Australia
Australia in May
Where it is warm, dry and good for swimming in Australia in May — compared across the country’s main destinations.
Quick answers
- Where is it warmest in Australia in May?
- Darwin is the warmest of the 16 destinations compared, with highs of 32°C (89°F) in May; Blue Mountains is the coolest at 13°C (56°F).
- Can you swim in the sea in Australia in May?
- Yes, in places: the warmest water is at Darwin (29°C (84°F)), and 4 of the coastal destinations have a sea of 21 °C or more.
Warmest
32°
Darwin
Coolest
13°
Blue Mountains
Driest
20 mm
Darwin
Warmest sea
29°
Darwin
May in Australia ranges from 13°C (56°F) in Blue Mountains to 32°C (89°F) in Darwin — a spread of 19 degrees across the country. On average it is 3 °C (5 °F) cooler than April. Rain is frequent in most destinations. Best bets this month: Alice Springs, Darwin, and Port Hedland.
Best places in Australia in May
99 
Alice Springs
Northern Territory · Australia
23° / 10° 21 mm May
88
Darwin
Northern Territory · Australia
32° / 22° 20 mm May
98
Port Hedland
Western Australia · Australia
30° / 18° 29 mm May
90
Townsville
Queensland · Australia
27° / 19° 51 mm May
82
Brisbane
Queensland · Australia
24° / 14° 109 mm May
.jpg.avif)
85
Cairns
Queensland · Australia
28° / 20° 91 mm May
90
Broome
Western Australia · Australia
32° / 19° 22 mm May
96
Mount Isa
Queensland · Australia
27° / 15° 12 mm May
Weather in May by city
| Place | Day | Night | Rain | Sea | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alice Springs | 23° | 10° | 21 mm | — | 99 |
| Townsville | 27° | 19° | 51 mm | — | 90 |
| Darwin | 32° | 22° | 20 mm | 29° | 88 |
| Cairns | 28° | 20° | 91 mm | 26° | 85 |
| Brisbane | 24° | 14° | 109 mm | 23° | 82 |
| Perth | 22° | 12° | 98 mm | — | 77 |
| Newcastle | 21° | 13° | 116 mm | 21° | 75 |
| Sydney | 20° | 12° | 104 mm | — | 74 |
| Sydney CBD | 20° | 12° | 104 mm | — | 74 |
| Wollongong | 20° | 12° | 108 mm | — | 74 |
| Adelaide | 19° | 10° | 58 mm | — | 73 |
| Melbourne | 17° | 9° | 59 mm | 15° | 60 |
| Melbourne CBD | 17° | 9° | 59 mm | 15° | 60 |
| Canberra | 16° | 5° | 49 mm | — | 57 |
| Blue Mountains | 13° | 6° | 114 mm | — | 46 |
| Hobart | 15° | 6° | 41 mm | — | 40 |
Festivals in Australia in May
- Melbourne International Animation Festival Annual film festival held in Melbourne, Australia
Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like in Australia in May?
Average daytime highs range from 13° in Blue Mountains to 32° in Darwin.
Can you swim in Australia in May?
Yes — the sea is warmest around Darwin at about 29°.