Melbourne's Average May Rainfall: 59.8 mm

According to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, Melbourne's long-term average rainfall for May is 59.8 mm (based on 1855–present records from the Melbourne Regional Office site).

Context

• Season: Late autumn, transitioning to winter
• Wettest month: October (66 mm average)
• Driest month: February (46 mm average)
• Annual average: ~650 mm

Variability

Year-to-year variation is high. Recent Mays: 2023 (12 mm), 2022 (112 mm), 2021 (44 mm). Climate drivers (ENSO, IOD, SAM) cause swings. May 2024 was the wettest on record (180+ mm).

Practical Implications

• Carry a light waterproof layer
• Expect ~10–14 rain days
• Heating often needed (avg max 16°C, min 9°C)
• AFL season in full swing—games rarely cancelled for rain

Data source: BOM Climate Statistics for Melbourne (Site 086071). Always check current forecasts.