When to go · Penguin

Penguin in May

Good month. Outside the best window (Nov–Apr; Dec–Feb for warm beach days). Across Australia: Shoulder month: dry season starts in the north, the Red Centre cools, the south is crisp.

Key facts

Verdict: Good
Temperature: 15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C) / 7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C); average high / low
Rain days: 12
Crowds: Low; Australia overall
Prices: Medium; Australia overall

Plan around it

Verdict

GoodAustralia month rating

Outside the best window (Nov–Apr; Dec–Feb for warm beach days). Across Australia: Shoulder month: dry season starts in the north, the Red Centre cools, the south is crisp.

Is another month better than May?

May is rated good. These months rate higher:

Weather in May

Long-term averages

PenguinHighs around 15 °C (59 °F), lows around 7 °C (45 °F), rain on about 12 daysHighs around 59 °F (15 °C), lows around 45 °F (7 °C), rain on about 12 days

Crowds and prices

Crowds · Australia overall: Low
Prices · Australia overall: Medium

Australia overall: Shoulder month: dry season starts in the north, the Red Centre cools, the south is crisp.

Compare two months

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Penguin, side by side.

First month

Second month

Verdict
May: Good
Jan: Great (better)
Daytime high
May: 15 °C (59 °F)59 °F (15 °C)
Jan: 21 °C (70 °F)70 °F (21 °C)
Night low
May: 7 °C (45 °F)45 °F (7 °C)
Jan: 12 °C (54 °F)54 °F (12 °C)
Rain days
May: 12
Jan: 7 (better)
Crowds
May: Low
Jan: High
Prices
May: Medium
Jan: High
Festivals listed
May: 0
Jan: 2

May: Outside the best window (Nov–Apr; Dec–Feb for warm beach days). Across Australia: Shoulder month: dry season starts in the north, the Red Centre cools, the south is crisp.

January: Inside Penguin's best window: Nov–Apr; Dec–Feb for warm beach days.

Penguin: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.

What to pack

A warm layer for the evenings
A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast

Build the full packing list for your trip →

Across Australia in May →