Lord Howe Island in May
Good time to visit
Quiet month with lovely mild weather and budget-friendly prices. The cool nights are refreshing, but pack accordingly - this isn't tropical anymore.
Weather
May brings mild autumn weather with comfortable days and genuinely cool nights. Humidity drops to its lowest levels and rain becomes infrequent. Southwest swells can make some beaches rougher.
22°C high15°C low7 rain days
Crowds & Cost
low crowds
~$260/day average
May Tips
- •Bring warm clothes for evenings - temperatures drop significantly
- •Some water activities may be limited due to swells
- •Great month for birdwatching as migratory species arrive
All Months
September through April gives you the warmest weather and calmest seas. Water temperature peaks at 24°C in February and March — perfect for extended snorkeling sessions. But this is also peak season, so book accommodation at least six months ahead.
May through August brings cooler temperatures (18-22°C) and stronger trade winds. The upside? Fewer crowds and lower accommodation rates. You can still snorkel, but you'll want a wetsuit. This is actually the best time for hiking Mount Gower since the cooler weather makes the steep climb more bearable.
Avoid visiting during school holidays if possible. Australian families flood the island during these periods, and the limited accommodation fills up fast. The island also closes to new bookings during certain conservation periods when seabirds are nesting.
Lord Howe Island Scores
Solo
6/10
Couples
9/10
Families
7/10
Adventure
8/10
Budget
2/10
Luxury
8/10
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