Last updated: August 31, 2025
In Dunedin, New Zealand, May ushers in a transition to cooler temperatures, showcasing a maximum of 20°C (68°F) and dipping to averages of 8°C (47°F), with minimums reaching -3°C (26°F). This month typically brings about 45 mm (1.8 in) of precipitation over approximately 9 days, contributing to the city's lush environment. The atmosphere is marked by a notable humidity level of 84%, creating a crisp yet vibrant backdrop perfect for enjoying the unique charm of Dunedin in autumn.
As winter approaches in Dunedin during May, temperatures take a notable dip, with minimums plummeting to -3°C (26°F). Unlike the warmer months, the average temperature settles at a brisk 8°C (47°F), providing a stark contrast to the summer highs that reached up to 31°C (88°F) in January. However, daytime sees a gentle reprieve, as the maximum can still reach a pleasant 20°C (68°F), suggesting that while the chill is undeniable, sunny days can still be enjoyed. This transitional month marks a clear shift from the vibrant warmth of early autumn to the embrace of winter, inviting residents and visitors alike to bundle up and appreciate the crisp air of Dunedin.
In May, Dunedin experiences a notable shift in its precipitation patterns, with a total of 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain spread across 9 days. This marks a decrease from the previous months, particularly from the wetter months of January and February, which saw over 100 mm of rainfall. As autumn settles in, May's precipitation not only reflects the approaching winter but also hints at a transition to drier conditions. This trend continues into June, when precipitation drops further to 37 mm (1.4 in) over 9 days. Overall, May serves as a pivotal month in Dunedin's climate, showcasing a gradual decline in rainfall that paves the way for the colder, drier winter months ahead.
As May rolls in, Dunedin, New Zealand, experiences a noticeable increase in humidity, reaching 84%. This trend highlights a gradual rise in moisture levels from the relatively lower figures in the earlier months, with April sitting at 81% and January showing 79%. Moving into June and July, humidity remains consistently high at 85%, indicating that the region is transitioning into its cooler months while retaining abundant atmospheric moisture. This pattern suggests that May acts as a bridge, setting the stage for the peak humidity of winter. With such humid conditions prevailing, residents and visitors can expect a lush landscape, albeit with a bit more chill in the air as the season progresses.
In May, Dunedin experiences a moderate UV Index of 3, which equates to a burn time of approximately 30 minutes for those unprotected by sunscreen. As the autumn season takes hold, the UV levels are notably lower compared to the extreme highs seen in the summer months of January and February, where indices soared to 13 and 12, respectively. Following the peak of summer, there’s a gradual decline in UV intensity, with March still exhibiting a very high index of 9 before dipping further in April's moderate category of 5. This trend continues into May, providing a much-needed respite from the intense summer sun. For more details on UV levels throughout the year, visit Dunedin UV Index.
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As we transition into May in Dunedin, New Zealand, the city experiences a gentle dip in sunshine, with 188 hours illuminating the month. While May's brightness is less than the sun-drenched months of January and February, it still stands resilient against the cooler winter months like June, which sees only 158 hours of sunshine. This trend showcases a gradual decline as autumn deepens, but May retains a charming warmth reminiscent of early spring, bridging the vibrant sunshine of summer and the softer, more muted days ahead. With each passing month, Dunedin's sunlit hours fluctuate, culminating in the dazzling brilliance of November and December, where the city basks in an exciting 319 hours of sunshine, making the seasonal contrast all the more enchanting.
In Dunedin, New Zealand, the likelihood of sunny weather in May is moderately promising, with a 44% chance of sunshine. This figure reflects a slight dip from April's peak of 47%, yet it remains consistent with the sunniest months of August and September, both at 44% as well. Following the summer months, where sun chances soar to 27% in January and 34% in February, there's a noticeable trend of increasing sunshine as autumn progresses. This gradual rise in sunny days leads into the winter months, making May a pivotal time for those seeking a balance of pleasant weather before the cooler temperatures settle in. Overall, while May may not boast the highest odds for clear skies, it certainly is among the better months for enjoying the sun in Dunedin.
In Dunedin, New Zealand, May marks a noteworthy transition in daylight duration as the vibrant summer months give way to the cooler, shorter days of winter. With about 9 hours of daylight, May represents a significant dip from April's 10 hours, continuing the gradual decline seen since January's peak of 15 hours. This trend underscores the seasonal rhythm of Dunedin, where each month ushers in a decreasing amount of natural light, culminating in the winter lows of June with just 8 hours. As the year progresses, daylight begins to gradually extend once more, hinting at the promise of sunnier days ahead by the arrival of spring in September.
As May arrives in Dunedin, New Zealand, the wind shifts to a gentle yet noticeable average speed of 3.2 m/s (7 mph). This slight uptick from April signifies the transitional nature of the month, where the breezy conditions begin to soften as winter approaches. Following a consistent pattern seen throughout the year, May maintains wind speeds that are relatively mild compared to the summer months, yet still hint at the invigorating gusts that characterize the region. Interestingly, this month marks a subtle decline in wind activity from the more vigorous early summer, yet is accompanied by an underlying freshness that reinvigorates the landscape, paving the way for the crisp winter air ahead.
Weather in Dunedin varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Dunedin, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In comparing the weather of May and January, we see striking differences in temperature and precipitation patterns. May experiences a cooler climate, with temperatures ranging from a low of -3°C (26°F) to a comfortable average of 8°C (47°F), peaking at a maximum of 20°C (68°F). In contrast, January boasts much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 5°C (42°F), an average of 15°C (60°F), and highs reaching 31°C (88°F). Additionally, May has lower precipitation, totaling 45 mm (1.8 in) over approximately 9 days, whereas January sees significantly more rain, accumulating 96 mm (3.8 in) across 13 days. Humidity levels are also a little higher in May at 84% compared to January's 79%. For more details on January weather, you can check out Dunedin weather in January.
May and February in Dunedin present contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly -3°C (26°F) at night to a mild 20°C (68°F) during the day, with an average of 8°C (47°F). The month sees a moderate amount of precipitation, with about 45 mm (1.8 in) falling over 9 days, and humidity levels are relatively high at 84%. In stark contrast, February experiences warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 2°C (37°F) and a maximum reaching up to 32°C (91°F), averaging 15°C (59°F). February also has heavier rainfall of 100 mm (3.9 in) spread over 10 days, but humidity is lower at 76%. To learn more about February weather specifically, you can visit Dunedin weather in February.
When comparing the weather in May and March, notable differences emerge in temperature and humidity. May experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -3°C (26°F) and an average of 8°C (47°F), while March boasts a milder minimum of 3°C (38°F) and a higher average of 14°C (57°F). In terms of extremes, March reaches a maximum of 29°C (85°F), significantly warmer than May's max of 20°C (68°F). Additionally, although May has slightly less precipitation at 45 mm (1.8 in) over 9 days compared to March's 52 mm (2.1 in) over 10 days, it has a higher humidity level at 84% versus March's 78%. For more detailed information, you can check the Dunedin weather in March.
In comparing the weather of May and April, we can see distinct differences in temperature and precipitation patterns. May's temperatures range from a minimum of -3°C (26°F) to a maximum of 20°C (68°F), with an average of 8°C (47°F), indicating a cooler month overall. In contrast, April offers more mild temperatures, with a minimum of 0°C (31°F), an average of 11°C (52°F), and a maximum of 26°C (79°F). When it comes to precipitation, April experiences more rainfall with 69 mm (2.7 in) over 11 days, compared to May's 45 mm (1.8 in) over 9 days. Humidity is slightly higher in May at 84%, compared to April's 81%. For more details about the weather patterns during this month, you can check Dunedin weather in April.
May and June present a subtle shift in weather conditions. In May, the temperatures range from a minimum of -3°C (26°F) to a comfortable maximum of 20°C (68°F), with an average of 8°C (47°F). Precipitation is somewhat higher in May, totaling 45 mm (1.8 in) over 9 days, and humidity stands at 84%. In contrast, June experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -4°C (25°F) and an average of 6°C (43°F), though it peaks at 21°C (70°F). Rainfall decreases to 37 mm (1.4 in) for the same 9 days, and humidity slightly rises to 85%. For more detailed information, you can explore Dunedin weather in June.
In May, the weather in Dunedin sees average temperatures peaking at 20°C (68°F), with a significant range from a minimum of -3°C (26°F) to a maximum of 20°C (68°F). The month experiences 45 mm (1.8 in) of precipitation over about 9 days, contributing to a relatively high humidity level of 84%. In contrast, July's conditions are cooler, with an average maximum of only 16°C (62°F) and a minimum dipping to -5°C (23°F). Although July records slightly more precipitation at 63 mm (2.5 in) over 10 days, humidity remains similar at 85%. For more detailed insights, you can check Dunedin weather in July.
May and August share similar temperature ranges, with May averaging a slightly warmer 8°C (47°F) compared to August’s 7°C (45°F), though both months have a maximum temperature capping at 20°C (68°F). However, May typically experiences a broader range of conditions, with temperatures dipping down to a minimum of -3°C (26°F), while August can get as cold as -4°C (25°F). In terms of precipitation, both months are relatively similar, with May receiving 45 mm (1.8 in) over 9 days and August experiencing 40 mm (1.6 in) across 12 days. Humidity levels remain constant at 84% during both months, contributing to a generally chilly and damp atmosphere. For more details on August's conditions, check out Dunedin weather in August.
May and September exhibit notable similarities and differences in their weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly -3°C (26°F) to a comfortable max of 20°C (68°F), while September experiences slightly warmer conditions with a minimum of -2°C (28°F) and a maximum of 22°C (72°F). Both months have high humidity, around 84% in May and slightly lower at 83% in September. Precipitation is more pronounced in September, with 57 mm (2.2 in) falling over 12 days, compared to May's 45 mm (1.8 in) over just 9 days. For more detailed insights, check out Dunedin weather in September.
May and October present distinct weather patterns, each characterized by unique temperature ranges and precipitation levels. In May, temperatures can drop to a minimum of -3°C (26°F), with an average of 8°C (47°F) and a maximum of 20°C (68°F). The month experiences around 45 mm (1.8 in) of precipitation over 9 days, accompanied by a higher humidity of 84%. Conversely, October sees a minimum temperature of 0°C (32°F), averaging 10°C (51°F) and peaking at 24°C (75°F). This month has a higher precipitation rate of 81 mm (3.2 in) spread over 14 days, while humidity is slightly lower at 80%. For a more in-depth look at October weather specifics, you can check Dunedin weather in October.
May and November exhibit distinct weather patterns that highlight the transition from late spring to late autumn. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -3°C (26°F) to a comfortable maximum of 20°C (68°F), with an average of 8°C (47°F). The month sees around 45 mm (1.8 in) of precipitation over approximately 9 days, contributing to a relatively high humidity level of 84%. In contrast, November boasts milder conditions, with minimum temperatures rising to 1°C (34°F) and maximums reaching 27°C (81°F), averaging 13°C (55°F). However, it is also wetter, with 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain spread across about 15 days, though humidity is slightly lower at 78%. For more detailed information, you can check Dunedin weather in November.
In May, Dunedin experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -3°C (26°F) and an average of 8°C (47°F), reaching a maximum of 20°C (68°F). The month sees a moderate amount of rainfall, totaling 45 mm (1.8 in) over 9 days, accompanied by relatively high humidity levels at 84%.
In contrast, December brings warmer weather, with minimum temperatures of 4°C (39°F) and an average of 14°C (58°F), peaking at a pleasant 27°C (80°F). However, it also experiences increased precipitation, accumulating 105 mm (4.1 in) over 15 days, while humidity remains slightly lower at 81%. For more details on Dunedin's December weather, you can check out the following link: Dunedin weather in December.
In May, Dunedin transitions into a cooler and more moist season, characterized by lower temperatures and increased precipitation compared to the preceding months. With an average chill in the air and an humidity level of 84%, the city experiences a noticeable shift towards winter. The sporadic rainfall, occurring over roughly nine days, contributes to a lush environment, in stark contrast to the drier conditions of the summer months. As you prepare for May's unpredictable weather, consider exploring more about its unique climate characteristics at Dunedin Climate.