Last updated: August 31, 2025
May in Wanaka, New Zealand brings a distinct chill, with maximum temperatures averaging around 16°C (60°F) and dipping to a brisk minimum of -7°C (21°F). The climate is characterized by a moderate average temperature of 5°C (42°F), making it a cozy month for locals and visitors alike. Rainfall is notable, with precipitation reaching 95 mm (3.7 in) over approximately 11 days, contributing to the region's lush landscapes. Coupled with a high humidity level of 88%, the atmosphere in May creates a refreshingly cool and damp environment, perfect for exploring scenic vistas and enjoying the crisp air.
In May, Wanaka, New Zealand, showcases a noticeable transition into cooler temperatures, as the min temperature dips to -7°C (21°F) while the average hovers around 5°C (42°F). The max temperature gently peaks at 16°C (60°F), reflecting the gradual shift from the mild conditions of earlier months. As autumn deepens, the crisp air and stunning autumn foliage create a picturesque landscape, inviting outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the vibrant scenery. This month marks a significant drop compared to April, with average temperatures falling by 3°C (5°F), hinting at the approaching winter chill. Despite the cooler temps, May offers a unique charm, making it perfect for cozy fireside evenings and breathtaking hikes amid Wanaka's natural beauty.
In May, Wanaka experiences a moderate precipitation level, with 95 mm (3.7 in) falling over 11 days. This trend maintains a consistency seen throughout the autumn months, with April's 101 mm and March's 96 mm also averaging around 10 to 11 rainy days. The precipitation during May is slightly lower than April but sets the stage for the wetter winter months ahead. Notably, as winter kicks off in June, precipitation drops to 61 mm (2.4 in), suggesting a shift towards more variable weather patterns in the later months. Overall, May serves as a transitional phase, bridging the richer autumn rains with the upcoming winter’s heavier falls.
In May, Wanaka, New Zealand experiences a consistent humidity level of 88%, which aligns with the trend observed in the preceding months. This relatively high humidity persists through April and continues into June, reflecting a stable, moist atmosphere that characterizes the region during the early winter transition. Notably, May's humidity mirrors that of its predecessor and the following month, suggesting a period of climatic uniformity as the chill of winter begins to set in. Overall, this trend hints at Wanaka's lush environment, buoyed by steady humidity levels that contribute to its vibrant natural beauty.
As May rolls into Wanaka, New Zealand, residents and visitors can expect a moderate UV Index of 3, necessitating a bit more caution under the sun. This is a welcome change from the extreme levels seen earlier in the year, with indices soaring up to 13 in January and February. In May, the burn time stretches to 30 minutes, offering a more forgiving window for outdoor activities compared to the 10-minute burn times of the peak summer months. Following May, the UV Index dips further to 2 in June and July, indicating a shift towards lower sun exposure levels. This trend demonstrates the natural ebb and flow of the seasons in Wanaka, where the intensity of UV rays gradually decreases as winter approaches. For more details on sun safety and current UV levels, explore the Wanaka UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In May, Wanaka, New Zealand, experiences a gentle transition into winter, with 184 hours of sunshine illuminating its stunning landscapes. Although this marks a dip from the sun-drenched summer months of January and February, which basked in 262 and 284 hours of radiant light respectively, May still holds a unique charm. As the days grow shorter, the contrasting bright and crisp weather creates an enchanting backdrop for outdoor activities, inviting visitors and locals alike to savor the last glimpses of autumn. Following this month, the sunshine dwindles further in June and July, but the arrival of spring in September ushers back sunnier days, reaffirming that Wanaka, with its yearly sunshine variety, offers a captivating experience in every season.
In Wanaka, New Zealand, the likelihood of sunny weather in May dips to 31%, marking a downward trend as the seasons transition towards winter. After a promising start to the year with January's 34% chance of sun increasing through March to 41%, the sunny days begin to wane. April sees a slight decrease back to 36%, before May continues the trend with fewer clear skies. As the cooler months approach, the probability of sunshine plummets significantly in June and July, with chances dropping to just 17% and 12%. This data highlights how, while May retains a decent chance of sunshine compared to the winter months, it signals the onset of greyer days ahead.
In Wanaka, New Zealand, May marks a significant transition as daylight hours begin to wane, offering just 9 hours of sunlight. This decrease follows a steady decline from January's generous 15 hours, cascading down through the months—13 hours in February, and 12 hours in March, until reaching April's 10 hours. This downward trend is characteristic of the autumn season, as nature prepares for the shorter days of winter, with June clocking in at only 8 hours. However, the cycle of daylight duration is reassuringly predictable; after June's low point, daylight begins its upward journey again, bringing back 9 hours in July and gradually increasing into spring. The rhythmic ebb and flow of daylight not only shapes the landscape but also enhances the charm of Wanaka’s beautiful surroundings throughout the year.
In May, the winds in Wanaka, New Zealand, present a gentle caress, with an average speed of 1.7 m/s (4 mph), making it one of the calmest months of the year. As the autumn season approaches, the breeze begins to soften, following a slight decline from April's wind speed of 2.0 m/s (4 mph). This trend of diminishing winds continues into June and July, where gusts average around 1.5 m/s (3 mph), indicating a peaceful transition into winter. Interestingly, the year begins and ends with more spirited winds, showcasing a seasonal rhythm that invites both tranquility in late autumn and a lively atmosphere in summer and early spring.
Weather in Wanaka varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Wanaka, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
May and January showcase contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -7°C (21°F) to a mild maximum of 16°C (60°F), averaging around 5°C (42°F). The month sees considerable precipitation at 95 mm (3.7 in) over approximately 11 days, accompanied by high humidity at 88%. In comparison, January offers a much warmer climate, with temperatures spanning from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F), averaging 14°C (58°F). Despite slightly less precipitation of 88 mm (3.5 in) over about 10 days, humidity remains relatively high at 86%. For a detailed look at January weather, you can refer to Wanaka weather in January.
When comparing the weather in May and February, it’s clear that February tends to be warmer and wetter. In February, temperatures range from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a maximum of 24°C (76°F), with an average of 13°C (57°F). This month also experiences higher precipitation, totaling 123 mm (4.8 in) over approximately 12 days, coupled with a humidity level of 85%. In contrast, May features cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -7°C (21°F) and a maximum of 16°C (60°F), averaging only 5°C (42°F). While May has slightly less rainfall at 95 mm (3.7 in) across 11 days, it maintains a higher humidity of 88%. For more detailed information on February weather, you can check out Wanaka weather in February.
When comparing the weather between May and March, one can observe notable differences in temperature and conditions. March tends to be milder with average daily temperatures ranging from a minimum of -1°C (31°F) to a maximum of 22°C (73°F), while May experiences cooler temperatures, with a range of -7°C (21°F) to 16°C (60°F). Both months see similar levels of precipitation, with May slightly lower at 95 mm (3.7 in) over 11 days compared to March's 96 mm (3.8 in) over 10 days. Humidity levels are relatively close, with May at 88% and March at 87%. For more detailed information on March weather, you can check Wanaka weather in March.
In comparing the weather of May and April, we notice a shift toward cooler temperatures in May, with a minimum of -7°C (21°F) and an average of 5°C (42°F), compared to April's milder minimum of -2°C (28°F) and average of 8°C (47°F). Although both months share similar humidity levels at 88%, April experiences slightly more warmth with a maximum temperature of 20°C (69°F) versus May's 16°C (60°F). Additionally, precipitation levels are quite close, with April receiving 101 mm (4.0 in) and May 95 mm (3.7 in), both spread over 11 days. For more detailed insights into April weather, you can visit Wanaka weather in April.
May and June present a shift in weather conditions, with both months characterized by relatively cool temperatures and high humidity levels of 88%. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of -7°C (21°F) to a maximum of 16°C (60°F), averaging around 5°C (42°F). The month experiences greater precipitation, totaling 95 mm (3.7 in) over 11 days. In contrast, June sees slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -9°C (17°F) and a maximum of 15°C (59°F), averaging 2°C (37°F). Precipitation also decreases to 61 mm (2.4 in) over 9 days. For a more detailed look at June weather patterns, you can refer to Wanaka weather in June.
In comparing the weather between May and July, we observe that both months experience high humidity levels of 88%. However, May tends to be slightly milder, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -7°C (21°F) to a maximum of 16°C (60°F), while July is cooler, with temperatures dropping to a minimum of -8°C (18°F) and a maximum of only 9°C (49°F). Precipitation also increases from 95 mm (3.7 in) over 11 days in May to 127 mm (5.0 in) over 13 days in July. For a more detailed look at July's specific weather patterns, you can check Wanaka weather in July.
In comparing the weather between May and August, we notice that both months feature cool temperatures, but with some notable differences. May has an average temperature of 5°C (42°F), ranging from a minimum of -7°C (21°F) to a maximum of 16°C (60°F), accompanied by higher precipitation of 95 mm (3.7 in) over 11 days and slightly higher humidity at 88%. In contrast, August shows a cooler average of 3°C (38°F), with lows reaching -11°C (12°F) and highs settling at 14°C (57°F). The month experiences less precipitation at 77 mm (3.0 in) across 14 days, and humidity remains relatively stable at 87%. For a more detailed overview of conditions during this time, visit Wanaka weather in August.
May and September exhibit similar average temperatures, with highs of 16°C (60°F) in May and slightly cooler at 15°C (60°F) in September. However, May experiences a lower overall precipitation of 95 mm (3.7 in) across 11 days compared to September's 130 mm (5.1 in) over 13 days. Despite the slight difference in rainfall, both months maintain high humidity levels, with May at 88% and September slightly lower at 86%. For more detailed insights on September weather, you can visit Wanaka weather in September.
May and October weather exhibit notable differences despite their proximity in the calendar year. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -7°C (21°F) to an average of 5°C (42°F), peaking at 16°C (60°F). This month experiences around 95 mm (3.7 in) of precipitation spread over 11 days, with humidity levels reaching a high of 88%. In contrast, October offers slightly milder conditions, with temperatures fluctuating between -4°C (25°F) and an average of 8°C (46°F), peaking at a warmer 20°C (69°F). The precipitation increases slightly to 102 mm (4.0 in) over 13 days, while humidity remains relatively high at 86%. For a more detailed perspective on October weather, visit Wanaka weather in October.
May and November present distinct weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -7°C (21°F) to a mild maximum of 16°C (60°F), with an average of 5°C (42°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 95 mm (3.7 in) over approximately 11 days, with high humidity at 88%. In contrast, November brings a warmer climate, with temperatures varying from -2°C (29°F) at minimum to a pleasant maximum of 24°C (76°F), averaging around 10°C (51°F). It also sees increased rainfall, amounting to 127 mm (5.0 in) across 14 days, and slightly lower humidity at 86%. For more specific details on November weather in Wanaka, you can visit Wanaka weather in November.
May and December weather present distinct differences. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -7°C (21°F) to a mild maximum of 16°C (60°F), with an average of 5°C (42°F). The month experiences 95 mm (3.7 in) of precipitation over 11 days, and a high humidity level of 88% contributes to the cool, damp atmosphere. In contrast, December boasts warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 1°C (34°F) and a maximum of 24°C (75°F), averaging around 13°C (55°F). Precipitation increases to 134 mm (5.3 in) over 15 days, while humidity remains slightly lower at 86%. For more detailed information, you can check out Wanaka weather in December.
As May unfolds in Wanaka, the transition toward winter becomes evident with cooler temperatures and a noticeable increase in humidity. While maximum temperatures remain mild compared to the scorching summer months, the crisp air and chilly nights create a refreshing atmosphere. Rainfall becomes more frequent, with several days of precipitation adding to the lush landscape. This month is a harbinger of change, offering a blend of serene beauty and inviting conditions for those who appreciate the quieter side of Wanaka. To dive deeper into the region's weather patterns, be sure to check out the detailed information about Wanaka Climate.