with an average of 7°C (45°F) and a maximum of 20°C (69°F). The minimum temperature in June can drop to -2°C (28°F), while precipitation slightly increases to 55 mm (2.2 in) over 7 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 85%. For more detailed information about the weather conditions in this month, check out Ashburton weather in June.
May and July exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of -1°C (31°F) to a maximum of 21°C (71°F), with an average of 10°C (50°F) and relatively moderate precipitation of 51 mm (2.0 in) over 8 days. The humidity level sits at a comfortable 84%. Conversely, July experiences cooler conditions, with a minimum temperature of -2°C (29°F), an average of 7°C (45°F), and a maximum of 18°C (65°F). Precipitation increases to 85 mm (3.4 in) across 11 days, accompanied by a slightly higher humidity of 85%. For more detailed information on July weather specifically, visit Ashburton weather in July.
In comparing the weather of May and August, both months exhibit a similar range of temperatures, with May showing a slight edge in average temperature at 10°C (50°F) compared to August's 8°C (47°F). Interestingly, both months have the same maximum temperature of 21°C (71°F), yet May enjoys warmer daytime highs overall. Precipitation levels are quite similar, with May receiving 51 mm (2.0 in) over 8 days and August slightly less at 47 mm (1.9 in) over 9 days. Humidity remains consistent at 84% for both months, giving a humid feel throughout late spring and summer. For a more detailed look at August's weather patterns, you can visit Ashburton weather in August.
May and September offer quite similar weather patterns, yet with slight distinctions that set them apart. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -1°C (31°F) to a comfortable maximum of 21°C (71°F), with an average of 10°C (50°F). The month experiences around 51 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation, typically spread over 8 rainy days, creating a relatively humid atmosphere with 84% humidity.
In contrast, September sees temperatures that hover slightly higher, with a minimum of 0°C (32°F) and a maximum of 22°C (72°F), while also maintaining an average of 10°C (50°F). Precipitation in September is marginally lower at 49 mm (1.9 in) but occurs over a slightly greater number of days, with rain on approximately 10 days, and humidity levels remain close at 83%. For a more detailed look at September weather, check out Ashburton weather in September.
In May, temperatures typically range from a minimum of -1°C (31°F) to a maximum of 21°C (71°F), with an average of 10°C (50°F). The month experiences around 51 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation over approximately 8 days, and humidity levels sit at 84%. In contrast, October brings slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 2°C (35°F) and a maximum reaching 25°C (77°F), leading to an average of 12°C (53°F). October also sees a higher precipitation total of 62 mm (2.4 in) over about 12 days, accompanied by a slightly lower humidity of 80%. For more detailed information, you can check Ashburton weather in October.
May and November exhibit distinct weather characteristics. In May, temperatures range from a chilly -1°C (31°F) at night to a pleasant 21°C (71°F) during the day, with an average of 10°C (50°F). The month experiences moderate precipitation, totaling 51 mm (2.0 in) over about 8 days, and humidity levels are relatively high at 84%.
In contrast, November sees milder temperatures, with minimums around 5°C (41°F) and maximums peaking at 27°C (81°F), resulting in an average temperature of 14°C (58°F). Although November is slightly wetter, with 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain over 9 days, humidity remains lower at 78%. For a more detailed look at November conditions, check out Ashburton weather in November.
The weather in May presents a cooler atmosphere, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -1°C (31°F) to a maximum of 21°C (71°F) and an average of around 10°C (50°F). This month also sees about 51 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation over approximately 8 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 84%. In contrast, December boasts warmer temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 7°C (46°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F), with an average of 16°C (61°F). Precipitation is higher in December, totaling 94 mm (3.7 in) over 12 days, while humidity remains slightly lower at 81%. For more detailed information, you can check Ashburton weather in December.
As May unfolds in Ashburton, the weather marks a noticeable transition from the mild warmth of summer to the cooler embrace of winter. With maximum temperatures hovering around a comfortable 21°C and dipping to a brisk -1°C at night, this month strikes a delicate balance between warmth and chill. While precipitation increases slightly, with an average of 51 mm spread over 8 days, the air feels especially humid at 84%, adding to the refreshing atmosphere. As the landscape transforms into shades of autumn, May invites both locals and visitors to enjoy the changing scenery. For a deeper look at Ashburton's weather year-round, explore Ashburton Climate.