The month in detail
What to expect in May
Autumn in Bay of Islands is often underrated: 19°C, golden light and declining crowds. An interesting window. Expect rain on 38% of days — a light raincoat in the bag is recommended. Not the best window, but acceptable if dates are constrained. January (8.2/10) is significantly better if possible.
May ranks 7 out of 12 months in Bay of Islands. Compared to April: −2°C daytime.
This month's conditions
What it's like in May
UV index
4 · moderate
protect during midday hours
Feels like
comfortable
12°
Sea
18°C
cool, invigorating
Daylight
10.1h of daylight
Air quality
excellent
AQI 18
Compare
Is May the right month?
The best month in Bay of Islands is January (8.2/10), 0.8 pt higher than May.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Bay of Islands
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
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Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · Bay of Islands
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a beach holiday.
Country · New Zealand
🗣️LanguageEnglish
💶CurrencyNew Zealand Dollar ($)
🚗DrivingLeft-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘModerate · 3/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeTemperate oceanic
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthJanuary · 24°C
❄️Coolest monthJuly · 16°C
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘJuly · 48%
🏖️ Beach holiday
📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept
🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) ⓘModérée
Explore
Other destinations in May
If May doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Similar climate
AucklandNew ZealandNew ZealandNew ZealandRotoruaNew ZealandTaupoNew ZealandWellingtonNew Zealand
Location
Where is Bay of Islands ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
New ZealandTemperate oceanic climate with a 8.2 → 4.3 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
35.23°S · 174.11°E
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Bay of Islands?
January is the best month with 24.0°C highs, 17.0°C lows, 8.0h of sunshine and 22.0% rainy days. The months of January & February offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does Bay of Islands get in January?
Bay of Islands averages 8.0 sunshine hours per day in January. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 7.8/10.
What is the rainiest month in Bay of Islands?
July is the most unfavourable month with July has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Bay of Islands in January?
In January, overnight lows reach 17.0°C, while afternoon highs average 24.0°C.
Is Bay of Islands good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Bay of Islands scores 7.6/10 on average — Decent period conditions for cultural visits.. The best month overall remains January with a score of 7.8/10.
When should you avoid Bay of Islands?
July is the most difficult month to visit Bay of Islands, with July has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in Bay of Islands in May?
In May, the sea averages 18°C in Bay of Islands: cool, invigorating. Swimming is possible but brisk; sensitive swimmers may prefer a wetsuit.
Do you need sun protection in Bay of Islands in May?
The average UV index reaches 4 in May in Bay of Islands (moderate), with about 10.1h of daylight. Protect during midday hours.