Weather Comparison
Wellington vs Auckland
Side-by-side weather comparison for May
May Weather: Wellington vs Auckland
| Metric | Wellington | Auckland | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | 14°C (57°F) | 17°C (63°F)▲ | Auckland |
| Average LowHigher is milder | 11°C (52°F) | 12°C (54°F)▲ | Auckland |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 10 days▲ | 12 days | Wellington |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 71 mm▲ | 96 mm | Wellington |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 7h/day | 8h/day▲ | Auckland |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 65% | 65% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 1▲ | 2 | Wellington |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 29 km/h | 26 km/h▲ | Auckland |
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.
Wellington is on the cooler side at 14°C, requiring warmer clothing. Auckland is also comfortable at 17°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
Wellington reaches an average high of 14°C (57°F) and drops to 11°C (52°F) at night during May. The daily temperature range is 3°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.
Auckland averages 17°C (63°F) for the high and 12°C (54°F) for the low, with a daily range of 5°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
Wellington receives approximately 71 mm of rainfall across 10 rain days during May. You can expect rain roughly every other day.
Auckland sees 96 mm over 12 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: Wellington vs Auckland
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
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
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: Wellington vs Auckland
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.
| Month | Wellington | Auckland | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | 18°C | 8d | 22°C | 9d |
| Feb | 19°C | 7d | 23°C | 9d |
| Mar | 18°C | 8d | 21°C | 8d |
| Apr | 16°C | 10d | 19°C | 10d |
| May | 14°C | 10d | 17°C | 12d |
| Jun | 12°C | 12d | 15°C | 12d |
| Jul | 11°C | 12d | 14°C | 14d |
| Aug | 12°C | 13d | 14°C | 15d |
| Sep | 13°C | 12d | 15°C | 14d |
| Oct | 14°C | 12d | 17°C | 12d |
| Nov | 15°C | 10d | 18°C | 11d |
| Dec | 17°C | 11d | 21°C | 11d |
Wellington Weather in May
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Auckland Weather in May
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities