Honolulu in May
In May, Honolulu averages 29°C (84°F) during the day and 21°C (70°F) at night, with around 6 days of rain (20 mm total).
Peak seasonConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.
May is a great month to visit Honolulu: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Honolulu
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Honolulu (6th of 12) and one of the driest months (12th of 12). Daytime temperature matches the city's annual average. May runs 1°C warmer than April (28°C) and warms a further 1°C into June (30°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Honolulu
Times shown for Honolulu local time (Pacific/Honolulu), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Honolulu — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Honolulu's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Honolulu in May
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on May's tier (Peak season) and Honolulu's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Honolulu
Honolulu is in peak season during this month — expect bigger crowds at famous sights, higher hotel and flight prices, and longer queues. Restaurant reservations a few days out are advisable, and any boutique hotels you have your eye on should be booked weeks ahead. The trade-off: most attractions, restaurants, and seasonal services are fully open, the weather is at its most reliable, and the city feels at its most alive.
Why this tier: excellent tourism weather beach-season conditions
Sun & mosquito risk — May in Honolulu
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Sea temperature in Honolulu — May
Across the year Honolulu's sea swings from 24.4°C (March) to 27°C (September) — May sits at 25°C.
Honolulu in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 27°C / 81°F | 18°C / 64°F | 75 mm | 9 | — |
| February | 27°C / 81°F | 19°C / 66°F | 55 mm | 8 | — |
| March | 27°C / 81°F | 19°C / 66°F | 45 mm | 8 | — |
| April | 28°C / 82°F | 20°C / 68°F | 20 mm | 8 | — |
| May | 29°C / 84°F | 21°C / 70°F | 20 mm | 6 | — |
| June | 30°C / 86°F | 22°C / 72°F | 10 mm | 7 | — |
| July | 31°C / 88°F | 23°C / 73°F | 10 mm | 8 | — |
| August | 31°C / 88°F | 23°C / 73°F | 15 mm | 8 | — |
| September | 31°C / 88°F | 23°C / 73°F | 15 mm | 8 | — |
| October | 30°C / 86°F | 22°C / 72°F | 55 mm | 9 | — |
| November | 29°C / 84°F | 21°C / 70°F | 75 mm | 10 | — |
| December | 28°C / 82°F | 20°C / 68°F | 85 mm | 10 | — |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Honolulu in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Honolulu in May?
In May, Honolulu averages a high of 29°C (84°F) and a low of 21°C (70°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Honolulu in May?
May sees occasional rain in Honolulu, with about 6 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Honolulu?
May is warm. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Honolulu in May?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen. See the full May packing list for Honolulu for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.