Verdict

In Honolulu, May has a distinct spring feel. As the season moves along, the weather is warming up. You can usually expect a warm month that feels variable day to day. Breezes can be part of the character, especially in exposed spots.

It suits travellers who want straightforward weather for sightseeing and day trips. Sun exposure can add up quickly around the middle of the day.

Avg High
Avg Low
Rain
Daylight
13h
What to expect
  • Temperature feel - Pleasant warmth with little swing from morning to evening. Direct sun can push it into “hotter than expected” territory.
  • Rain pattern - Changeable skies. Showers tend to come in pulses rather than lingering. Rain can be part of the daily rhythm.
  • Midday sun - Midday sun is intense. You can burn surprisingly quickly, so sun protection is strongly recommended. Shade breaks feel genuinely worthwhile.
  • Exposure - A steady breeze, and gusts can make exposed walks feel cooler and more blustery. A light outer layer helps when you’re in the shade.
May in context

How it compares to the rest of the year in Honolulu.

Hottest (avg)
#7 / 12
Wettest (avg)
#6 / 12
Daylight Hours
#3 / 12
Windiest (avg)
#9 / 12
Highest UV
#5 / 12
Most Humid
#11 / 12

Temperature

Daytime high
Nighttime low
Feels like (avg)

Sunshine

Daylight
13.2 hours
UV index (max)
9
Typical sun hours
05:52 – 19:02

Rain & Snow

Total
Rainy days
13
Cloud cover
47%
Snowfall

Humidity & Wind

Humidity (avg)
72%
Wind (avg)
Wind (max gusts)

Frequently asked questions

Is May a good time to visit Honolulu?

Typical May days in Honolulu reach highs of 26°C (79°F) with nights around 22°C (72°F). It usually feels warm by day and warm after dark. Overall, May sits in the middle of the Honolulu climate range.

What are temperatures like in May?

In May, you can usually expect highs of 26°C (79°F) and lows near 22°C (72°F). That means warm days and warm nights, so pack layers you can add or remove.

How much does it rain in May?

Rainfall in May averages 33 mm (1.3 in) across roughly 13 days. Overall it is a quite rainy time of year, so a light rain jacket and waterproof shoes are very handy.

How many hours of daylight are there in May?

You can expect about 13 hours of daylight in May. Sunrise is typically around 05:52 and sunset near 19:02. You get long days with comfortable amounts of daylight.

How strong is the sun in May?

UV levels frequently reach very high levels (around 9), so strong sun protection is essential, especially around midday.

Is it windy in May?

In May, average wind speeds are around 16 km/h (10 mph), with gusts on the windiest days reaching about 58 km/h (36 mph). On the ground, it is it can feel quite windy at times, particularly when weather systems move through.

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