May sees Sydney fast marching toward winter, which begins next month. The days are shorter, temperatures begin to drop, and it’s unlikely you will be swimming outdoors this month.
Visiting in May can be great value for money with accommodation prices low for all but the last week of the month when they begin to rise with events like Vivid beginning.
Generally, this is a lovely time of year for walking so check our some of our most popular including The Rocks self-guided walk and Cremorne Point on the lower north shore of Sydney Harbour.
Average Temperatures: 19.8 – 11.8 °C 54-67 °F
While each year varies the last May saw only one day of rain.
New events and updated content are added to these pages as it becomes available.
Contents
Major Annual Events
- Sydney Writers Festival
- Mothers Day Classic
- Mind, Body, Spirit Festival
Sport and Outdoors
The Mother’s Day Classic
Celebrate Mothers Day and raise funds for breast cancer research. Choose from a 4km walk, 4km run, 7km walk, 8km run.
Where: This year there is a variety of starting points. Check the official site for more details.
When: Mothers Day
Festivals and Community Events
Mind, Body, Spirit Festival
Food and Wine events
Taste of the Beaches
For 32 years the Taste of Manly has been feeding Sydneysiders the best of their local restaurants and cafes teamed up with live music across six stages. This year things are a little different with the Taste of the Beaches
Check the full guide here.
The Arts
Curated Stories in Light
Vivid might still be a couple of months away but this exhibition at 3 point across the city is a great warm up. Three light artworks will be on display in the city, ‘Bungaree’ at Angel Place, ‘Love & Revolution’ at 47 George St and ‘Contact Trace’ at Sydney/Sydney Eye Hospital May 19-23 from sunset to 11pm.
Where: Martin Place, The Rocks, Angel Place
When: May 19-23 from sunset to 11pm.
More details on our post
Wildlife Photographer of the Year – Australian National Maritime Museum – $25
Theatre and Performance
Sydney Comedy Festival
This 3-week festival usually begins in late April and runs until mid-May. Check our April listing for more details.
Regional Events
May is a great time of year for a road trip so jump in the car and head off for a weekend escape at one of these unique events.
Narooma Oyster Festival
Narooma is the heart of Australia’s Oyster Coast, the festival has won 3 tourism awards so its well worth the drive. Live music, local art and culture, fresh produce, and the world’s best oysters!
Where: Narooma NSW
When: 30 April -1 May 2021
More details here
Australian Celtic Festival
Each year at the Australia Celtic Festival they highlight a different area. The 2020 festival will celebrate Ireland and the Isle of Man.
Where: Glen Innes NSW
When: 1-2 May 2021
More details on the official site
Mudgee Classic
Ride through the vineyards, national parks, and iconic country towns. Three events make up the event. The Maxi Classic (170km), Challenge Classic (110km) and the
Social Classic (35km)
Where: Mudgee NSW
When: 2 May 2020
More: get full details on the race here
Have you got questions about Sydney in May? Pop over to our Facebook group and we would be happy to help.
