May sees Sydney fast marching toward winter, which begins next month. the days are shorter, the 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
- Vivid Sydney
- Sydney Writers Festival
- Mothers Day Classic
Vivid Sydney
Vivid Sydney which sees the Sydney Opera House and other prominent Sydney buildings bathed in light begins at the end of this month. The Rocks, The Harbour and several historic buildings feature in this event. Check out our tips for enjoying your visit to Vivid Sydney.
Where: Circular Quay, The Rocks, Botanic Gardens and more.
When: 22 May – 13 June 2020
More details on our post
Sport and Outdoors
The Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon
Celebrate Mothers Day and raise funds for breast cancer research. Choose from a 4km walk, 4km run, 7km walk, 8km run.
Where: The Domain, Art Gallery Road, Sydney
When: Mothers Day
More details
Food and Wine events
Taste of Manly
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.
Dates for 2020 are not yet published and usually held on the last week in May
Taste of Orange
This festival at Watsons Bay brings some of the states best regional producers front and centre at Sydney Harbour making it easier than ever to support our local farmers.
Details not yet available for 2020 yet.
The Arts
Sydney Writers’ Festival
The Sydney Writers Festival bills itself as “Australia’s biggest celebration of writing and ideas”. With over 300 events during the festival, there is sure to be something to please every reader.
Where: Walsh Bay and various other locations
When: 27 April – 3 May 2020
More on the official site – program released in March 2020
Head On Photo Festival
The Head On Festival aims to showcase the work of photo artists at all stages of their careers. Along with several exhibitions top of international and Australian photographers, the festival features awards in Portrait, Landscape and Mobile photography and numerous workshops.
Where: Across Sydney
When: 1-20 May 2020
More details on the official site
Theatre and Performance
Sydney Comedy Festival
This 3-week festival usually begins 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.
SurfLife Gerringong Surf and Music Festival
A weekend of music, surfing, cars and food in one of the prettiest beach spots on the south coast. SurfLife features over 12 hours of live music, stories from surfing legends, a classic surf car showcase and lots more.
Where: Gerringong Town Hall and Werri Beach Reserve Gerringong
When: 1-2 May 2020
More details on the official site
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: 1-2 May 2020
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: 30 April 2020 to 3 May 2020
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: 3 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.
