Where is the sea coldest in New Zealand in May?

Tahunanui Beach in New Zealand has the coldest sea in New Zealand in May, averaging about 11.0 °C. Kaiteriteri Beach (11.0 °C) and Marahau Beach are the next coolest.

How many beaches in New Zealand are warm enough to swim in May?

None of the top 25 ranked beaches in New Zealand reach 22 °C in May, so a wetsuit is recommended for anything longer than a quick dip.

How are these May sea temperatures calculated?

Each figure is a long-term monthly average sea surface temperature for that location, so it reflects a typical May rather than today's reading. Open a beach page for the live water temperature and 7-day forecast.

Seasonal ranking

Coldest sea temperature in New Zealand in May

Where the sea is coolest across New Zealand during May, ranked by long-term monthly average water temperature. Tahunanui Beach (South Island, New Zealand) is the coolest at around 11°C. Open any spot for today's live water temperature and a 7-day swim forecast.

1
Tahunanui Beach
South Island · New Zealand · Tasman Sea
Cold — wetsuit strongly recommended
11°C
May average
2
Kaiteriteri Beach
South Island · New Zealand · Tasman Sea
Cold — wetsuit strongly recommended
11°C
May average
3
Marahau Beach
South Island · New Zealand · Tasman Sea
Cold — wetsuit strongly recommended
11°C
May average
4
Totaranui Beach
South Island · New Zealand · Tasman Sea
Cold — wetsuit strongly recommended
11°C
May average
5
Wharariki Beach
South Island · New Zealand · Tasman Sea
Cold — wetsuit strongly recommended
11°C
May average
6
Sumner Beach
South Island · New Zealand · Tasman Sea
Cold — wetsuit strongly recommended
11°C
May average
7
Caroline Bay
South Island · New Zealand · Tasman Sea
Cold — wetsuit strongly recommended
11°C
May average
8
Birdlings Flat
South Island · New Zealand · Tasman Sea
Cold — wetsuit strongly recommended
11°C
May average
9
Akaroa Beach
South Island · New Zealand · Tasman Sea
Cold — wetsuit strongly recommended
11°C
May average
10
Kaka Point
South Island · New Zealand · Tasman Sea
Cold — wetsuit strongly recommended
11°C
May average
11
Curio Bay
South Island · New Zealand · Tasman Sea
Cold — wetsuit strongly recommended
11°C
May average
12
Brighton Beach Dunedin
South Island · New Zealand · Tasman Sea
Cold — wetsuit strongly recommended
11°C
May average
13
Oreti Beach
South Island · New Zealand · Tasman Sea
Cold — wetsuit strongly recommended
11°C
May average
14
Riverton Beach
South Island · New Zealand · Tasman Sea
Cold — wetsuit strongly recommended
11°C
May average
15
Kaikoura South Bay
South Island · New Zealand · Tasman Sea
Cold — wetsuit strongly recommended
11°C
May average
16
Westport North Beach
South Island · New Zealand · Tasman Sea
Cold — wetsuit strongly recommended
11°C
May average
17
Hokitika Beach
South Island · New Zealand · Tasman Sea
Cold — wetsuit strongly recommended
11°C
May average
18
Greymouth Beach
South Island · New Zealand · Tasman Sea
Cold — wetsuit strongly recommended
11°C
May average
19
Kohimarama Beach
Auckland · New Zealand · Pacific Ocean
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
15°C
May average
20
Red Beach
Auckland · New Zealand · Pacific Ocean
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
15°C
May average
21
Waiheke Onetangi
Auckland · New Zealand · Pacific Ocean
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
15°C
May average
22
Cooks Beach
Coromandel · New Zealand · Pacific Ocean
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
15°C
May average
23
Onemana Beach
Coromandel · New Zealand · Pacific Ocean
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
15°C
May average
24
Opoutere Beach
Coromandel · New Zealand · Pacific Ocean
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
15°C
May average
25
Pauanui Beach
Coromandel · New Zealand · Pacific Ocean
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
15°C
May average

Coldest sea in May elsewhere

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New Zealand in May — frequently asked questions

Where is the sea coldest in New Zealand in May?: Tahunanui Beach in New Zealand has the coldest sea in New Zealand in May, averaging about 11.0 °C. Kaiteriteri Beach (11.0 °C) and Marahau Beach are the next coolest.
How many beaches in New Zealand are warm enough to swim in May?: None of the top 25 ranked beaches in New Zealand reach 22 °C in May, so a wetsuit is recommended for anything longer than a quick dip.
How are these May sea temperatures calculated?: Each figure is a long-term monthly average sea surface temperature for that location, so it reflects a typical May rather than today's reading. Open a beach page for the live water temperature and 7-day forecast.

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