May · New Zealand
Best time to visit Wanaka in May Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Wanaka in May
Average temperature 5°C, 116 mm of rain, about 0 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 91% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
May score
3.5/10
Ranked #9 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 5°C
- Rainfall
- 116 mm
- Humidity
- 91%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 0
- Crowd Density
- Quiet / Uncrowded
- Average Expenses
- $ · Budget Friendly ($)
May in Wanaka scores 3.5/10 for nature and wildlife travel - ranked #9 of 12. Expect around 5°C, 116 mm of rain, and roughly 0 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Wānaka is the quieter Southern Lakes twin to Queenstown-lake swims, treks, and a strong winter ski hinterland. Best window: November through March in the Southern Hemisphere.
May in Wanaka — the hardest end of the year
Expect 5°C (40°F) in May. A good month for city streets, viewpoints and long meals; leave swimming for another season.
116 mm of rain signals a properly wet month, with only almost no days with 6+ hours of sunshine to count on — build indoor options into the schedule.
That is 3.5/10 on the same scale — 9th of 12 months, versus 9/10 for the best month here.
Pack a mid-weight jacket, long sleeves and shoes you can walk 15 km in, a proper rain shell rather than an umbrella, footwear you can get muddy.
Expect low-season pricing, and crowds are light for this destination.
If your dates are flexible, January is materially better in Wanaka — 5.5 points higher on the same scale.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Wanaka in May?
- In May, Wanaka averages 5°C, 116 mm of rain, and about 0 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 3.5/10.
- Is May a good time to visit Wanaka?
- May earns a 3.5/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Wanaka in May?
- Expect about 116 mm of rain in May. Average humidity is 91% and there are about 0 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
Curated in Wanaka
Tickets & experiences
Things to do in Wanaka
Wanaka, New Zealand. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.