Honolulu Weather in May
United States · Tropical climate · Data averaged from 2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31 (5 years)
May in Honolulu sees average temperatures ranging from a low of 21.7°C (71.1°F) to a high of 26.9°C (80.4°F), with a mean of 23.9°C (75.0°F). Compared to the annual average of 24.1°C (75.4°F), this month is 0.2°C cooler than the yearly norm. Precipitation averages 57.1mm, making it approximately 18.0mm wetter than the monthly average of 39.0mm. The city receives an average of 12.1 hours of sunshine per day during May, with relative humidity averaging 71.8%. Wind speeds reach an average maximum of 22.6 km/h. For travelers, this month offers a temperature experience in Honolulu, with wetter-than-average conditions compared to the rest of the year.
Honolulu sounds like a year-round summer, but the rain patterns matter. I packed for beaches in November and got three wet days — the windward side gets 4x the rain of Waikiki. The sweet spot is April-May: 26°C, low rain, fewer tourists. December-March brings the big surf and whale season, plus occasional showers. Pack reef-safe sunscreen (mandatory by law), rash guard for snorkeling, and a light rain shell for windward trips. Summer (June-August) is hotter and more humid but trade winds keep it manageable. Skip spring break crowds in March — Waikiki gets packed.
May vs Adjacent Months
| Metric | April | May | June |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Temp | 23.1°C (73.6°F) | 23.9°C (75.0°F) | 25.0°C (77.0°F) |
| Rainfall | 49.7mm | 57.1mm | 16.3mm |
| Sunshine | 11.5 hrs | 12.1 hrs | 12.9 hrs |
| Humidity | 73.2% | 71.8% | 69.7% |
| Wind | 23.1 km/h | 22.6 km/h | 24.1 km/h |
| Rainy Days | 23.2 | 20.0 | 17.0 |
Seasonal Context
May falls in Spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Spring is a transitional season with temperatures rising from winter lows. For travelers visiting Honolulu in May, the data indicates favorable conditions based on the combination of temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average temperature in Honolulu in May?
The average temperature in Honolulu during May ranges from 21.7°C (71.1°F) to 26.9°C (80.4°F), with a mean of 23.9°C (75.0°F).
How much does it rain in Honolulu in May?
Honolulu receives an average of 57.1mm of precipitation in May, spread across approximately 20.0 rainy days.
What should I pack for Honolulu in May?
Based on May weather data, pack layers including light jackets and t-shirts, plus an umbrella.
Is May a good time to visit Honolulu?
May is a good time to visit Honolulu, with comfortable temperatures and manageable rainfall.
Other Months for Honolulu
Cities with Similar May Climate (Tropical)
Data Source: Open-Meteo historical archive (2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31). Daily measurements aggregated into monthly climate normals. Coordinates: 21.31°, -157.86°. Timezone: Pacific/Honolulu. Last updated: 2026-07-30.