2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Queenstown — May

It's a rainy period, but great for indoor activities, museums, and lower prices.

☔ Climate Overview

May is a wet time to visit Queenstown. Mild temperatures around 12°C make it comfortable for exploring. Rain is common, so pack an umbrella. With only around 10 hours of daylight, plan outdoor activities earlier in the day. Being off-peak, you'll find better deals and fewer crowds.

6.8
GoTripzi Score Good

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

Avg High

12°C

Avg Low

5°C

Rainy days

13days

Daylight

9.5h

Rainfall

97mm

Sunshine

5.8h/day

Humidity

86%

Very Humid
Sun Strength

2.3

Moderate
Wind

8 km/h (gusts 43)

Is May a good time to visit Queenstown?

It's a rainy period, but great for indoor activities, museums, and lower prices.

Now

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

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Very Quiet
  • Travel Costs Value Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

07:57

Sunset

17:29

9.5h daylight

Visiting Queenstown in May: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Fewer crowds and better hotel deals

Things to Do in May

Recommended for This Weather

🏛️ Museums & galleries
🍳 Cooking classes & food tours
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

Queenstown Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 22°C 12°C 10d (99mm) 11.4h
70% Humid
9.2 Very High
Excellent
Feb 22°C 12°C 9d (98mm) 10.4h
72% Humid
8 Very High
Excellent
Mar 19°C 10°C 11d (89mm) 9.2h
76% Humid
6 High
Excellent
Apr 16°C 8°C 11d (96mm) 7.6h
81% Very Humid
3.9 Moderate
Good
May Current 12°C 5°C 13d (97mm) 5.8h
86% Very Humid
2.3 Moderate
Wet
Jun 8°C 3°C 12d (95mm) 4.4h
92% Very Humid
1.7 Low
Good
Jul 7°C 1°C 12d (114mm) 4.3h
92% Very Humid
2 Low
Good
Aug 9°C 3°C 13d (103mm) 6.5h
89% Very Humid
3.4 Moderate
Wet
Sep 10°C 3°C 18d (220mm) 8h
85% Very Humid
5.4 High
Wet
Oct 14°C 6°C 16d (161mm) 9.3h
79% Humid
7.1 Very High
Wet
Nov 18°C 9°C 14d (107mm) 10.6h
73% Humid
8.7 Very High
Wet
Dec 20°C 11°C 16d (112mm) 11.2h
73% Humid
9.1 Very High
Excellent

⚖️Find Your Ideal Month

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Your Best MonthMayScore: 6.7
1.May
6.72.Oct
6.73.Nov
6.64.Aug
5.85.Sep
5.86.Jan
4.77.Feb
4.78.Apr
4.79.Jun
4.710.Jul
4.711.Mar
4.312.Dec
3.8

Where to Stay

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

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Queenstown

Adventure capital, including bungee jumping, Milford Sound day trip and Skyline Gondola views, stunning lakes, and Southern Alps.

View Full Destination Guide

What to Pack for May

Bundle up with a warm coat, scarf, and closed-toe shoes. Thermal layers underneath give flexibility as you move between indoors and outdoors. A waterproof jacket and shoes are non-negotiable — showers are frequent.

Cool Very Quiet

🎒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 Queenstown?

💰 Off-peak — great deals available now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is May a good time to visit Queenstown?
May is typically wet for visiting Queenstown, with average highs of 12°C and around 13 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 Queenstown in May?
Nights in Queenstown during May are cool at around 5°C. Bring a jacket or sweater for evenings, especially if you plan to dine outdoors or take evening walks. The temperature drop from day to night can be noticeable.
What should I pack for Queenstown in May?
With highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C in May, we recommend: Layerable clothing, Light jacket, Compact umbrella, Waterproof jacket/shell. 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 Queenstown in May?
Queenstown typically sees around 13 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.
How many hours of daylight are there in Queenstown in May?
In May, Queenstown gets approximately 9.5 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 Queenstown?
No, May is not peak season in Queenstown. Expect better value on accommodation, shorter queues at attractions, and fewer tourists at popular spots. This is an excellent time to experience the city like a local and enjoy a more authentic atmosphere.

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

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: Pacific/Auckland)

Last Updated: February 2026

More Queenstown Guides

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