Last updated: August 31, 2025
In May, Reefton, New Zealand experiences a cool and moist climate, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 17°C (63°F) and an average of 8°C (47°F). The weather can turn chilly, dropping to minimum temperatures of -2°C (28°F) at night. As one of the rainiest months, Reefton receives 268 mm (10.5 in) of precipitation over 17 days, resulting in a high humidity level of 87% that envelops the region in a refreshing, crisp atmosphere. Visitors can expect lush landscapes and a vibrant environment, typical of this picturesque area.
As May rolls in, Reefton experiences a noticeable shift in temperatures, marking the descent into winter. The highs gently drop to around 17°C (63°F), providing a cooler yet still pleasant atmosphere for outdoor exploration. Nights can be brisk, with lows reaching down to -2°C (28°F), signaling the onset of colder evenings. The average temperature settles at a cool 8°C (47°F), emphasizing the transition from the mild fall conditions experienced in earlier months. Despite the chill, May offers a tranquil beauty, where the lush landscapes of Reefton become even more captivating against the backdrop of crisp autumn air, setting a serene scene for both locals and visitors alike.
May in Reefton, New Zealand, marks a peak in precipitation, with an impressive 268 mm (10.5 in) of rain recorded over 17 days. This increase continues from April's significant rainfall of 238 mm (9.4 in), highlighting a trend of escalating moisture leading into winter. As the month unfolds, the atmosphere thickens with clouds, creating a lush, vibrant landscape that characterizes Reefton's environment. This surge in rainfall not only surpasses the average precipitation seen in the preceding months but also sets the tone for the wetter winter ahead, as the chilly June follows with a notable decrease to 138 mm (5.4 in).
In Reefton, New Zealand, May marks a peak in humidity, rising to 87%, which aligns with the trends observed through the earlier months. Following a gradual increase from 81% in March, April's 84% humidity hints at the impending moisture that May embraces. This consistent elevation continues into June and July, where humidity remains at 87%, indicating a stable and humid climate during this stretch. The pattern reveals a tendency for autumn months to experience higher humidity levels, showcasing Reefton’s lush, damp environment ideal for its rich flora. This climactic moisture not only enhances the local landscape but also sets the stage for a vibrant winter season ahead.
As May settles in Reefton, the UV Index drops to 4, placing it in the moderate exposure category, which allows for more leisurely outdoor activities than the intense summer months. In comparison to January and February, where the UV Index peaks at 13—characterized as extreme—May offers a more forgiving environment with a burn time of just 30 minutes. This trend of decreasing UV levels continues from April’s 6 and signals the transition into winter, where the risk of harm from the sun diminishes further, hitting a low of 2 in June and July. As you plan your May adventures, be sure to stay informed about the evolving UV conditions with the detailed insights available at Reefton UV Index.
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As winter approaches in Reefton, New Zealand, May sees a notable decline in sunlight hours, with just 174 hours captured, marking a dip from the warmer months. This follows a pattern where longer days in summer, peaking in December with an impressive 291 hours, gradually give way to shorter days as autumn progresses. April starts off strong at 199 hours, but by May, the sun becomes less generous, a trend that continues into June and July. Interestingly, May still retains more sunlight than the winter months, hinting at the lingering warmth of early autumn before the longer nights truly set in. The transition from vibrant spring to the chill of winter creates a captivating dynamic in Reefton's seasonal light, showcasing nature's rhythm.
In Reefton, New Zealand, May marks a slight upswing in sunny weather, with a 32% chance of sunshine—the highest percentage for the month compared to the preceding months. This improvement is particularly notable as April experiences a dip to 20%, suggesting that the transition into late autumn brings a bit more brightness. Following this trend, June and July maintain a similar level of sun likelihood at 28% and 29% respectively, indicating a relatively stable late-autumn climate. While Reefton's weather is often influenced by the dynamic patterns of the Southern Hemisphere, May offers a promising glimpse of sunshine before the chill of winter sets in.
In Reefton, New Zealand, the transition into May marks a noticeable shift in daylight hours, with the sun gracing the region for nine hours a day. As autumn deepens, daylight gradually wanes from April's ten hours, setting the tone for the winter months to come. This trend of reducing daylight continues into June and July, where the average remains at a steady nine hours. However, as spring approaches, the daylight begins to extend once again, with a gradual climb to 10 hours in August, bringing a promise of more sunlight ahead. Overall, May serves as a pivotal moment in the seasonal cycle, highlighting the rhythm of nature’s light in Reefton.
In Reefton, New Zealand, the wind dances gently through the months, showcasing a subtle yet noticeable trend. May sees an average wind speed of 2.0 m/s (4 mph), maintaining a consistent breeze that’s mirrored by the preceding months of April and June. As the seasonal transitions unfold, the wind begins to pick up in intensity from September onward, reaching its peak at 2.5 m/s (6 mph) in September, while the summer months boast lighter currents, with January and July showing a mild uptick to 2.2 m/s (5 mph). This gentle rhythm of the wind creates a peaceful backdrop, perfectly complementing the serene landscape of Reefton throughout the year.
Weather in Reefton varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Reefton, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
May and January present contrasting weather conditions, each with its unique characteristics. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -2°C (28°F) to a mild maximum of 17°C (63°F), with an average of 8°C (47°F). The month is marked by significant rainfall, totaling 268 mm (10.5 in) over 17 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 87%. In contrast, January boasts much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 3°C (38°F) and a peak of 25°C (77°F), averaging around 14°C (58°F). While January is relatively drier with 194 mm (7.6 in) of precipitation across 14 days, it still maintains a comfortable humidity of 81%. For more details about the January weather in this region, you can check Reefton weather in January.
When comparing the weather in May and February, notable differences emerge in temperature and precipitation. May features cooler temperatures, with an average of 8°C (47°F) and a maximum of only 17°C (63°F), while February enjoys a warmer average of 14°C (58°F) and can reach highs of 27°C (81°F). Additionally, May experiences significantly more precipitation, totaling 268 mm (10.5 in) across 17 rainy days, compared to February's 169 mm (6.7 in) over just 14 days. The humidity is also higher in May at 87%, whereas February has a more comfortable level of 79%. For more specifics on February weather, you can visit Reefton weather in February.
When comparing the weather in March and May, notable differences emerge in temperature and precipitation patterns. March sees milder temperatures with minimums around 2°C (37°F) and maximums reaching up to 22°C (72°F), averaging 13°C (56°F). In contrast, May experiences cooler temperatures with a minimum of -2°C (28°F), an average of 8°C (47°F), and a maximum of 17°C (63°F). Precipitation is relatively high in both months; however, May records a higher total of 268 mm (10.5 in) compared to March's 216 mm (8.5 in), both occurring over 17 days. Humidity is also slightly higher in May at 87%, compared to March's 81%. For more details, check out Reefton weather in March.
In comparing the weather between April and May, April generally experiences slightly warmer temperatures, with an average of 10°C (51°F) compared to May's 8°C (47°F). Both months have a minimum temperature of -2°C, but April boasts a higher maximum of 21°C (69°F), while May peaks at 17°C (63°F). Precipitation is slightly heavier in May, totaling 268 mm (10.5 in) over 17 days, compared to April's 238 mm (9.4 in) over 16 days. Additionally, May exhibits a higher humidity level at 87%, while April is at 84%. For more specific details about April weather patterns, you can check Reefton weather in April.
May and June present a noticeable shift in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -2°C (28°F) to a comfortable maximum of 17°C (63°F), with an average of 8°C (47°F). The month is characterized by significant precipitation, totaling 268 mm (10.5 in) over 17 days, coupled with a high humidity level of 87%. In contrast, June experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -3°C (27°F), an average of 6°C (43°F), and a maximum of 15°C (60°F). Precipitation in June is reduced to 138 mm (5.4 in) over 14 days, yet the humidity remains consistent at 87%. For a detailed look at the weather specifics for June, you can check Reefton weather in June.
May and July share similar high levels of humidity, both at 87%, but their temperatures tell a different story. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -2°C (28°F) to a pleasant maximum of 17°C (63°F), with an average of 8°C (47°F). In contrast, July experiences even colder conditions with a minimum of -3°C (27°F), a maximum of only 13°C (55°F), and an average of just 5°C (42°F). Precipitation levels are slightly higher in July at 286 mm (11.3 in), compared to May's 268 mm (10.5 in), but both months see consistent rainfall over approximately 16 to 17 days. For a closer look at July's weather specifics, you can check out Reefton weather in July.
May and August present notable differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of -2°C (28°F) to a maximum of 17°C (63°F), with an average of 8°C (47°F). The month is relatively wet, with 268 mm (10.5 in) of precipitation over 17 days and a high humidity level of 87%. In contrast, August sees a drop in temperatures, with a minimum of -8°C (19°F) and a maximum of 14°C (58°F), averaging at 6°C (44°F). August receives slightly less rainfall, totaling 237 mm (9.3 in) across 22 days, and maintains a slightly lower humidity at 85%. For more detailed insights on August weather, you can check Reefton weather in August.
In comparing the weather of May and September, we see some notable differences. May offers slightly warmer temperatures, with an average of 8°C (47°F) compared to September's 7°C (45°F). However, both months experience similar minimum temperatures, with May at -2°C (28°F) and September at -3°C (27°F). Precipitation is quite significant in both months, with September recording higher amounts at 309 mm (12.2 in) over 18 days, compared to May’s 268 mm (10.5 in) over 17 days. Humidity levels remain relatively high in both months, with May at 87% and September slightly lower at 85%. For a detailed look at September weather specifically, visit Reefton weather in September.
May and October both feature cool temperatures, but October tends to be slightly milder, with an average temperature of 9°C (49°F) compared to May's 8°C (47°F). While May has a slightly wider range in temperatures, reaching a maximum of 17°C (63°F), October edges up with a maximum of 18°C (65°F). Precipitation levels are quite similar, with May receiving 268 mm (10.5 in) over 17 days and October receiving 247 mm (9.7 in) across 20 days. Additionally, October’s humidity is marginally lower at 84% compared to May's 87%, contributing to a slightly drier feel overall. For more detailed information, check out Reefton weather in October.
May and November exhibit notable differences in weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a chilly -2°C (28°F) at night to a pleasant 17°C (63°F) during the day, with an average temperature of 8°C (47°F). This month experiences significant rainfall, totaling 268 mm (10.5 in) over 17 days, along with high humidity levels at 87%.
Conversely, November sees milder temperatures, with nighttime lows of 0°C (33°F) and daytime highs reaching up to 21°C (70°F), resulting in a higher average of 12°C (53°F). Precipitation is slightly lower at 261 mm (10.3 in) over the same number of days, and humidity is slightly reduced at 82%. For more detailed information on November weather, you can check Reefton weather in November.
May and December present contrasting weather patterns, with May being cooler and wetter. In May, temperatures fluctuate from a chilly minimum of -2°C (28°F) to a mild average of 8°C (47°F), reaching a maximum of 17°C (63°F). The month experiences considerable rainfall, totaling 268 mm (10.5 in) over 17 days and accompanied by high humidity levels of 87%. In contrast, December brings warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 1°C (34°F) and an average of 13°C (56°F), peaking at a pleasant maximum of 23°C (74°F). Although December sees slightly more precipitation at 285 mm (11.2 in) over 19 days, humidity remains lower at 84%. For a closer look at December weather specifics, check out Reefton weather in December.
As May unfolds in Reefton, the weather takes a noticeable turn, ushering in the cool embrace of autumn. With average temperatures dipping to a brisk 8°C and a maximum of 17°C, the month feels distinctly chillier than the preceding summer months. Rainfall becomes more frequent, with 17 days graced by precipitation, contributing to the overall humidity of 87% that blankets the region. This stark shift not only invites cozy indoor activities but also enhances the region's lush greenery, making it a picturesque time to explore. To understand more about how these patterns compare throughout the year, visit Reefton Climate.