New South Wales
Northern Territory
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia
North Island
South Island

What to expect from Sydney in May

Lucy Pascual
May 17, 2024
the rocks sydney

Sydney in May is sublime, with cooler temperatures ranging from 12°c to 21°c and a cosy autumn vibe. The cool, refreshing air and clear skies make this month a great time to explore some of the city’s most iconic landmarks for some gorgeous views or to learn about the city's cultural heritage.

Sydney’s Icons

If you’re visiting Sydney in May, you absolutely have to explore the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. The Opera House – with its famous white sails and the blue harbour sparkling behind it – is so much more than just an iconic building. It’s an artistic and cultural wonder and May’s mild weather is perfect for a guided tour of this architectural marvel.

Opera House tours – like the one available with the awesome Go City Sydney Attraction Pass – give you a behind-the-scenes look at the history and design of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

As you walk through the beautiful halls and theatres, the knowledgeable and friendly guides will share fascinating stories about its construction and many famous performances. You’ll also get the opportunity to see areas that are usually off-limits to the public, which makes the tour more exciting than a self-guided visit.

Another must-do activity during May in Sydney is the Harbour Bridge climb. The cooler temperatures make it comfortable to climb the iconic arches of Australia’s most famous bridge for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. The climb is guided, safe and suitable for anyone with a moderate level of fitness.

For those who prefer to stay closer to the ground, a Sydney Harbour cruise tour is a nice, relaxing way to enjoy the views. As you sail, you'll see the Opera House, the sparkling harbour and the bustling city banks, all framed by the bridge’s iconic steel structure.

Vivid Sydney

For maximum views, a harbour cruise during Vivid Sydney (which starts this month and runs into June) is an awe-inspiring way to see the city’s main attractions and many other buildings bathed in a colourful display of 2D and 3D lights. Vivid also brightens up the city with art installations, live music, street performances and amazing foods. Visit our Things to Do in Sydney page for more activities.

Travelling during another month? Check out what to expect from Sydney in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.

AUTHOR PROFILE
Lucy Pascual
Lucy is a true-blue Aussie living in Far North Queensland. When she's not writing, she spends her time travelling to Australia's top destinations, aiming to see as much of the country as possible so she can share its best locations with her readers.

Related Posts

Cairns in July Dreamtime dive and snorkel tour

What to expect from Cairns in July

Cairns in July is an ideal time to visit if you’re not a fan of the scorching Far North QLD heat that’s present in the warmer months. This middle-of-winter month is part of the dry season, giving you some of the best weather conditions for all those outdoor adventures and explorations. With minimum rainfall and […]

Uluru from a distance

What to expect from Uluru in July

July in Uluru gives you delightfully mild temperatures and clear blue skies, with temps ranging from 4°c to 20°c creating the most stunning conditions. It’s an ideal time to explore the landscape of this iconic desert location and the spectacular views and uniqueness of Uluru and its surrounding landmarks will leave you in total awe. […]

darling harbour sydney dine outside

What to expect from Sydney in June

Sydney in June means winter is coming, but the city still has pleasant temperatures from 10°c to 18°c. The cooler weather mixed with warm indoor spaces makes it a wonderful time to explore the historic heart of the city, such as The Rocks. Check out Sydney’s colonial past through its beautiful cobblestone streets, historic buildings […]

A visitor floating in the rock pool at Buley Rockhole

5 Must-Visit Hidden Gems in the Northern Territory

The Northern Territory of Australia is renowned for its vast landscapes, iconic landmarks, and rich cultural heritage. On top of hosting famous destinations like Uluru and Darwin, this incredible territory also has a vast treasure trove of hidden gems just waiting to be explored.    Take a look through our top five must-visit hidden gems […]

Cairns in June - Cairns waterfalls

What to expect from Cairns in June

Cairns in June has glorious mild conditions and dry weather, with temps ranging from 18°c to 26°c. With its minimal rainfall and low humidity, June is such a good month for hiking and exploring the beautiful National Parks around Cairns, particularly the Atherton Tablelands. Ideal Weather for Hiking If you’re hoping to breathe in the […]

Moreton Island Day Trip: Get Wrecked Tour 

Located off the coast of Brisbane, Moreton Island is the third-largest sand island in the world (after K’gari/Fraser Island and North Stradbroke Island) and is a must-visit when exploring Southeast Queensland.  So, what’s so great about Moreton Island? For starters, it’s most known for its Tangalooma Wrecks - 15 shipwrecks laying 20 metres off the […]

Social Media

Accepted Payments

Members of

chevron-down