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Weather Comparison

Auckland vs Wellington

Side-by-side weather comparison for May

Auckland: 17°CWellington: 14°C493 km apart

May Weather: Auckland vs Wellington

MetricAucklandWellingtonBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer17°C (63°F)14°C (57°F)Auckland
Average LowHigher is milder12°C (54°F)11°C (52°F)Auckland
Rain DaysFewer is drier12 days10 daysWellington
PrecipitationLess is drier96 mm71 mmWellington
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier8h/day7h/dayAuckland
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%65%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer21Wellington
Wind SpeedCalmer is better26 km/h29 km/hAuckland

Which City is Better in May?

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Auckland edges ahead as the better destination in May. Auckland offers 8 hours of daily sunshine with only 12 rain days, while Wellington sees 7 sunshine hours and 10 rain days.

Auckland sits in the comfortable travel range at 17°C. Wellington is cooler at 14°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Wellington is the stronger choice in May. Auckland receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Temperature Comparison in May

Auckland reaches an average high of 17°C (63°F) and drops to 12°C (54°F) at night during May. The daily temperature range is 5°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Wellington averages 14°C (57°F) for the high and 11°C (52°F) for the low, with a daily range of 3°C. The 3°C difference is noticeable but not dramatic.

Both cities are in the Southern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in May.

Rainfall Comparison in May

Auckland receives approximately 96 mm of rainfall across 12 rain days during May. You can expect rain roughly every other day.

Wellington sees 71 mm over 10 rain days. That makes Wellington the drier option by 2 rain days and 25 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.

What to Pack: Auckland vs Wellington

Packing for Auckland in May

Highs of 17°C, lows of 12°C, 12 rain days

  • warm layers
  • a mid-weight jacket
  • long trousers
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes

Packing for Wellington in May

Highs of 14°C, lows of 11°C, 10 rain days

  • warm layers
  • a mid-weight jacket
  • long trousers
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes

Pack for both: warm layers, a mid-weight jacket, long trousers, waterproof jacket, compact umbrella, waterproof shoes. These items are useful in either destination during May.

Year-Round Comparison: Auckland vs Wellington

The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.May is highlighted for quick reference.

MonthAucklandWellington
HighRainHighRain
Jan22°C9d18°C8d
Feb23°C9d19°C7d
Mar21°C8d18°C8d
Apr19°C10d16°C10d
May17°C12d14°C10d
Jun15°C12d12°C12d
Jul14°C14d11°C12d
Aug14°C15d12°C13d
Sep15°C14d13°C12d
Oct17°C12d14°C12d
Nov18°C11d15°C10d
Dec21°C11d17°C11d
17°

Auckland Weather in May

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

14°

Wellington Weather in May

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Auckland warmer than Wellington in May?
Yes. In May, Auckland is warmer with an average high of 17°C (63°F) compared to Wellington at 14°C (57°F), a difference of 3°C.
Which city gets more rain in May, Auckland or Wellington?
Auckland gets more rain in May with 12 rain days and 96 mm of precipitation. Wellington is the drier option with 10 rain days.
Is it better to visit Auckland or Wellington in May?
It depends on your preferences. Auckland averages 17°C and 8 hours of daily sunshine with 12 rain days. Wellington averages 14°C with 7 sunshine hours and 10 rain days. If you prefer warmer weather, choose Auckland. For fewer rain days, Wellington is the better pick.
How far apart are Auckland and Wellington?
Auckland and Wellington are approximately 493 km (306 miles) apart. Auckland is located in New Zealand (Oceania) while Wellington is in New Zealand (Oceania).
What is the best month to visit Auckland and Wellington?
For Auckland, January tends to be the best month with 12 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 22°C. For Wellington, January is typically ideal with 12 sunshine hours and 18°C highs.

Compare Auckland and Wellington in Other Months

Climate data sourced from the Open-Meteo Historical Weather API, using ERA5 reanalysis data covering 30-year normals from 1991 to 2020. All temperatures shown in Celsius with Fahrenheit equivalents. Rain days count days with 1 mm or more of precipitation. Sunshine hours represent average daily values. This comparison is generated from long-term climate averages and individual trips may vary.

Auckland coordinates: -36.85°N, 174.76°E | Wellington coordinates: -41.29°N, 174.78°E