May in Australia

Australia in May finds itself in the final month of autumn, just before the beginning of the cooler winter months. Don’t be fooled; winter in Australia doesn’t mean cold snow for the majority of the country. You might just find that the cooler weather is more conducive to hiking, biking and taking road trips.

If it is sunny heat that you desire, you’ll want to head north of New South Wales in the east, or you can just make a trip to the outback. If you do head north, just beware that this is the beginning of the busier season in the Cairns and tropical areas of the country. Even caravan parks will start to get busier as seniors and backpackers choose to bypass winter. Those on working holidays will also find that the job market is more saturated with other travelers, making it more difficult to get a job.

This time of year is great for getting cheap flights to Australia, as well as discounted rates on various hotels and beach resorts.

May Weather in Australia

The weather in Australia varies depending on which area you decide to visit. It is easy to forget how incredibly large this island country really is until you get here, so don’t make the mistake of packing for one city when the climate in another is completely different.

Average Temperatures in May
Adelaide: 10°C (50°F) to 19°C (66°F)
Brisbane: 12°C (54°F) to 24°C (75°F)
Canberra: 3°C (37°F) to 16°C (61°F)
Darwin: 22°C (72°F) to 32°C (90°F)
Hobart: 7°C (45°F) to 14°C (57°F)
Melbourne: 9°C (48°F) to 17°C (63°F)
Perth: 11°C (52°F) to 22°C (72°F)
Sydney: 12°C (54°F) to 19°C (66°F)

>> Learn more about May in Sydney
>> Learn more about May in Melbourne

May Events in Australia

Melbourne Jazz Festival
This annual jazz music festival takes place in Melbourne around the end of April to early May and features artists from around the globe.

Fremantle Heritage Festival
This festival takes place in Fremantle in May and features workshops, artists, music and more that show bits from its mixed cultural heritage.

Ningaloo Whaleshark Festival
The Whaleshark Festival takes place each year in May to welcome the shark back in the waters near Exmouth, Western Australia. There are various events, but a main feature is snorkeling with these big guys.