Otago weather in May
May is one of the least pleasant months in Otago: highs of 12°C (53°F) and about 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain on average. Nights average 8°C (47°F) and cloud cover 70% (NASA POWER, 2001–2025 averages). The sea averages 12°C (54°F). It is the 2nd wettest month of the year and the 5th coolest. Compared with April, it is cooler and wetter; June brings highs of 10°C (49°F) and 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain.
Figures are long-term averages for Dunedin, the largest city in Otago. See below for other places.
Is May a good time to visit Otago?
least pleasant month Weather score 49/100.
May is one of the least pleasant months for weather in Otago. For better conditions, consider Dec–Mar.
Does it rain a lot in Otago in May?
Some rain is normal: about 69 mm (2.7 in) falls in an average May. It is the 2nd wettest month of the year.
How warm is Otago in May?
Days average 12°C (53°F) and nights 8°C (47°F).
Otago weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Cloud | Sea | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16°C (61°F) | 12°C (53°F) | 69 mm | 74% | 15°C (59°F) | best |
| February | 16°C (61°F) | 12°C (53°F) | 62 mm | 71% | 16°C (60°F) | best |
| March | 15°C (60°F) | 11°C (52°F) | 54 mm | 70% | 15°C (59°F) | best |
| April | 14°C (56°F) | 10°C (49°F) | 56 mm | 70% | 14°C (56°F) | fair |
| May | 12°C (53°F) | 8°C (47°F) | 69 mm | 70% | 12°C (54°F) | least pleasant |
| June | 10°C (49°F) | 7°C (44°F) | 55 mm | 68% | 11°C (51°F) | least pleasant |
| July | 9°C (48°F) | 6°C (43°F) | 46 mm | 67% | 10°C (50°F) | least pleasant |
| August | 10°C (49°F) | 6°C (44°F) | 43 mm | 71% | 10°C (50°F) | least pleasant |
| September | 11°C (52°F) | 7°C (44°F) | 47 mm | 70% | 10°C (51°F) | least pleasant |
| October | 12°C (54°F) | 8°C (46°F) | 60 mm | 72% | 11°C (52°F) | fair |
| November | 14°C (56°F) | 9°C (48°F) | 63 mm | 75% | 13°C (55°F) | fair |
| December | 15°C (59°F) | 11°C (51°F) | 66 mm | 76% | 14°C (57°F) | best |
Sources: 2001–2025 monthly averages from NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis), sea temperature from Open-Meteo Marine. Page updated . How we rate months
Weather across Otago in May
Weather can differ a lot within Otago: coasts, hills and mountains each have their own climate.
| Place | High | Low | Rain | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dunedin | 12°C (53°F) | 8°C (47°F) | 69 mm | least pleasant |
| Queenstown | 6°C (44°F) | 0°C (32°F) | 121 mm | least pleasant |