Last updated: August 31, 2025
May in Whanganui, New Zealand, is characterized by mild temperatures and a significant amount of precipitation. With maximum temperatures reaching a comfortable 19°C (66°F) and an average of 14°C (57°F), the weather invites outdoor exploration, albeit with a bit of caution. The minimum temperature dips to 7°C (45°F), signaling the onset of cooler evenings. Rainfall is a frequent visitor this month, with 88 mm (3.5 in) accumulating over 11 days, creating a lush, vibrant landscape. Coupled with a humidity level of 84%, May's weather encapsulates the refreshing essence of autumn in Whanganui, offering both charm and challenge to residents and visitors alike.
In May, Whanganui, New Zealand, begins to embrace the cooler embrace of autumn. With minimum temperatures dipping to 7°C (45°F) and a comfortable average around 14°C (57°F), the city experiences a gentle transition from the warmth of summer. The maximum temperatures reach up to 19°C (66°F), offering pleasant days that still beckon outdoor activities. As the month progresses, residents and visitors can expect a steady decline in warmth compared to the previous months, mirroring the gradual shift from the vibrant colors of autumn to the cooler tones of winter. With the autumn leaves painting the landscape, May provides a refreshing backdrop for exploration amidst Whanganui's rich cultural scene.
In May, Whanganui experiences a notable transition in precipitation, receiving an average of 88 mm (3.5 in) over 11 days. This amount is a slight decrease from the heavy rains in April, which saw a substantial 143 mm (5.6 in), while still maintaining consistency in the wet season's overall trend. As winter approaches, the weather patterns hint at an uptick in precipitation during the following months, including June and July, which typically record higher averages. May’s moderate rainfall is a gentle reminder of the lush greenery that flourishes in Whanganui, as the region begins to shift from the vibrant autumn hues into the cooler, wetter months of winter.
In Whanganui, New Zealand, May ushers in a noticeable shift in humidity, reaching 84%, which is among the highest levels recorded for the year. This increase marks a continuation of a slight upward trend that begins in April, where humidity sits at 80%. As autumn progresses into late season, the air becomes increasingly saturated, paving the way for the more humid winter months ahead, where June and July maintain an elevated 86% humidity. This pattern highlights Whanganui’s characteristically moist climate, making May a transitional month that sets the stage for the wetter winter ahead while still offering the mellow warmth of late autumn.
In May, Whanganui experiences a noticeable drop in UV index levels compared to the scorching summer months. With a moderate UV Index of 4, the exposure category shifts to a more manageable range, allowing for a burn time of up to 30 minutes without significant risk. This transition from the extreme values of the earlier months (January and February) reflects the cooling autumn weather, making it a great time for outdoor activities while still practicing sun safety. As residents and visitors enjoy the gentler rays, it's wise to stay informed about UV levels. For more details, check out the Whanganui UV Index.
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As May arrives in Whanganui, New Zealand, the city basks in a pleasant 207 hours of sunshine, a transition from the vibrant warmth of earlier months. Following a series of sun-drenched days throughout the summer, where January and February soared to 277 and 288 hours respectively, May marks a gradual dip as autumn settles in. The trend continues into June, which typically sees even less sunlight, averaging only 177 hours. However, May still feels distinctly bright compared to the cooler months of July and June. As the year progresses, sunlight hours will rebound again, pointing towards the rejuvenating warmth of spring ahead. This seasonal dance highlights Whanganui's unique weather patterns, making every moment in this charming locale a delightful experience.
As we transition into May, the chance of sunny weather in Whanganui, New Zealand dips to 41%, marking a noticeable decline compared to the summer months. This trend continues the pattern observed since the peak of January, which enjoys a sunny outlook of 50%. Following the warmest time of the year, the likelihood of sunshine gradually decreases through the autumn months of March and April, and May seems to reflect this shift as temperatures cool and clouds gather. Looking ahead, the outlook further declines into winter with June plummeting to 31%. Thus, while May still offers some opportunities to bask in the sunlight, it is wise to prepare for the cloudier days that often accompany the transition into winter.
In Whanganui, New Zealand, the month of May marks a significant shift in daylight duration, as it sees a decrease to 9 hours—a trend that begins in April with 11 hours and continues through the winter months of June and July. This gradual reduction in daylight hours reflects the deepening winter season, as the sun makes its retreat across the sky. However, hope is on the horizon, as daylight starts to return in August, climbing back to 10 hours, before steadily increasing again into the spring. This cyclical pattern creates a rhythm of light and dark that is both predictable and poignant, making each change in season a reminder of nature's ever-changing beauty.
As May unfolds in Whanganui, New Zealand, the average wind speed reaches a brisk 6.6 m/s (15 mph), marking a noticeable uptick compared to the previous months. This increase reflects a broader trend, with wind speeds generally rising as the year progresses, peaking at 7.1 m/s (16 mph) in September. The month of May stands out not only for its heightened winds but also for its consistency, as it aligns with August's similar gusts, suggesting a strong seasonal character to Whanganui's breezy conditions. With the winds picking up, outdoor enthusiasts can look forward to exhilarating days punctuated by refreshing gusts, perfect for sailing or enjoying the vibrant natural landscape.
Weather in Whanganui varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Whanganui, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In May, the weather in Whanganui tends to be cooler, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 19°C (66°F) and an average of 14°C (57°F). This month also sees more precipitation, totaling 88 mm (3.5 in) across about 11 days, contributing to a higher humidity level of 84%. In contrast, January experiences warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 11°C (52°F), an average of 18°C (64°F), and a maximum of 24°C (75°F). Additionally, January has less rainfall, totaling 61 mm (2.4 in) over approximately 10 days and a slightly lower humidity of 79%. For more details, check out Whanganui weather in January.
When comparing the weather in May and February, several key differences stand out. In May, temperatures are cooler, with a minimum of 7°C and average highs reaching 19°C. This month also sees a higher chance of precipitation, with 88 mm falling over 11 days, contributing to a relatively high humidity level of 84%. In contrast, February experiences warmer weather, boasting a minimum temperature of 11°C and averaging highs of 26°C. While February has slightly less precipitation at 79 mm over 8 days, it maintains a lower humidity level of 79%. For a more detailed look at February weather, check out Whanganui weather in February.
In comparing the weather of May and March, March typically showcases milder temperatures with a minimum of 11°C (52°F) and an average of 17°C (63°F), peaking at 23°C (74°F). In contrast, May tends to be cooler, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to an average of 14°C (57°F) and a maximum of 19°C (66°F). While March experiences slightly more precipitation at 96 mm (3.8 in) over 10 days, May follows closely with 88 mm (3.5 in) across 11 rainy days. Humidity levels are also noteworthy, with March averaging at 79% compared to May's higher 84%. For more detailed insights into March weather, you can explore Whanganui weather in March.
In comparing the weather between May and April, we see a noticeable shift in both temperature and precipitation. May generally experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 7°C (45°F) and a maximum of 19°C (66°F), while April boasts slightly higher temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) to a maximum of 22°C (71°F). Precipitation patterns also differ; May receives 88 mm (3.5 in) over 11 days, which is significantly less than April's 143 mm (5.6 in) across 13 days. Furthermore, May has higher humidity at 84%, compared to April's 80%. For more detailed insights, you can check out Whanganui weather in April.
In comparing the weather of May and June, we observe that May tends to be slightly warmer, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 19°C (66°F). In contrast, June experiences cooler weather, with a minimum of 5°C (41°F) and a maximum of 17°C (63°F). Additionally, June sees an increase in both precipitation and the number of rainy days, totaling 111 mm (4.4 in) over 15 days, compared to May's 88 mm (3.5 in) over 11 days. The humidity levels are also similar, with May at 84% and June slightly higher at 86%. For a more detailed look at June's climate, check out Whanganui weather in June.
In comparing the weather between May and July, we see some notable differences. May experiences slightly warmer temperatures, with an average of 14°C (57°F), while July tends to be cooler, averaging 11°C (52°F). Precipitation is also higher in July, totaling 118 mm (4.6 in) over 16 days, compared to May's 88 mm (3.5 in) across 11 days. Humidity levels are similar, with May at 84% and July slightly higher at 86%. For a more detailed look at July's climate, you can visit Whanganui weather in July.
In May, temperatures in Whanganui range from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 19°C (66°F), with an average of 14°C (57°F). The month typically sees about 88 mm (3.5 in) of precipitation spread over 11 days, coupled with a relatively high humidity of 84%. In contrast, August experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 5°C (40°F) and a maximum of 16°C (61°F), resulting in an average of 11°C (52°F). This month has a higher precipitation level of 120 mm (4.7 in) over 16 days, and the humidity is marginally lower at 83%. For a detailed look at August weather, visit Whanganui weather in August.
May and September present distinct weather patterns, though both months are characterized by relatively mild temperatures. In May, the average temperature hovers around 14°C (57°F), with a minimum of 7°C (45°F) and a maximum of 19°C (66°F). This month typically sees 88 mm (3.5 in) of rainfall over 11 days, accompanied by a high humidity level of 84%. In contrast, September experiences slightly cooler conditions, with average temperatures of 11°C (53°F), ranging from a minimum of 6°C (42°F) to a maximum of 17°C (62°F). Rainfall increases to 114 mm (4.5 in) over 14 days, while humidity remains quite similar at 83%. For a more detailed look at September's weather, check out Whanganui weather in September.
In comparing the weather between May and October, we can see that both months experience similar temperature ranges, with May having an average temperature of 14°C (57°F) compared to October's 13°C (56°F). Both months have minimum temperatures around 7°C (45°F), and maximums peaking at 19°C (66°F). However, October tends to be slightly wetter, with 99 mm (3.9 in) of precipitation over 14 days, compared to May's 88 mm (3.5 in) over 11 days. The humidity levels are also quite comparable, with May at 84% and October slightly lower at 82%. For more detailed information on October weather, please visit Whanganui weather in October.
May and November exhibit similar, mild weather patterns, but with slight variations. In May, the temperatures range from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 19°C (66°F), averaging around 14°C (57°F) and accompanied by 88 mm (3.5 in) of precipitation over 11 days, with a higher humidity of 84%. In contrast, November sees slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 9°C (49°F) and a maximum of 20°C (69°F), averaging 15°C (59°F). The precipitation is slightly lower at 85 mm (3.4 in), distributed over 13 days, and humidity is marginally lower at 82%. For a closer look at the weather during November, you can explore Whanganui weather in November.
In comparing the weather between May and December, May features cooler temperatures with an average of 14°C (57°F) and a maximum of 19°C (66°F), while December enjoys milder conditions, averaging 17°C (63°F) with highs reaching up to 23°C (74°F). May experiences more frequent rainfall, with precipitation recorded on 11 days and a total of 88 mm (3.5 in), whereas December has a slightly higher precipitation total of 133 mm (5.2 in) over 14 days. Despite the increased rainfall in December, humidity levels remain relatively consistent, with May at 84% and December slightly lower at 81%. For more details, check out Whanganui weather in December.
As May settles in Whanganui, the weather takes a notable shift, bringing cooler temperatures and increased humidity compared to the preceding months. With an average temperature of 14°C, it's the transition to crisp autumn days, where mornings and evenings can feel distinctly brisk, especially with a minimum dipping to 7°C. Rain becomes more frequent, with about 11 days experiencing precipitation, leading to a total of 88 mm for the month. This uptick in rainfall and humidity, reaching around 84%, sets the stage for a refreshing change as nature prepares for winter. For a deeper insight into Whanganui's climate trends, visit Whanganui Climate.