While May in Australia is the month before winter begins, most of the continent still enjoys an average top temperature of about 20°C (68°F). In Tasmania, of course, the temperature could plunge below an average daytime high of 17°C (63°F)and northern Queensland could reach a top average of 27°C (81°F).
Note that Australian temperatures do fluctuate and there have lately been some weather surprises, whether as a result of global warming or some other climatic factor.
May rainfall would generally be light throughout the continent (an average of around 50mm) except in Perth, Cairns and Sydney where average rainfall may be recorded slightly above the 100mm level.
May Day
The only public holidays in May are Labor Day in Queensland and May Day in the Northern Territory. Both occur on the first Monday in May.
In Western Australia, the Whaleshark Festival at Exmouth usually takes place in April/May in odd-numbered years.
On the east coast, the Underwater Festival at Byron Bay may also occur in May.
Good for daytrips
With usually fine temperate weather without much rain, May would be a good month for taking daytrips outside the cities.
Follow some easy rules for driving in Australia.
