Swimming in New Zealand in may 2025 Sea temperature by city in may

In may in New Zealand swimming conditions vary by city. Details below:

Swimming in may in Auckland, Tauranga, Cape Reinga, Cathedral Cove, Coromandel, Māhia, Omamari, Ruatoria, Waiheke Island, Whatipu Beach, Gisborne, Kaitaia, Kerikeri, Raglan, Ruakaka, Thames, Waihi Beach, Waiuku, Warkworth, Whakatane and Whangamata is possible but the sea is generally cool. So though the sea temperature may sometimes reach 67°F, it can also go as low as 64°F. Note that the average is 65°F.

Swimming in may in Castlepoint, Hokitika, Mokau, Napier, Porangahau, Waitārere Beach, Wharariki beach, Greymouth, Hawera, New Plymouth, Opunake, Takaka, Wairoa, Waitara, Wanganui and Westport is possible... with a wetsuit! Indeed, the water is cold at this time of year with an average temperature of 61°F (min: 58°F/max: 64°F).

Forget about swimming in Christchurch, Dunedin, Wellington, Abel Tasman National Park, Akaroa, The Catlins, Invercargill, Moeraki Boulders, Nelson, Otago Peninsula, Stewart Island, Balclutha, Blenheim, Kaikoura, Levin, Oamaru, Paraparaumu, Picton, Porirua and Timaru in may! The water temperature is freezing, reaching as low as 53°F (and only 56°F at the best of times). Our advice: plan on sightseeing, and don't bring your beach towel!