What's the weather like in Brisbane in May
Temperature
With May marking the last month of autumn in Brisbane, the weather gets cooler and comfortable, and the city gears up for winter.
The average temperature during the month of May is about 8 degrees Celsius, and ranges between highs and lows of 23 degree Celsius and 13 degrees Celsius respectively.
Humidity & Rainfall
The total rainfall over the month of May is about 100mm and occurs over a period of 11 rainfall days.
The average rainfall per day during May in Brisbane decreases over the course of time, starting the month at an average of 3.9 inches and ending the month at an average of 3.0 inches per day.
Sunshine Hours
Over the course of May, Brisbane experiences about 8 hours of sunshine.
The length of the day gradually decreases over the course of the month, with the average length of the day decreasing by 32 minutes.
Sea Temperature
The average sea temperature recorded in Brisbane over the course of the month of May is about 24 degrees Celsius/75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Wind
Brisbane's average hourly wind speed remains essentially constant during May, within 0.1 miles per hour and 8.6 miles per hour throughout.
The wind direction in Brisbane is predominantly out of the east from May 1st to May 2nd and from the south from May 2nd to May 31st.
Dress Code
With the average temperature remaining at about 2 degrees Celsius, the city remains moderately cool and comfortable during the daytime. One would prefer cool, casual, light and comfortable clothing in accordance with this weather.
But during the nights, the weather in Brisbane can drop as low as 13 degrees Celsius. It is necessary to carry appropriate warm clothing and layering to keep yourself warm for cold nights.
Click here for Brisbane's weather forecast for the next 14 days. Also, to get an idea of annual weather averages for Brisbane, follow this link.
Brisbane hotels in May
The Point Brisbane
The Point in Brisbane is a modern, upscale accommodation choice located at a 3-minute walk from the Brisbane River, a 4-minute walk from Dockside Ferry Terminal and at a distance of 3.7 km from the Central Business District. Facilities on offer are upscale rooms and suites offering free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, room service, minibars, tea and coffee making facilities, work desks, and city or river views. Upgraded rooms and suites add balconies, while suites add separate living areas. The added freebies and amenities include an area shuttle, parking, a chic restaurant with a bar/lounge serving Australian cuisine and live entertainment, a heated outdoor pool, a gym and a rooftop bar/lounge.
Mercure Brisbane King George Square
Mercure Brisbane King George Square is a luxurious mid-scale hotel set amid restaurants, cafes and official buildings in the Central Business District, at a 4 minutes' walk from the Queen Street Mall pedestrian shopping area and a distance of 16 km from Brisbane Airport. This modern hotel facing Brisbane City Hall provides facilities like warm rooms with Wi-Fi (fee), flat-screen TVs, minibars, tea and coffee making facilities, and 24/7 room service. Also added are an airy restaurant, a cafe, a sleek bar with a terrace, a rooftop pool, a gym, 14 meeting rooms, an airport shuttle (surcharge) and parking.
iStay River City
Another affordable place to stay in Brisbane is the iStay River City. Located at a 2-minute walk from Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, this modern apartment is at a distance of 1.3 km from Queensland Museum and about 14 km from Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. While the contemporary apartments have 1 or 2 bedrooms, its kitchens feature washers/dryers and also include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi and balconies, and apartments with river views. Additional value-added inclusions are amenities like a heated pool, a hot tub, a sauna, a fitness room, a deck with barbecue facilities and parking.
Ibis budget Windsor Brisbane
A wise accommodation choice- the ibis budget Windsor Brisbane is a popular budget stay destination among tourists in Brisbane all-round the year. Located at a 9-minute walk from Windsor train station, this straightforward budget hotel is at a distance of 4 km from the Treasury Casino, and 6 km from Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. The hotel offers simple, unfussy rooms, with facilities including bunk beds, flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi (at a surcharge), mini fridges, as well as tea and coffee making facilities. Also included are free parking and breakfast available at a surcharge.
Brisbane beaches in May
Caloundra beach
Planning to visit the beach? Grab a drink and head over to Caloundra's stunning coastal paths and well-maintained boardwalks to allow daily life to unfold in a haze of sand, scooter-happy trails, grassy picnic spots and family football or cricket matches. The walk around the town is refreshing and a cross between modern and old architecture, with some Spanish/Mexican influence on some of the buildings. All in all, this is a great beach that is fit for families with children, to enjoy a quiet, relaxing day on the beach.
Bars and Restaurants
Madame Wu
Madame Wu is another interesting place to try dinner on a weekday night in Brisbane. The restaurant serves modern Asian food in a contemporary, sprawling venue with covered deck, centred on a sculpted tree. The restaurant staff is extremely accommodating, proactive and very helpful. While the prices are a bit on the expensive side, the taste and river view along with the ambience definitely make the prices worth their while. The restaurant is wonderful for special occasions and makes for a memorable experience.
Bacchus
In the mood to have a fancy lunch in a beautiful ambience and a glamorous setting? Spare a few extra bucks to dine at this marvellous poolside restaurant and bar called Bacchus, popularly known for its great tasting modern Australian dishes, and clever cocktails. While the restaurant is perfect for a special occasion, it can make a great casual dinner venue as well with close folks. With kind, attentive and knowledgeable staff, the restaurant offers food that is tasty, full of interesting flavours and made from locally sourced, fresh ingredients. With the quality of food close to Michelin star restaurants in Europe, Bacchus is a great try if you want to treat yourself to a fanciful dinner.
Saké Restaurant & Bar
Love Japanese food? Try the Saké Restaurant & Bar the next time you are in the city of Brisbane. One of Australia's most dynamic and contemporary Sushi restaurants, the Saké Restaurant & Bar serves premium Japanese sake and shochu varieties, with innovative mouth-watering cocktails using the very best ingredients, house-made syrups and an extensive range of wine and boutique beers. The next time you visit Brisbane, bring the dynamic and innovative Japanese culture to life through Saké's mouth-watering creations. The restaurant takes pride in creating innovative flavour combinations, and providing guests with the opportunity to enjoy the very best in contemporary Japanese cuisine.
Things to do in Brisbane in May
Mount Coot-tha Lookout
A favourite destination for locals and visitors for more than a century, the Mount Coot-tha Lookout at scenic Mt. Coot-tha is a 'must see' for all visitors to Brisbane. With the lookout offering spectacular panoramic views over the CBD all the way to Moreton Bay, walking tracks are abundant through the National Park with lookout showcasing a historical timeline of this iconic destination. Situated at a distance of 7kms from the CBD, the Brisbane Lookout is stunning in the day and a romantic wonderland of lights at night. The lookout has a bustling café and award winning restaurant to ensure the precinct caters to all visitors.
Story Bridge
If you are someone that loves a bit of adventure, head over for the iconic Story bridge climb for glimpses of some lovely views of the Brisbane city. The heritage-listed steel cantilever bridge spans the Brisbane River, and is a masterpiece well known for its amazing architecture. If you visit the bridge at night, apart from revelling in the sheer beauty of lights adorning the bridge, you will also see that the lights over the bridge change every evening and also to commemorate special occasions. Views from the bridge offer a unique perspective of the city of Brisbane, from the Glass House Mountains in the north, Moreton Bay in the east to the Scenic Rim mountains in the south. Offering a nice chance to relish the beauty of Brisbane's serene skyline and its stunning surroundings, the Story Bridge is a lovely place to be.
Brisbane city skyline cruise
If you are in Brisbane for a while, do not forget to enjoy some of the spectacular river cruises offering a lovely view of the Brisbane city skyline. A really pleasant way to spend the day, the cruise does a visit at the Heritage listed Moreton Bay National Park, and you will have an opportunity to watch people play and houseboats along the way, while also spotting a few dolphins here and there. If you are with family, this river cruise is a nice relaxing day cruise- a perfect way to spend the entire day with family and friends on the river.
Buddha Birth Day Festival
The Buddha Birth Day Festival is Queensland's most prestigious cultural events attracting an excess of 200,000 visitors, now recognized as the largest annual Buddhist Birth Day Festival in the world. The festival showcases the diversity of Australia's multicultural society, while visitors enjoy a relaxed environment surrounded by a range of displays, entertained by a variety of performances and experience many cultural customs and activities and vegetarian food. A festival meant for everyone, regardless of ages, religious or cultural backgrounds this festival is held every year at The Southbank Parklands, South Brisbane, Queensland.
Cruises from Brisbane
Cruise Agency organise memorable cruises from Brisbane ranging from 3-7 days long. For something extra special you can choose trips that take in various South Pacific countries including Vanuatu, Fiji, and New Caledonia.
