Last updated: August 31, 2025
May in Kaikoura, New Zealand presents a captivating mix of cool temperatures and frequent precipitation. With maximum temperatures reaching up to 19°C (66°F) and an average of 12°C (53°F), this coastal town offers a refreshing climate perfect for exploration. Expect chilly minimum temperatures around 4°C (40°F), making warm layers essential for outdoor adventures. The month is characterized by considerable precipitation, totaling 81 mm (3.2 in) over approximately 10 rainy days, coupled with a high humidity level of 82%. This combination creates a vibrant, lush landscape, drawing visitors eager to experience the unique beauty of Kaikoura during its transitional autumn season.
As the autumn chill settles into Kaikoura, New Zealand in May, temperatures showcase a noticeable drop from the warmer months. With a minimum of 4°C (40°F) and an average of 12°C (53°F), the days slowly transition into the cooler realms of winter. The maximum temperature reaches a pleasant 19°C (66°F), offering a final taste of mild weather. This month marks a significant shift from the balmy summer peaks of 27°C (81°F) in January, emphasizing the gradual cooling trend as the year progresses. As leaves turn and landscapes shift, May invites visitors to enjoy cooler evenings and crisp breezes, making it a perfect time for cozy gatherings and breathtaking coastal views.
In May, Kaikoura experiences a moderate precipitation total of 81 mm (3.2 in), falling over 10 days, which contributes to the area’s lush greenery. This rainfall is slightly less than the preceding month of April, which recorded a more substantial 110 mm (4.3 in) during the same number of days. Notably, May’s precipitation marks a transitional phase as the region shifts from late autumn into the wetter winter months. As we look ahead, June typically sees an increase in rainfall, reaching 117 mm (4.6 in) over 14 days, suggesting that May serves as a precursor to the wetter conditions that characterize the winter season. Overall, while May maintains a balance between rain and dry spells, it clearly foreshadows the more humid days ahead in Kaikoura.
As May arrives in Kaikoura, New Zealand, residents and visitors can expect a notable increase in humidity, reaching 82%—the highest mark recorded since March and April. This uptick signals the transition into the colder months, as humidity steadily rises from 77% in April to 84% in June. The trend clearly shows that as winter approaches, the coastal town becomes enveloped in a gentle, moist embrace, contributing to its lush, vibrant landscapes. Whether you're exploring the stunning coastline or enjoying the lush verdure, May’s humidity sets the stage for a unique experience in this picturesque locale.
In May, the UV Index in Kaikoura, New Zealand, reaches a moderate level of 4, allowing for a safer outdoor experience compared to the preceding months. As temperatures begin to cool, the burn time extends to 30 minutes, making it crucial to still practice sun safety. This shift follows a pattern where the summer months of January and February exhibit extreme UV levels of 13, forcing a quick retreat indoors after just 10 minutes of sun exposure. As the seasons progress, the UV Index gradually decreases – from a very high 9 in March to a high of 6 in April and then stabilizing at 4 in May. The transition to lower UV levels continues into winter, with UV Index values dropping to 2 in June and July, indicating a significant dip in sun intensity. This trend highlights the importance of staying informed about the UV Index throughout the year. For more detailed information, visit Kaikoura UV Index.
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In Kaikoura, New Zealand, May marks the transition into winter with 209 hours of sunshine, a noticeable decline from the vibrant spring and summer months. Following an impressive peak in December with 345 hours, the sun gradually retreats through the cooler months. After enjoying 304 hours in February, the sunshine hours begin to dwindle, with April reaching 234 hours before settling into May's more subdued glow. Despite the decrease, May offers a cozy charm, as the lingering sunlight contrasts beautifully with the encroaching chill, making it a perfect time for those seeking quieter, reflective moments amid stunning coastal vistas.
In Kaikoura, New Zealand, May brings a refreshing balance of sunshine, boasting a 51% chance of clear skies. This puts it just above the average for the early months of the year, particularly after a notably sunny April at 57%. While May's likelihood of sunny weather is similar to the cooler months that follow, it stands out in the transitional period from the vibrant summer to the chillier winter. In fact, it's reassuring to see that the chances of sun in May mirror the more favorable conditions seen in the peak summer months of January and July. As the year progresses, the trend appears to dip in the late autumn and winter, making May a delightful time to embrace the sun before the winter clouds settle in.
In Kaikoura, New Zealand, daylight duration undergoes a distinctive seasonal rhythm. Beginning in January, the days are long and vibrant, stretching to 14 hours of sunlight, which gradually decreases as summer gives way to autumn. By April, the daylight dips to 10 hours, and May marks a further decline with just 9 hours of daylight, indicating the onset of winter. This trend of shorter days continues into June and July, where daylight remains stable at 9 hours. However, as spring approaches, daylight begins to reclaim its dominance, rebounding to 10 hours in August and gradually increasing through the months, reaching 15 hours by December. This cycle not only shapes the natural landscape but also influences lifestyle and outdoor activities in this stunning coastal town.
In May, Kaikoura experiences a slight uptick in average wind speed, reaching 4.1 m/s (9 mph), which aligns with the breezy conditions typical for late autumn in this stunning coastal town. This increase suggests a transition into the winter months, as the winds often pick up during this time, creating a refreshing atmosphere. It's interesting to note that May's winds are among the highest in the earlier part of the year, closely matching those of June and October. While the months leading up to May present relatively calmer conditions, the refreshing gusts of late autumn prepare the landscape for the cooler winter ahead, inviting visitors and locals alike to embrace the invigorating shift in the seasonal breeze.
Weather in Kaikoura varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Kaikoura, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
May and January present contrasting weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of 4°C (40°F) to a comfortable maximum of 19°C (66°F), with an average of 12°C (53°F). This month experiences relatively high humidity at 82% and more significant rainfall, totaling 81 mm (3.2 in) over approximately 10 days. In contrast, January features warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 9°C (49°F) and a maximum reaching 27°C (81°F), averaging 17°C (62°F). This summer month has lower precipitation, totaling 49 mm (1.9 in) across about 7 days, and a slightly lower humidity of 72%. For more details, you can check Kaikoura weather in January.
Comparing the weather between May and February reveals notable differences. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 4°C (40°F) to a maximum of 19°C (66°F), with an average of 12°C (53°F). The month also experiences higher humidity at 82% and more precipitation, totaling 81 mm (3.2 in) over approximately 10 days. In contrast, February boasts milder temperatures, with a minimum of 10°C (50°F) and a maximum of 25°C (77°F), averaging around 17°C (62°F). The precipitation in February is slightly less at 73 mm (2.9 in) and occurs over fewer days, approximately 7. This makes February a warmer and drier month compared to May. For more details on February weather, check out Kaikoura weather in February.
In comparing the weather between March and May, we observe a shift in temperatures and conditions. March tends to be warmer, with a minimum temperature of 8°C (47°F) and a maximum of 24°C (75°F), offering an average of 15°C (60°F). In contrast, May is cooler, featuring a minimum of 4°C (40°F) and a maximum of 19°C (66°F), with an average of 12°C (53°F). Precipitation levels are somewhat similar, with March receiving 74 mm (2.9 in) and May slightly higher at 81 mm (3.2 in), both having about 10 days of rainfall. Additionally, humidity levels are slightly higher in May at 82%, compared to 77% in March. For more specific details about March weather, check out Kaikoura weather in March.
In comparing the weather of May and April, it is evident that April generally experiences slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 6°C (42°F) and an average of 13°C (56°F), compared to May's minimum of 4°C (40°F) and an average of 12°C (53°F). Additionally, April records a higher maximum temperature of 21°C (70°F) versus May's maximum of 19°C (66°F). However, May tends to be wetter, with 81 mm (3.2 in) of precipitation across 10 days, while April sees more rainfall with 110 mm (4.3 in) also over 10 days. Humidity levels are slightly higher in May at 82%, compared to April's 77%. For more detailed information about April weather, you can visit Kaikoura weather in April.
In comparing May and June weather, May generally enjoys milder temperatures with a minimum of 4°C (40°F), an average of 12°C (53°F), and a maximum of 19°C (66°F). In contrast, June sees a slight drop in temperatures, with a minimum of 4°C (40°F), an average of 9°C (49°F), and a maximum of 16°C (61°F). Precipitation also increases in June, reaching 117 mm (4.6 in) over 14 days, compared to May's 81 mm (3.2 in) over 10 days. Additionally, humidity levels are slightly higher in June, at 84% compared to May's 82%. For more detailed information on the weather in June, visit Kaikoura weather in June.
In comparing the weather of May and July, it's evident that both months exhibit cool temperatures and considerable precipitation. May has a slightly warmer average temperature of 12°C (53°F), with maximums reaching 19°C (66°F), while July is cooler, averaging around 9°C (48°F) with a peak of just 14°C (58°F). Additionally, precipitation increases marginally in July, with 91 mm (3.6 in) over 13 days compared to May's 81 mm (3.2 in) over 10 days. Humidity is relatively high in both months, at 82% for May and 85% for July, making the air feel damp and chilly. For a more detailed look at July's conditions, you can check Kaikoura weather in July.
May and August present contrasting weather patterns, though both months share a similar humidity of 82%. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 4°C (40°F) to a maximum of 19°C (66°F), with an average of 12°C (53°F). This month also sees a higher precipitation of 81 mm (3.2 in) over about 10 days. In contrast, August experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 3°C (38°F) and a maximum of just 15°C (58°F), averaging around 9°C (48°F). Precipitation in August is slightly lower at 68 mm (2.7 in), but it occurs over 12 days, making it a wetter month despite the lower totals. For more details on August weather, visit Kaikoura weather in August.
In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 4°C (40°F) to a maximum of 19°C (66°F), with an average of 12°C (53°F). This month experiences around 81 mm (3.2 in) of precipitation over approximately 10 days, maintaining a humidity level of 82%. In contrast, September sees slightly cooler weather, with temperatures ranging from 3°C (37°F) to 17°C (62°F) and averaging 10°C (50°F). Precipitation is a bit lower at 76 mm (3.0 in) over 11 days, while humidity remains steady at 82%. Overall, both months share similar humidity levels and precipitation patterns, but May tends to be warmer than September. For more detailed insights on September weather, check out Kaikoura weather in September.
May and October offer distinct weather experiences, with both months showcasing mild temperatures. In May, the minimum temperature hovers at 4°C (40°F) with an average of 12°C (53°F) and a maximum of 19°C (66°F). This month brings approximately 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain over about 10 days, accompanied by high humidity levels around 82%. Conversely, October features slightly cooler average temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 4°C (40°F) to a maximum of 21°C (69°F) with an average of 11°C (53°F). Precipitation increases marginally to 84 mm (3.3 in) across 15 days, while humidity drops slightly to 79%. For more details about October's weather, check Kaikoura weather in October.
May and November exhibit distinct weather patterns, with November typically experiencing milder temperatures. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 4°C (40°F) to a maximum of 19°C (66°F), while November sees values between 7°C (45°F) and 22°C (72°F). Both months have similar levels of precipitation, with May receiving 81 mm (3.2 in) over about 10 days, and November slightly less at 76 mm (3.0 in) over 11 days. Humidity is higher in May at 82%, compared to 77% in November, contributing to a more damp feel earlier in the year. For more specific details about November's climate, you can check out Kaikoura weather in November.
In May, the weather is generally cooler with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 4°C (40°F) to a maximum of 19°C (66°F), averaging around 12°C (53°F). This month experiences significant rainfall, with 81 mm (3.2 in) spread over about 10 days, and humidity levels peaking at 82%. In contrast, December offers warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) to a maximum of 24°C (75°F), averaging around 15°C (60°F). The rainfall is slightly higher, totaling 106 mm (4.2 in) over approximately 12 days, but with lower humidity at 75%. This makes December a more pleasant month in terms of temperature, despite the increased precipitation. For more detailed information, check out Kaikoura weather in December.
As May settles in Kaikoura, the weather brings a delightful transition that contrasts with the warmer months. With average temperatures hovering around 12°C (53°F), the air starts to cool, making way for a refreshing chill that invites cozy layers. Unlike the sun-drenched summer, May experiences a notable increase in precipitation, with around 81 mm (3.2 in) falling across approximately 10 days. This shift towards wetter conditions adds a lush vibrancy to the landscape, while humidity levels rise to a comfortable 82%, enveloping the town in a soft, misty ambiance. For those keen to explore the unique climate of Kaikoura throughout the year, additional insights can be found in Kaikoura Climate.