In May, Australia moves deeper into autumn, bringing cooler temperatures in the south, dry season conditions to much of the tropical north and comfortable weather across major coastal cities. Southern destinations like Sydney and Melbourne average highs in the upper-60s to low-70s°F (20–22°C), while northern regions such as Cairns begin transitioning into their dry season with warm, sunny days around 80–83°F (27–28°C). Because Australia spans multiple climate zones, May offers a mix of mild city weather, cooler evenings and improving tropical conditions, making it an excellent month for sightseeing and outdoor exploration.
Australia Weather in May (By Region)
Sydney Weather
Average high: 70°F (21°C)Average low: 57°F (14°C)
Sydney in May feels crisp and comfortable. Humidity drops significantly compared to summer, rainfall is moderate and the harbor sparkles under clear autumn skies. It’s cool enough for long coastal walks without overheating, yet still pleasant for outdoor dining.
Best for:
- Coastal walks and harbor cruises
- Sydney Opera House and city sightseeing
- Outdoor cafés and markets
Melbourne Weather
Average high: 66°F (19°C)Average low: 50°F (10°C)
Melbourne experiences true autumn in May, with cooler mornings and evenings. Leaves begin to turn in parks and gardens and café culture thrives in the brisk air. Rainfall can increase slightly, but there are still plenty of clear days for exploring.
Best for:
- Great Ocean Road scenic drives
- Yarra Valley wine tasting
- Laneway cafés and galleries
Brisbane Weather
Average high: 75°F (24°C)Average low: 59°F (15°C)
Brisbane enjoys warm but less humid conditions in May. Rainfall decreases and the subtropical climate feels especially pleasant for riverfront walks and outdoor attractions.
Best for:
- South Bank parklands
- Coastal day trips
- Wildlife encounters
Cairns & Tropical North Queensland Weather
Average high: 82°F (28°C)Average low: 68°F (20°C)
May marks the beginning of the dry season in northern Queensland. Humidity drops, rainfall decreases significantly and visibility improves in the Great Barrier Reef region. Conditions become ideal for reef adventures and rainforest exploration.
Best for:
- Snorkeling and diving the Great Barrier Reef
- Daintree Rainforest tours
- Scenic coastal drives
Perth Weather
Average high: 72°F (22°C)Average low: 53°F (12°C)
Perth cools down in May, with comfortable daytime temperatures and crisp evenings. Occasional rain begins to return, but sunshine is still common.
Best for:
- Coastal sunsets
- Rottnest Island cycling
- Swan Valley wine visits
Australia Events in May
May features cultural celebrations and seasonal festivals across Australia:
- Vivid Sydney (Sydney) – A world-renowned festival of light, music and ideas, illuminating the harbor and city skyline.
- Tasting Australia (Adelaide) – A major culinary festival celebrating South Australia’s food and wine.
- Noosa Eat & Drink Festival (Queensland) – Showcasing regional produce and coastal cuisine.
- Great Ocean Road Running Festival (Victoria) – A scenic endurance event along one of Australia’s most iconic drives.
Best Places to Visit in Australia in May
May offers cool, comfortable sightseeing in the south and increasingly dry conditions in the north.
Great Barrier Reef & Whitsundays
May is one of the best months for reef visibility and calm seas. Lower humidity and reduced rainfall create ideal snorkeling conditions.
Top experiences: snorkeling, sailing, reef platforms, island beaches.
Tasmania
Crisp autumn air and fewer crowds make May ideal for wilderness walks, food experiences and scenic drives.
Top experiences: national parks, coastal hikes, historic towns, cool-climate wines.
Uluru & the Red Centre
May brings more manageable daytime temperatures compared to summer. Clear skies and cooler evenings make sunrise and sunset viewing especially rewarding.
Top experiences: Uluru walks, Kata Tjuta hikes, desert stargazing.
Sydney & Coastal New South Wales
Mild weather and fewer crowds make May ideal for urban sightseeing and coastal exploration.
Top experiences: Bondi to Coogee walk, Blue Mountains day trips, harbor cruises.
Shore Excursions in Australia in May
May’s cooler southern temperatures and dry tropical conditions make it a comfortable month for guided port experiences.
Cairns – Great Barrier Reef Floating Platform by Catamaran
May marks the start of the dry season in Far North Queensland, bringing clearer skies and improved reef visibility. A catamaran journey to an outer-reef floating platform allows for snorkeling, underwater viewing chambers and glass-bottom boat exploration in calmer conditions. With lower humidity and warm water temperatures, May is one of the strongest months for reef experiences.
Airlie Beach – Ocean Rafting Eco Adventure
With reduced rainfall and steadier seas, May is ideal for exploring the Whitsundays’ uninhabited islands. Skim across turquoise waters to remote beaches and swim in protected coves while learning about the region’s marine and bird life. The dry-season transition makes island-hopping especially comfortable.
Eden – Oysters in Eden
Autumn is prime time for seafood along the Sapphire Coast. In May, cooler coastal air enhances the experience of touring Merimbula’s oyster farms and tasting fresh Sydney rock oysters straight from pristine waters. It’s a seasonal, regional experience tied directly to autumn harvest conditions.
Hobart – Port Arthur Explorer
May’s crisp Tasmanian air adds atmosphere to historic convict sites. Visiting Port Arthur during autumn means fewer crowds and moody coastal scenery that enhances the storytelling of this UNESCO-listed penal settlement.
Sydney – Wildlife Wonders at Sydney Zoo
With cooler daytime temperatures, May is ideal for exploring outdoor wildlife sanctuaries. Native species such as kangaroos, koalas and emus are more active in mild weather, making this a strong seasonal wildlife experience.
FAQs: Australia in May
1. Is May a good time to visit Australia?
Yes. May is one of the best shoulder-season months to visit Australia. Southern cities offer cool, comfortable sightseeing weather and northern Queensland begins its dry season with warm, sunny days and lower humidity.
2. What is the weather like in Australia in May?
Australia weather in May varies by region. Southern cities average highs of 66–70°F (19–21°C) with cool evenings, while tropical areas like Cairns see warm days around 80–83°F (27–28°C) with significantly reduced rainfall.
3. What is the average temperature in Australia in May?
The average temperature in Australia in May ranges from the upper-60s°F (19–22°C) in Sydney and Melbourne to the low-80s°F (27–28°C) in tropical Queensland.
4. Is May beach season in Australia?
Beach season continues in Queensland and parts of Western Australia, where ocean temperatures remain warm. Southern beaches are cooler but still enjoyable on sunny days.
5. Does it rain a lot in Australia in May?
Rainfall decreases significantly in northern Queensland as the dry season begins. Southern cities may see occasional showers but generally experience mild autumn conditions.
6. Is May peak season in Australia?
May is considered shoulder season. Crowds are lighter than summer, except during major events like Vivid Sydney.
