Perth in May: Weather, Events, Things to Do + More!

May in Perth is that perfect in-between. The heat has faded, the skies are still clear before the winter rain and the city feels calm after the summer rush. It’s a great time to get outdoors, whether you’re hiking in the Perth Hills, catching a sunset at Cottesloe, or strolling along the river. The shoulder season cooler mornings are ideal for exploring, and there’s usually a local event or footy match to catch on the weekend. If you’re planning a visit, May’s one of those months that quietly shows off the best of Perth without the crowds.

Weather in Perth in May

While March is the start of autumn in Perth, in May it finally feels like autumn is in the air. The mornings are cooler, the light is softer, and the days are still long enough to make the most of the outdoors without roasting in the sun. It’s that comfy in-between weather where you’re reaching for a jumper in the morning, but still happy to be outside by lunchtime. Read on for everything you need to know about the weather in Perth during May. 

Average Temperature in Perth in May

In May, daytime highs usually sit around 22°C (72°F), while the nights can dip to about 10°C (50°F). Early in the month it still feels a bit like late summer, especially in the afternoons, but by the end of May you’ll definitely want a warm layer after dark.

Average Rainfall in Perth in May

Rain starts to make a comeback in May, though it’s still fairly light compared to what’s coming in winter. On average, Perth sees about 80 mm (3.1 inches) of rain over roughly 9-10 days this month. You might cop the odd drizzly morning or a heavier afternoon shower, but most of the time it clears pretty quickly. I always pack a compact umbrella in my bag this time of year – just in case.

What Time is Sunrise and Sunset?

May brings shorter days, but there’s still a good chunk of daylight to enjoy. Sunrise creeps in later each week – around 6:45 am at the start of the month, moving closer to 7:10 am by the end. Sunset drops from about 5:40 pm to just after 5:20 pm by late May. It’s a great time of year to catch a sunset straight after work or an early dinner by the beach.

UV Levels in Perth in May

Even though it’s cooler, the sun still has a bit of bite. The UV index in Perth during May typically sits around 4-5, which is moderate. It’s not full-blown summer strength, but it’s enough to warrant a bit of sunscreen if you’re out for a while.

Is it Cloudy?

May brings more cloud cover than the summer months, but it’s far from gloomy. You’ll get a good mix of sunny days and some partly cloudy ones. On average, about half the month is clear or mostly clear.

Is it Windy?

Winds in May tend to be light to moderate, with average speeds hovering around 15-20 km/h (9–12 mph). You’ll still get the usual afternoon sea breeze near the coast, but it’s gentler than the stiff easterlies and coastal gusts we get in summer. It’s a nice break if you’ve been battling the wind during the hotter months.

How Humid is it?

Humidity is low to moderate in May – usually sitting around 60% in the mornings and dropping as the day goes on. It’s not the kind of sticky humidity that makes you uncomfortable. More of a fresh, dewy start that dries up by mid-morning. You might notice it a little more on rainy days, but overall it’s pretty mild.

Does it Snow in Perth in May?

Nope – no snow in Perth, not in May or any time really. We’ve got a Mediterranean climate here, which means hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. If you’re chasing snow, you’ll need to head a long way east. 

Events in Perth in May in 2026

If you’re looking for the best events in Perth during May, I’ve got you covered! Here are my top picks:

• West Coast Fever (Suncorp Super Netball season games): Various dates in May – RAC Arena
• Eskimo Joe: 1 May – Freo Social
• Jason Leong: 1 May – Astor Theatre
• Eskimo Joe: 2 May – Freo Social
• Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers: 2 May – Magnet House
• Dave Hughes: 2 May – Astor Theatre
• Blake Pavey: 2 May – Astor Theatre
• UFC Fight Night: 2 May – RAC Arena
• West Coast Eagles v Richmond: 2 May – Optus Stadium
• Of Mice & Men: 5 May – Magent House
• Superheaven: 6 May – Magnet House
• Fremantle Dockers v Hawthorn: 7 May – Optus Stadium
• Connor Burns: 8 May – Astor Theatre
• Wankernomics: 8 May – Astor Theatre
• Wankernomics: 9 May – Astor Theatre
• Hellions: 9 May – Freo Social
• Loathe: 9 May – Astor Theatre
• Gabriel Murillo: 10 May – Freo Social
• Maggie Lindemann: 10 May – Magnet House
• The Waterboys: 11 May – Astor Theatre
• The Waterboys: 12 May – Astor Theatre
• Nazeem Hussain: 14 May – Astor Theatre
• Frenchy: 14 May – Astor Theatre
• Nazeem Hussain: 15 May – Astor Theatre
• Guy Sebastian: 15 May – RAC Arena
• Frenchy: 15 May – Astor Theatre
• Luke Heggie: 16 May – Astor Theatre
• Nick Cody: 16 May – Astor Theatre
• Ruby Fields: 16 May – Freo Social
• West Coast Eagles v GWS Giants: 17 May – Optus Stadium
• Catch Your Breath: 17 May – Magnet House
• KT Tunstall: 19 May – Astor Theatre
• Fremantle Dockers v St Kilda: 22 May – Optus Stadium
• Split Enz: 22 May – RAC Arena
• Professor Brian Cox: 23 May – RAC Arena
• The Fabulous Caprettos: 23 May – Freo Social
• Picture This: 26 May – Astor Theatre
• Rob Anderson: 27 May – Freo Social
• Troy Cassar-Daley: 28 May – Freo Social
• Ball Park Music: 29 May – Freo Social
• Ball Park Music: 30 May – Freo Social
• Balu Brigada: 31 May – Freo Social
• West Coast Eagles v Essendon: 31 May – Optus Stadium

15 Best Things to Do in Perth in May

May in Perth is that sweet spot where the weather’s just right – cool mornings, sunny afternoons, and a hint of rain to green things up. Whether you’re into food, footy, or a bit of fresh air, here are 20 seasonal picks to make the most of it.​

1. Catch a Show at the Perth Comedy Festival

Running until late May, the Perth Comedy Festival is a great way to spend an evening. With plenty of shows across venues like The Astor Theatre and The Rechabite, there’s plenty to choose from. Check out the Perth Comedy Festival for more information

2. Join a Swan Valley on a Wine Tour 

Sample the best of the Swan Valley on a wine tour – May brings mild days, green vines, and fewer crowds, making it the ideal time to sip your way through WA’s oldest wine region. This full-day tour includes cellar door tastings, a relaxing winery lunch, and plenty of gourmet stops along the way.

Book your Swan Valley escape now and treat yourself to a day of top drops and local flavours, just 30 minutes from Perth.

3. Meet the Quokkas on Rottnest Island

Meet the quokkas on Rottnest Island – May is a quieter time to visit, with cooler weather perfect for cycling and exploring at your own pace. With fewer crowds, it’s easier to snap that iconic quokka selfie and enjoy the island’s beaches and trails. I recommend this early ferry and bike hire package from GetYourGuide – it gives you the most time on the island, and trust me, bike hire sells out fast!

Read this next: Rottnest Island Day Trip Itinerary

4. Visit Kings Park and Botanic Garden

May’s crisp mornings and sunny afternoons are ideal for wandering the park’s bushland trails or taking in sweeping views over the Swan River and city skyline. The cooler temperatures make it a comfortable time to explore without the summer heat. I recommend having a picnic on the sloping lawns near the State War Memorial for the ultimate view.

5. Go on a Pinnacles Stargazing Tour

Experience a Pinnacles sunset and stargazing tour – May’s earlier sunsets and clear skies make it the perfect month for this otherworldly evening adventure. You’ll explore the surreal limestone formations at golden hour, enjoy a BBQ dinner in the desert, then gaze up at WA’s brilliantly dark night skies through powerful telescopes.

Book your stargazing tour now to lock in a front-row seat to one of the best night sky experiences near Perth.

6. Enjoy a Sunset at Cottesloe Beach

May sunsets at Cottesloe Beach are some of the best of the year, with soft golden light and pastel skies that linger longer as the days shorten. Pack a jacket, grab some fish and chips, and settle in on the sand or at a beachside bar for a relaxed autumn evening by the ocean.

7. Take a Hike in the Perth Hills

May is one of the best times of year to hit the trails, with cool mornings, crisp air, and just the right amount of sunshine. The bushland starts to green up again after summer, and waterfalls begin to flow. It’s perfect hiking weather – no scorching heat, no flies, and plenty of birdlife around. Here are some of the best trails:

• Eagle View Walk Trail (John Forrest National Park): A 15km circuit with valley views, waterfalls, and plenty of wildlife
  
• Lesmurdie Falls Trail: Short, steep climbs with epic views over the city and a flowing waterfall in May
  
• Sixty Foot Falls (Ellis Brook Valley):A 2km loop with a stunning lookout and seasonal waterfall
  
• Bibbulmun Track (Mundaring Weir section): Tackle a day walk on WA’s most iconic long-distance trail
  
• Whistlepipe Gully (Kalamunda): A relaxed 3.5km return walk with a babbling brook and views of the Darling Scarp

8. Go on a Penguin Island Cruise

Cruise to Penguin Island and spot wild dolphins – May is the tail end of the wildlife viewing season before the island closes for winter, making it a perfect time to visit with fewer crowds and cooler weather. This Shoalwater Safari takes you across the calm, clear waters of the marine park to see playful wild dolphins, rare Australian sea lions, and the little penguins during their feeding session. The cruise is just 45 minutes from Perth and includes a glass-bottom boat ride over seagrass meadows and reef.

Book now before the season ends and catch Penguin Island at its most peaceful.

9. Explore Fremantle Markets

Open every weekend, the Fremantle Markets are a top spot for local produce, handmade goods, vintage fashion, and global street food. The cooler May weather makes it way more comfortable to browse without the summer heat or crowds. Grab a coffee, wander through the heritage-listed hall, and soak up the atmosphere – it’s a proper Freo institution. If you’re heading down for lunch, I’ve got a full guide to the Fremantle Markets right here with all my favourite stalls.

10. Attend a Footy Match at Optus Stadium

With the AFL season in full swing, May is a prime time to catch a live footy match at Optus Stadium – one of the best stadiums in the country. Whether you back the Eagles or the Dockers (or just want to experience the electric game-day buzz), seeing a match here is a proper slice of WA culture. The cool evenings are perfect for night games, and the riverside location means you can easily grab dinner or a drink in East Perth before or after.

11. Take a Dinner Cruise on the Swan

A Swan River dinner cruise is one of the most relaxing ways to see Perth, and May’s mild, still evenings are ideal for being out on the water. The dinner cruise includes a buffet meal, live music, and sparkling views of the city skyline as you drift past Elizabeth Quay and South Perth. It’s a cosy, slow-paced evening out – great for date night or a special celebration.

Book your dinner cruise here to reserve your seat on board.

12. Visit the Perth Mint

May is a great month to explore some of Perth’s best indoor attractions, and the Perth Mint is a standout. Step into WA’s gold rush history, watch a live gold pour, and even mint your own souvenir coin. It’s fascinating stuff – especially the stories behind the world’s largest gold coin and the old vaults. You don’t need to be a history buff to enjoy this one, and it’s conveniently located right near the city centre.

13. Swim with Dolphins

If you’re after something unforgettable, swimming with wild dolphins in Rockingham is hard to beat. May is the tail end of the season, but the conditions are still good – calm seas, fewer tour boats, and active pods. You’ll be guided by marine experts who’ll get you safely into the water with these curious and playful animals. No feeding, no tanks – just a natural encounter in their environment.

Book your spot before the season wraps up.

14. Explore the Perth Cultural Centre

Tucked between Northbridge and the city, the Perth Cultural Centre is perfect for a chilled day out in May – warm enough to enjoy a coffee outdoors, cool enough to spend time inside the galleries and museums. The area is home to some of WA’s top cultural institutions, all within a short walk of each other:

• Art Gallery of WA: Contemporary and Indigenous Australian art
• WA Museum Boola Bardip: Natural history, local stories, and rotating exhibitions
• State Library of WA: Quiet reading spaces and archives with views over the city
• Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA): Bold exhibitions and performances
• State Theatre Centre of WA: Local and touring theatre, dance, and music
• The Blue Room Theatre: Fringe-style independent performances

15. Go Hot Air Ballooning Over the Avon Valley

Soar above golden paddocks and misty valleys with a hot air balloon ride over the Avon Valley – May’s crisp, calm mornings make for ideal flying conditions, and the soft autumn light over the wheatbelt is absolutely stunning. Departing at sunrise from Northam (with optional hotel transfers from Perth), this peaceful flight finishes with a sparkling breakfast by the river – a dreamy way to start the day.

Book your flight now to secure a front-row seat to one of WA’s most breathtaking autumn sunrises – spots fill fast once the weather cools!

Where to Stay in Perth in May

The Ritz-Carlton

Best for luxury lovers

Sitting right on Elizabeth Quay, the Ritz-Carlton delivers luxury with a serious wow factor. Expect sweeping views over the Swan River, a dreamy infinity pool, and one of the best hotel spas in the city. The rooms are spacious and elegant, with deep stone baths and floor-to-ceiling windows – perfect for watching those golden May sunsets roll in. You’re also just steps from the waterfront, Kings Park, and top restaurants, so it’s a brilliant base for exploring the city in style.

Check Ritz-Carlton rates and availability.

Alex Hotel

Best for couples

Tucked away in Northbridge, Alex Hotel has that cosy, boutique charm that suits Perth in May perfectly. The rooftop terrace is a lovely spot for a drink on a crisp evening, and you’re just steps from some of the best bars, cafes, and comedy shows during the Perth Comedy Festival. The rooms are simple but stylish, with warm finishes and comfy beds. I always recommend it to friends looking for a city stay that feels a bit more personal than your usual hotel chain.

Check Alex Hotel rates and availability.

Tribe Perth Kings Park

Best for design lovers and solo travellers

If you’re after something modern, affordable, and close to nature, Tribe Perth is right up your alley. It’s set just beside Kings Park, which is stunning in May with all the autumn colour coming through. The rooms are compact but cleverly designed, and the shared spaces make it easy to relax or get a bit of work done if you’re mixing business with pleasure. It’s a great base for quiet morning walks and still close enough to the CBD if you’re heading out in the evening.

Check Tribe rates and availability.

Public and School Holidays in May 

There are no public holidays or school holidays in Perth during May.

Read this next: Getting Around Perth: The Ultimate Transport Guide for Visitors

What to Wear in Perth in May

May in Perth is mild and comfy – think cool mornings, sunny afternoons, and the odd light shower. I usually go with layers: something warm for the morning, then peel it back as the day warms up. Evenings can get a bit chilly, so don’t forget a jacket.

Here’s what I’d pack:

• Light jumper or jacket
• Long pants or jeans
• T-shirts or long sleeves for layering
• Comfortable shoes
• Scarf for cooler nights
• Compact umbrella or raincoat
• Sunglasses and sunscreen – the sun’s still strong!

Read this next: 3 Day Perth Itinerary for First-Time Visitors (From a Local Who Knows the Good Stuff!)

Best Time to Visit Perth

As someone who calls Perth home, I honestly think there’s no bad time to visit – it just depends on the kind of trip you’re after. Summer (Dec–Feb) is all about beach days, balmy nights and outdoor festivals. Autumn (Mar–May) brings cooler weather, golden sunsets, and fewer crowds – May especially has that sweet, slow vibe I love. Winter (Jun–Aug) is cosy and green, perfect for hikes, pub lunches, and whale watching. And spring (Sep–Nov) bursts to life with wildflowers, sunny days, and loads of local events.

Curious about what the other months are like? Have a look through my monthly Perth guides and find the perfect fit for your trip:

• Perth in January: What to Do, Where to Stay & The Best Things to Do
• Perth in February: Weather, Events, Things to Do + More!
• Perth in March: Weather, Events, Things to Do + More!
• Perth in April: Weather, Events, Things to Do + More!
• Perth In June: Weather, Events, Things To Do + More!
• Perth in July: Weather, Events, Things To Do And See + More
• Perth In August: Weather, Things To Do, Events + More
• Perth in September: Weather, Events, Things To Do + More!
• Perth in October: Events, Weather, Things to Do + More!
• Perth in November: Weather, Things to Do, Events + More!
• Perth in December: Events, Weather, Things to Do + More!

Or, check out my guides by season:

• Perth in Winter: Local Tips for Cosy Perth Weekends

Last Words

That’s May in Perth – relaxed, a little cooler, and full of those easygoing moments that make you want to linger a bit longer. I always reckon it’s one of the best times to explore without the crowds or the heat, whether you’re chasing a coastal sunset, checking out a comedy show, or just enjoying a slow morning with a good coffee. If you’ve been thinking about a trip, now’s the time to lock it in – Perth in May has a quiet charm that’s hard to beat.