Weather in Queenstown in May
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Compare car hire prices → Affiliate link — we earn a commission at no extra cost to youMay in Queenstown is cool, with average highs of 12.2°C and lows of 6.2°C. It is fairly wet (13 rainy days on average), with roughly 6.2 hours of sunshine a day. Weather-wise, this is one of the most reliable months to travel. For the complete picture, see the best time to visit Queenstown — every month compared. Once you know when to go, find your Queenstown packing list at 247PackingList.
Get ready for Queenstown in May
Search flights to Queenstown
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Search Flights →Travel clothing layers
Pack layers — temperatures can vary significantly between day and night.
Check Price →What to pack for Queenstown in May
- Warm layers
- Light jacket or fleece
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Compact travel umbrella
- Waterproof jacket
- Quick-dry clothing
Compare all months in Queenstown
| Month | High | Rain | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21.5°C | 85.5mm | 10/10 |
| February | 21.2°C | 121.9mm | 9/10 |
| March | 18.6°C | 85.5mm | 10/10 |
| April | 15.3°C | 94.5mm | 10/10 |
| May | 12.2°C | 117.5mm | 9/10 |
| June | 7.6°C | 114.5mm | 9/10 |
| July | 6.6°C | 131.0mm | 9/10 |
| August | 8.7°C | 118.8mm | 9/10 |
| September | 11.4°C | 202.3mm | 8/10 |
| October | 14.3°C | 131.5mm | 9/10 |
| November | 17.5°C | 94.9mm | 10/10 |
| December | 19.5°C | 114.3mm | 9/10 |
Full month-by-month guide: best time to visit Queenstown →
For facts about New Zealand — currency, language and dialling code — see our New Zealand country guide at 247CountryInfo. Travellers also find it useful to keep a Queenstown travel guide to hand. Check clothing sizes in New Zealand before you shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is May a good time to visit Queenstown?
May rates 9/10 for visiting Queenstown — excellent time to visit. Expect average highs of 12.2°C, 117.5mm of rain across the month and about 6.2 hours of daily sunshine.
What is the temperature in Queenstown in May?
In May, Queenstown has average highs of 12.2°C (54.0°F) and average lows of 6.2°C (43.2°F).
Does it rain in Queenstown in May?
Some rain is likely. Queenstown averages 117.5mm across about 13 rainy days in May, so a light waterproof layer is worth packing.
What should I wear in Queenstown in May?
For Queenstown in May (12.2°C highs / 6.2°C lows), pack warm layers plus light jacket or fleece, comfortable walking shoes, compact travel umbrella.
More essentials for Queenstown in May
Packing cubes
Keep the bag organised whatever the weather — compression cubes for every size.
Check Price →Travel first aid kit
Compact TSA-friendly kit for peace of mind wherever you travel.
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Climate data sourced from Open-Meteo (open source, open data licence). Monthly averages calculated from 2020–2023 historical data. Weather can be unpredictable — always check a live forecast before travelling.