2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Brisbane — May

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain. Recommended month to visit.

🌟 Climate Overview

May is an excellent time to visit Brisbane. Warm weather with highs of 23°C—great for outdoor activities. Rain is common, so pack an umbrella. Temperatures vary significantly between day and night—layering is recommended. As peak season, expect higher prices and more tourists. Sea temperature of 21°C is refreshing but swimmable.

7.3
GoTripzi Score Great

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

23°C

Avg Low

13°C

Rainy days

10days

Daylight

10.8h

Rainfall

89mm

Sunshine

8.4h/day

Humidity

78%

Humid
Sun Strength

4.8

Moderate
Wind

14 km/h (gusts 31)

Sea Temp

21°C 💧 Refreshing

Is May a good time to visit Brisbane?

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain.

Now

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Feels like --
Wind --
Humidity --
UV Index --
Local time —

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Very Busy
  • Travel Costs Shoulder Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

06:22

Sunset

17:09

10.8h daylight

Visiting Brisbane in May: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Comfortable temperatures for sightseeing
  • One of the best months to visit

Cons

  • Peak season — expect crowds and higher prices

Things to Do in May

Events & Festivals

🎭
Brisbane Comedy Festival
Late April–May Cultural

Recommended for This Weather

🚶 Walking tours & sightseeing
🚲 Cycling & bike tours
🥾 Hiking & nature trails
🏛️ Museums & galleries
🍳 Cooking classes & food tours
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

Brisbane Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 29°C 21°C 15d (124mm) 10.7h
77% Muggy
8.4 Very High
Wet
Feb 29°C 21°C 15d (191mm) 10.3h
78% Muggy
7.8 Very High
Wet
Mar 28°C 20°C 16d (228mm) 9.1h
80% Very Humid
6.5 High
Wet
Apr 26°C 17°C 10d (77mm) 9.4h
77% Humid
6 High
Excellent
May Current 23°C 13°C 10d (89mm) 8.4h
78% Humid
4.8 Moderate
Excellent
Jun 21°C 10°C 5d (24mm) 8.7h
75% Humid
4.7 Moderate
Good
Jul 21°C 9°C 7d (50mm) 8.4h
74% Humid
4.8 Moderate
Good
Aug 23°C 10°C 6d (35mm) 9.3h
73% Humid
5.9 High
Good
Sep 25°C 13°C 5d (34mm) 10.1h
72% Humid
7.3 Very High
Excellent
Oct 27°C 16°C 10d (116mm) 10.2h
73% Humid
8.2 Very High
Excellent
Nov 28°C 18°C 13d (127mm) 10.5h
74% Humid
8.5 Very High
Wet
Dec 29°C 20°C 12d (117mm) 11.1h
76% Muggy
9.1 Very High
Good

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5.611.Sep
5.612.Oct
5.6

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Brisbane – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

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Brisbane

Subtropical river city—South Bank lagoons, Lone Pine wildlife, and easy access to the Gold Coast.

View Full Destination Guide

What to Pack for May

Summer clothing like shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses will be comfortable. Bring a light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces. A waterproof jacket and shoes are non-negotiable — showers are frequent.

Warm Very Busy

🎒Personalized Packing List

Tell us about your trip and we'll create a custom packing list based on the weather.

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📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to Brisbane?

🔥 Peak season — book early for best rates

Frequently Asked Questions

Is May a good time to visit Brisbane?
May is typically excellent for visiting Brisbane, with average highs of 23°C and around 10 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in Brisbane in May?
Evenings in Brisbane during May are mild at 13°C. A light cardigan or long sleeves for evenings is usually enough. Outdoor dining remains comfortable, making it a great time to enjoy rooftop bars and terrace restaurants.
What should I pack for Brisbane in May?
With highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C in May, we recommend: Compact umbrella, Waterproof jacket/shell, Sunscreen SPF 30+, Sunglasses. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in Brisbane in May?
Brisbane typically sees around 10 rainy days in May. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
Can you swim in Brisbane in May?
May is suitable for swimming in Brisbane, though the water may feel refreshing at first. Air temperatures average 23°C, and most swimmers find it enjoyable once they're in. Midday is usually the warmest time for a dip.
How many hours of daylight are there in Brisbane in May?
In May, Brisbane gets approximately 10.8 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is May peak season in Brisbane?
Yes, May is peak season in Brisbane. Expect higher prices for accommodation and more crowds at popular attractions, but also the best weather conditions. Book hotels and major attractions in advance to secure availability and better rates.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: Australia/Brisbane)

Last Updated: February 2026

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