Perth Weather in May
Australia · May climate averages and travel tips
In May, Perth has average highs of 21°C (70°F) and lows of 16°C (61°F). May is autumn (fall) in Australia. The month is moderately rainy, with about 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain spread over 9 days. You get roughly 10.4 hours of daylight and a mix of sun and cloud.
Is May a good time to visit Perth?
Yes — May is one of the best months to visit Perth. The weather rates excellent (9.5/10) on our comfort score.
Visiting Perth in May
Mild days outdoors
May feels like a comfortable step away from Perth's summer heat. Days reach about 21°C, while evenings cool to around 16°C. There's more rain than in April, with showers on several days, so outdoor plans can need a change.
It's still a good month for Kings Park's walking trails and views over the Swan River. You can also stroll around Fremantle or take a beach walk without the summer heat. Long beach days are less reliable, and wet weather can make a full day outdoors feel less appealing.
Events and atmosphere
The Perth Comedy Festival often runs across April and May, with shows at venues around the city. Check the programme for the year you're visiting, as dates and acts change. May is outside the main summer holiday rush, so Perth generally feels quieter than in peak summer. You may also find accommodation less expensive than during busy holiday periods.
Families who prefer gentler sightseeing may like May's cooler days, though rain can interrupt outdoor plans.
Getting around
May is autumn in Perth, and daylight is shorter than in summer. Rainfall rises again in June, so May can be a useful time for walks and city visits before winter gets wetter. The weather's comfortable for exploring, but don't count on every day being dry.
For a simple city outing, take a free CAT bus around Perth's central business district, then walk along Elizabeth Quay. It's a handy way to link the city centre with the riverfront without relying on a long walk if a shower rolls in. In Fremantle, the covered Fremantle Markets are another good stop when the weather turns.
May weather at a glance
| Average high | 21°C (70°F) |
|---|---|
| Average low | 16°C (61°F) |
| Daily mean | 19°C (65°F) |
| Rainfall | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Rainy days (1 mm+) | 9 |
| Humidity | 69% |
| Cloud cover | 52% |
| Daylight | 10.4 hours |
| Est. sunshine | 5.5 hours/day |
| Wind | 17.3 km/h |
| vs April | 2°C cooler than April, with 40 mm more rain. |
What to pack for Perth in May
- T-shirts plus a light layer for the evening
Perth weather in other months
← AprilBest time to visit PerthJune →
Where else is good in May? See where to go in May.