Perth Weather in May

Australia · May climate averages and travel tips

Avg high21°C (70°F)
Avg low16°C (61°F)
Rainfall73 mm (2.9 in)
RatingExcellent 9.5/10

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 high21°C (70°F)
Average low16°C (61°F)
Daily mean19°C (65°F)
Rainfall73 mm (2.9 in)
Rainy days (1 mm+)9
Humidity69%
Cloud cover52%
Daylight10.4 hours
Est. sunshine5.5 hours/day
Wind17.3 km/h
vs April2°C cooler than April, with 40 mm more rain.

What to pack for Perth in May

Perth weather in other months

Jan27°C / 20°C18 mmExcellentFeb27°C / 20°C18 mmExcellentMar26°C / 20°C22 mmExcellentApr23°C / 18°C33 mmExcellentMay21°C / 16°C73 mmExcellentJun19°C / 15°C100 mmGoodJul18°C / 14°C122 mmFairAug18°C / 14°C93 mmGoodSep19°C / 14°C61 mmExcellentOct20°C / 15°C32 mmExcellentNov23°C / 16°C21 mmExcellentDec25°C / 18°C13 mmExcellent

← AprilBest time to visit PerthJune →

Where else is good in May? See where to go in May.