Gold Coast in May
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May is our last Autumn month and has some great weather as well as events such as the boat show at Sanctuary Cove and music festivals in Broadbeach with the added bonus of no school holidays, it can be a great time to visit if you can.
On this page and through the links you will find everything you need to know about visiting the Gold Coast at this time of the year.
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Australian Gold Coast in May
May is the last month of Autumn and is a popular time to visit the Gold Coast for our overseas visitors.
The weather in the Gold Coast during May can be glorious. Warm during the day and often very little wind. This photo of boats on the broadwater was taken in the middle of May. A great time to be out on the water!
You can enjoy all the Gold Coast has to offer this month and usually a little quieter at the theme parks and attractions, so shorter queues! No whale watching this month though, but they'll be here by next month.
As well as the amazing weather in May there are no school holidays. Labour Day falls on the first Monday in May creating a long weekend. In addition, there are great Gold Coast events such as the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, Gold Coast Fashion Week and Blues on Broadbeach.
All GREAT excuses to make a trip the Gold Coast in May.
The boat show is a fantastic opportunity to look at the boats and accessories. Or you can just get out on or in the water with options such as kayak, snorkel, scuba, learn to surf or jet-ski or take one of the many cruise options.
And, if you are after open water the Pacific Ocean is calling just through the Gold Coast Seaway!
When you’ve finished on the water there’ll be plenty of time to check out some Blues at Broadbeach, galleries on Mount Tamborine or just chilling on one of the fabulous Gold Coast beaches!
Although the weather is turning a little cooler, it is still not cold at all. Gold Coast water theme parks can still be enjoyed at this time of the year and I find it is good time to visit our theme parks and not too crowded on weekdays.
So many great reasons to visit this month! All the information below is updated each year to keep it current. I recommend, if you haven't already, that you get a copy of my planning cheat sheets. Use the information on this page to fill them in, to help plan your holiday.
May Q & A
There's lots of information on this webpage about visiting the Gold Coast at this time of the year. However, sometimes there are questions that you are just itching to ask...
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Great To Be On Water In May.
Weather in Gold Coast in May
In the table below are averages for various weather indicators for Gold Coast in May. Click here for current weather information in Gold Coast.
| Season | Autumn |
|---|---|
| Average Temperatures | 13°C to 22°C (55°F to 72°F) |
| Possible Extreme Temperatures | 1°C to 32°C (34°F to 90°F) |
| Average Sea Temperature | 21°C (70°F) |
| Average Humidity | 72% |
| Daylight Hours Beginning of Month to End of Month Approx.Times |
Daylight Trend: Days shortening - later sunrises earlier sunsets Sunrise 6:15am - 6:30am Sunset 5:15pm - 5:00pm |
| Daylight Saving & Time Zone Information |
Qld is GMT +10 hours (Australian Eastern Standard Time AEST) Queensland DOES NOT observe daylight saving. |
| Typical Weather |
Usually a warm month with temperatures overnight getting a bit cooler as we move towards our Gold Coast winter. As the temperatures drop the humidity becomes less noticeable – perhaps just to us locals! We can still get some rain and very occasionally some storms - but not as much as the main summer months. Less rainy days in May than April, but we still have on average 10% of our annual rainfall during this month. I'd pack an umbrella or rain jacket and a light jumper or jacket for the evenings or vists to rainforest. You can still enjoy the Gold Coast and theme parks on most days when it is raining. Check out my rainy day tips. |
Public and School Holidays in May
| School
Holidays These dates are a rough guide to holidays in both NSW and Qld which have most influence on holidaying in the Gold Coast. |
None |
|---|---|
| Public Holidays |
2019 - Labour Day - Monday 6 May 2019 2020 - Labour Day - Monday 4 May 2020 |
What's On In The Gold Coast In May?
- Early May – Prime Minister's Cup – Horse Racing
- 3rd Week – Blues on Broadbeach Festival
- Late May – Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show
- Wintersun Festival at Coolangatta (moved to NSW from 2011) has been replaced by Cooly Rocks On festival in late May to early June.
More events and dates for May events on Gold Coast.
Tips for Travelers to Gold Coast in May
For Australian Visitors
Weatherwise May is a great time to visit the Gold Coast. Accommodation with air-conditioning is recommended but not essential.
Swimming pools best if heated or indoor especially if you are travelling with younger children. Great travelling opportunities this month if you don't have to stick to school holidays.
Pack clothing for warm to cool weather, and have a couple of layers handy for any cooler times or if visiting the hinterland which can be much cooler than the coastal areas. Pack a rain jacket just in case it showers, and they don't take up much room.
For Visitors from Overseas
May is a great month to visit the Gold Coast. The weather is mostly perfect!Air-conditioned accommodation in a good location is still the best pick. Some good deals to be had as not a major local tourist time. Definitely on the short list for overseas visitors!
Adults and kids of most ages can still enjoy the water fun on the Gold Coast with great ocean temperatures and fun at water parks such as Sea World Resort Water Park or Wet n Wild. Most of our visitors are coming from late Spring weather to our Autumn weather - unless you are coming from a really hot country you are not likely to find the weather cold. Gold Coast Autumn and Winters are mild.
Pack clothing for warm weather (shorts and t-shirts) and have some cool weather options. I pack layers and a light jumper or fleece for cooler times or a light jacket for evening.
You'll need warmer clothes for visits to Gold Coast rainforest areas in hinterland - such as Mt Tamborine, O'Reillys, Lamington Plateau or Springbrook National Park.
Pack a rain jacket (which doubles as an extra layer when it is cooler) or umbrella for rain showers too. Neither take up much room and it is much nicer not to get wet!
Things to do in Gold Coast in May
- Watch horse racing at Gold Coast Turf Club
- A round or two of Golf on a resort or championship course
- Enjoy Custard Apples and other tropical fruits at Tropical Fruit World
- Flowboarding at Dreamworld
- Relax and enjoy the Blues at Broadbeach
- Go on a seal adventure at Sea World
- With average sea water temperature in Gold Coast in May 21°C it is still warm enough for swimming between the flags!
- Totally Wild show at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
- Craft Shops and Galleries on Mount Tamborine
- Walks along beach
- Wine tasting, Mt Tamborine, Brisbane, islands & adventures. So much to do! You can drive yourself to many or sit back and relax someone else dealing with the details and the traffic! Choose from our selection of Gold Coast Tours.
Evening Entertainment
- Australian Outback Spectacular Dinner and Show
Dinner & Show Options For Gold Coast
Australian Outback Spectacular and Dinner & Show Options. - Jupiters Casino (now known as The Star Gold Coast) -
- Draculas Dinner & Show fabulous night if you enjoy some humour, B grade horror movies and scary stuff with dinner! Current Show: Dracula’s Cabaret on the Gold Coast Tickets: Dracula's Caberet Dinner and Show buy online now.
- Check out all the attractions of Gold Coast for more ideas....
Your Questions About Gold Coast in May?
Do You Have A Question About May In The Gold Coast.?
Ask a specific question about May in the Gold Coast, Queensland or Australia is and I will try my best to point you in the right direction.
What Other Visitors Have Asked
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Latest Deals
Here's a selection of the hot deals at the moment. For a full selection including accommodation, activities, transport, tours, packages and more check out my main selection of deals or specific theme park deals check out Theme Park Passes ...
3 days of Entry to Dreamworld, WhiteWater World and SkyPoint Observation Deck within 7 consecutive days.
Plenty of time to visit these theme parks & Surfers Paradise attraction SkyPoint Observation Deck for up to 3 full days at your leisure over the 7 days.
Use within 12 months of purchase date.
Entry to Dreamworld, WhiteWater World and SkyPoint over 3 days within 7 consecutive days from first gate entry.
Check for special bonuses.
Visit Sea World, Movie World and Wet n Wild once each over 5 consecutive days.
Big savings over single entry tickets and online prices are cheaper than at the gate.
Cheapest option for Village Theme Park Passes.
Pass valid for single entry to each of the theme parks Sea World, Movie World & Wet n Wild over 5 consecutive days.
Cheapest way for entry to 2 or more theme parks.
Pass is valid for first use within 12 months from purchase.
Spend a few hours or a whole day at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
Watch the shows. Hand feed the kangaroos. Get your photo taken with a koala. There's so much to see and do. Check out all the information about Currumbin and other activities.
TOP PICK for visitors who want to see, touch and get photos with some iconic Aussie animals.
Single Day Entry Ticket To Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Includes shows, excludes food for animals, photos with animals and other extra activities.
Follow links for all pricing including special limited time deals and family options.
Great evening of entertainment. Enjoy a story of Australian outback life showcasing horsemanship & Aussie mateship.
Watch the show whilst enjoying your 3 course dinner. Fun night with lots of great memories and a souvenir bushman's hat.
Book now for all shows.
Child, Vegetarian & Halal meal options available.
MUST SEE Dinner & Show.
You'll find lots of photographs, descriptions and information to help you dream up your perfect Gold Coast Holiday.
Why not start with all that the Gold Coast has to offer.
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You can do it yourself using the resources on this website by starting here.
Or you can cut some corners and get my travel planning sheets and extra resources.
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