Last updated: August 31, 2025
May in Napier, New Zealand, is characterized by mild temperatures and a touch of moisture. With a maximum temperature of 22°C (73°F) and an average of 14°C (57°F), the days remain pleasantly warm, while the minimum dips to a cool 6°C (44°F) at night. This month sees 70 mm (2.8 in) of precipitation over approximately 10 days, resulting in a humidity level of around 83%. Enjoy the serene ambience, where the lush landscapes thrive in the gentle rains, making this a perfect time for cozy indoor activities or exploring the breathtaking scenery.
In May, Napier experiences a notable transition as temperatures begin to dip, signaling the approach of winter. The minimum temperature hovers around 6°C (44°F), while the average settles at a comfortable 14°C (57°F), peaking at a pleasant 22°C (73°F) during the day. This gradual cooling trend follows the warmer months of January through April, where average highs reached as high as 27°C (81°F). As the temperatures fall, May showcases a more relaxed climate, making it an ideal time for outdoor exploration with its crisp, refreshing air. The shift to cooler temperatures invites residents and visitors alike to embrace the beauty of the region’s autumnal scenery while enjoying the mild weather before winter sets in.
In Napier, New Zealand, May marks a notable shift in weather patterns as it experiences an average precipitation of 70 mm (2.8 in) spread over 10 days. This amount is slightly less than the previous month, April, which recorded 91 mm (3.6 in), indicating a gradual transition towards the wetter winter months ahead. May's rainfall begins to lay the groundwork for June, which jumps to 106 mm (4.2 in), typically one of the wettest months. As part of a broader trend, this late-autumn precipitation signifies a steady increase in rainfall leading into the winter, with only sporadic dry days, inviting the lush vibrancy of New Zealand’s landscapes.
In May, the humidity in Napier, New Zealand reaches a notable 83%, marking a significant increase from the preceding months. This upward trend continues into the winter months, starting with June’s slightly higher 85% and peaking in July at 86%. As autumn transitions to winter, the city experiences some of its most humid conditions of the year. Preceding this spike, humidity levels were steadily rising from 71% in March to 74% in April, suggesting a gradual humidification as the year progresses. By August, the humidity remains high at 83%, indicating that while the cold months are upon Napier, the dampness lingers, creating a consistently moist climate in the region.
In May, Napier, New Zealand, experiences a moderate UV Index of 4, contrasting sharply with the extreme levels seen in the summer months. As the intensity of the sun begins to diminish, the recommended burn time extends to 30 minutes, allowing for a more relaxed outdoor experience. This trend of decreasing UV levels continues from the previous month and sets the stage for the cooler months ahead. It's important to remain mindful of sun exposure, as even moderate levels can still cause skin damage over prolonged periods. For more insights on safe sun practices, check out Napier UV Index.
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As the seasons transition in Napier, May brings a gentle decline in sunshine hours, with a total of 211 hours basking the city, marking a noticeable dip from the earlier months. After a radiant summer peak in January with 284 hours, the sun gradually retreats through the autumn months, with each passing month seeing fewer rays. While April enjoys a still vibrant 231 hours, May signals the onset of winter’s embrace, foreshadowing the chillier, cloudier days ahead, especially as June drops to just 169 hours. Though the light may be waning, May offers a unique charm; it serves as a bridge, allowing residents to savor the last vestiges of warmth before the cooler months settle in.
As we transition into May, Napier, New Zealand, experiences a 45% chance of sunny weather, reflecting a slight dip from the preceding months like January and April, which boast higher probabilities of sunshine at 59% and 58%, respectively. Despite the overall decrease, May remains a relatively favorable time compared to the chillier months that follow, such as June and July, which see lower chances of sun at 37% and 47%. This transitional period hints at the lingering warmth of early autumn, making May a delightful month for outdoor activities, even if the sunshine may be less abundant than earlier in the year.
In Napier, New Zealand, the daylight duration experiences a dynamic shift throughout the year, reflecting the gradual transition of the seasons. January boasts the longest days with 14 hours of sunlight, slowly tapering off to 13 hours in February. As summer gives way to autumn, daylight continues to dwindle, reaching its low of 9 hours by May, a trend that carries into June and July. However, as winter ends and spring approaches, the days begin to lengthen once more; daylight increases to 10 hours in August and gradually restores to 14 hours by December. This rhythm of light and dark beautifully captures the essence of Napier's seasonal changes, inviting both residents and visitors to embrace the enchanting variations throughout the year.
In May, Napier, New Zealand, experiences an invigorating rise in average wind speed to 4.6 m/s (10 mph), setting the stage for the cooler months ahead. This uptick follows April's calmer winds, which averaged just 3.5 m/s (8 mph), hinting at a seasonal shift. Comparatively, May's winds are part of a trend that sees increased gustiness from late autumn through winter, with June peaking slightly higher at 4.7 m/s (10 mph). These breezy conditions not only enhance the coastal charm of Napier but also invite outdoor enthusiasts to embrace the invigorating air that sweeps through the region. As the weather turns cooler, the consistent wind speeds remind residents and visitors alike of the dynamic nature of New Zealand’s maritime climate.
Weather in Napier varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Napier, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
Comparing the weather in May and January reveals some notable differences. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 6°C (44°F) to a maximum of 22°C (73°F), with an average temperature of 14°C (57°F). This month also experiences higher precipitation, totaling 70 mm (2.8 in) over approximately 10 days, coupled with a higher humidity level of 83%. In contrast, January boasts milder weather with temperatures ranging from 11°C (52°F) to 27°C (81°F) and an average of 20°C (68°F). Precipitation is lower during this time, with only 45 mm (1.8 in) over about 6 days, and humidity is a bit lower at 69%. For more detailed insights on January weather, check out Napier weather in January.
May and February exhibit contrasting weather patterns characterized by temperature and humidity. In May, temperatures range from a cool minimum of 6°C (44°F) to a pleasant maximum of 22°C (73°F), with an average of 14°C (57°F). In contrast, February offers warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 13°C (55°F), an average of 20°C (68°F), and a high of 31°C (87°F). Additionally, while May experiences higher humidity at 83% and receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rainfall over 10 days, February features lower humidity at 69% and slightly less precipitation at 62 mm (2.5 in) over just 7 days. For more detailed information about February weather, you can visit Napier weather in February.
When comparing the weather in May and March, one can observe notable differences. March tends to be warmer, with minimum temperatures hovering around 11°C (52°F) and maximums reaching up to 26°C (78°F), making for an average of 18°C (65°F). In contrast, May's temperatures are cooler, with a minimum of 6°C (44°F) and a maximum of 22°C (73°F), averaging 14°C (57°F). Both months experience about 10 days of precipitation, with March seeing slightly more at 76 mm (3.0 in) compared to May's 70 mm (2.8 in). Additionally, March has a lower humidity level of 71%, while May is more humid at 83%. For more detailed information, you can check Napier weather in March.
In comparing the weather between April and May, April generally presents slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 9°C (48°F) and an average of 16°C (61°F), while May sees temperatures dropping, with a minimum of 6°C (44°F) and an average of 14°C (57°F). April also boasts a maximum of 24°C (76°F), compared to May's 22°C (73°F). Precipitation in April is heavier, totaling 91 mm (3.6 in) over 9 days, whereas May experiences a bit less rain at 70 mm (2.8 in) across 10 days. Additionally, May has a higher humidity level of 83% compared to April's 74%, indicating a more muggy feel as the month progresses. For a more detailed look at April's weather, you can visit Napier weather in April.
May and June exhibit some notable differences in weather patterns. In May, the average temperature is a mild 14°C (57°F), with maximums reaching 22°C (73°F), while June sees a slight drop in overall temperatures, with averages around 12°C (54°F) and maximums of 19°C (66°F). Precipitation also increases in June, rising to 106 mm (4.2 in) over 12 days compared to May's 70 mm (2.8 in) over 10 days. Humidity levels are comparable, slightly higher in June at 85% compared to May's 83%. For a more detailed look at June weather, check out Napier weather in June.
In comparing the weather between May and July, May experiences milder temperatures with an average of 14°C (57°F) and maximum highs reaching 22°C (73°F), while July is cooler, with an average of 11°C (52°F) and maximums only reaching 17°C (63°F). Precipitation levels are slightly higher in July at 77 mm (3.0 in) over 11 days, compared to May’s 70 mm (2.8 in) over 10 days. Additionally, humidity remains fairly consistent, with July being marginally higher at 86% compared to May's 83%. For more detailed insights into July weather, you can check Napier weather in July.
May and August have distinct weather patterns, reflecting the transition from late spring to early winter. In May, temperatures range from a cool 6°C (44°F) to a comfortable maximum of 22°C (73°F), with an average of 14°C (57°F). The month experiences significant rainfall, accumulating 70 mm (2.8 in) over about 10 days, while humidity remains relatively high at 83%. Conversely, August is cooler, with temperatures dipping slightly lower, ranging from a minimum of 5°C (41°F) to a maximum of 18°C (64°F) and an average of 11°C (52°F). Rainfall in August is less at 59 mm (2.3 in), spread over 11 days, but the humidity remains consistent at 83%. For more insights into August weather, you can explore Napier weather in August.
In comparing May and September weather, both months exhibit a similar pattern of mild temperatures, although September is slightly cooler overall. In May, the minimum temperature averages around 6°C (44°F) and peaks at 22°C (73°F), while September sees a lower minimum of 4°C (39°F) and a maximum of 20°C (68°F). Precipitation levels are also noteworthy; September has a slightly higher total at 87 mm (3.4 in) compared to May's 70 mm (2.8 in), despite both months experiencing precipitation on about 10 days. Additionally, September's humidity at 78% is slightly lower than May's 83%, resulting in generally drier conditions as the season transitions into autumn. For more detailed weather information, you can check Napier weather in September.
In comparing the weather of May and October, both months exhibit a similar average temperature of 14°C (57°F), though October tends to have a slightly higher maximum temperature, averaging at 23°C (74°F) compared to May's 22°C (73°F). Precipitation levels are also quite close, with May experiencing 70 mm (2.8 in) over 10 days, while October sees just 69 mm (2.7 in) over 9 days, suggesting slightly drier conditions as the year progresses. Additionally, October has a lower humidity level at 77%, in contrast to May's 83%, making October feel a bit more comfortable overall. For more details, visit Napier weather in October.
In comparing the weather between May and November, we see notable differences in temperature and humidity. May experiences cooler temperatures with a minimum of 6°C and an average of 14°C, whereas November is milder, featuring a minimum of 9°C and an average of 16°C. Both months have similar precipitation levels, with May receiving 70 mm and November slightly more at 72 mm, but November has one less day of rainfall at 9 days. Additionally, November's humidity is lower at 74%, compared to May's higher level of 83%. For detailed information about November weather, you can explore Napier weather in November.
In May, the weather features cooler temperatures, with minimums around 6°C (44°F) and daily averages reaching 14°C (57°F), culminating in maximums of 22°C (73°F). This month also experiences higher humidity at 83% and about 70 mm (2.8 in) of precipitation spread over approximately ten days. In contrast, December brings milder warmth, with minimum temperatures starting at 10°C (51°F) and daily averages around 18°C (65°F), peaking at 27°C (80°F). While December sees a slight increase in precipitation to 75 mm (3.0 in) over 11 days, the humidity drops to a more comfortable 66%. For more information on December weather, you can check Napier weather in December.
As May arrives in Napier, the weather transitions into a cooler, more humid phase compared to the preceding months. With average temperatures dropping and a noticeable increase in precipitation, this month brings a refreshing change, inviting locals and visitors to embrace the lush, vibrant landscapes. While the days are shorter and crisp, the charm of the city remains undiminished, making it an ideal time for cozy indoor activities or exploring the emerging autumn hues in nature. For a deeper dive into the unique climate patterns of this coastal gem, check out the Napier Climate.