2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Sydney — 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 Sydney. Warm weather with highs of 20°C—great for outdoor activities. Rain is common, so pack an umbrella. With only around 10 hours of daylight, plan outdoor activities earlier in the day. 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.

6.9
GoTripzi Score Good

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

Avg High

20°C

Avg Low

10°C

Rainy days

10days

Daylight

10.4h

Feels like 18°C / 8°C — wind chill makes it feel cooler

Rainfall

79mm

Sunshine

8.2h/day

Humidity

77%

Humid
Sun Strength

4.1

Moderate
Wind

14 km/h (gusts 30)

Sea Temp

21°C 💧 Refreshing

Is May a good time to visit Sydney?

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

06:41

Sunset

17:04

10.4h daylight

Visiting Sydney 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

🎭
Vivid Sydney (Lights Festival)
May–June Cultural

Recommended for This Weather

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

Sydney Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 27°C 19°C 13d (86mm) 10.2h
74% Humid
8.4 Very High
Wet
Feb 27°C 19°C 13d (120mm) 9.9h
75% Humid
7.7 Very High
Wet
Mar 26°C 17°C 15d (146mm) 8.9h
77% Humid
6.2 High
Excellent
Apr 23°C 13°C 10d (80mm) 8.9h
76% Humid
5.4 High
Excellent
May Current 20°C 10°C 10d (79mm) 8.2h
77% Humid
4.1 Moderate
Excellent
Jun 17°C 7°C 5d (35mm) 8h
74% Humid
3.8 Moderate
Good
Jul 17°C 7°C 9d (93mm) 8h
73% Humid
3.9 Moderate
Good
Aug 19°C 8°C 8d (60mm) 8.8h
71% Humid
5.2 High
Good
Sep 22°C 10°C 8d (43mm) 10h
65% Humid
7.1 Very High
Excellent
Oct 24°C 13°C 11d (69mm) 10.2h
67% Humid
8 Very High
Excellent
Nov 25°C 15°C 10d (70mm) 10.4h
70% Humid
8.8 Very High
Excellent
Dec 27°C 17°C 10d (60mm) 11h
69% Humid
9.3 Very High
Good

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Your Best MonthJanScore: 9
1.Jan
92.Feb
8.53.Dec
7.44.Jul
6.55.Jun
66.Apr
5.67.Aug
5.68.Nov
5.69.Mar
5.210.Oct
5.211.May
4.712.Sep
4.7

Where to Stay

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

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Sydney

Iconic Opera House with Sydney Opera House tour and Bondi Beach & coastal walk, harbor bridge, world-class beaches, and outdoor lifestyle.

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What to Pack for May

Dress in layers — a mix of long sleeves, light sweaters, and a versatile jacket works best for changeable conditions. 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 Sydney?

🔥 Peak season — book early for best rates

Frequently Asked Questions

Is May a good time to visit Sydney?
May is typically excellent for visiting Sydney, with average highs of 20°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 Sydney in May?
Nights in Sydney during May are cool at around 10°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 Sydney in May?
With highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C in May, we recommend: Warm layer for evenings, Compact umbrella, Waterproof jacket/shell, Comfortable walking shoes. 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 Sydney in May?
Sydney 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 Sydney in May?
May is suitable for swimming in Sydney, though the water may feel refreshing at first. Air temperatures average 20°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 Sydney in May?
In May, Sydney gets approximately 10.4 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 Sydney?
Yes, May is peak season in Sydney. 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/Sydney)

Last Updated: February 2026

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