Last updated: August 31, 2025
Experience the vibrant weather of Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, in May. With maximum temperatures reaching 30°C (85°F) and an average temperature of 27°C (81°F), the month promises a warm climate, perfect for outdoor adventures. However, prepare for the humidity level at a high 77% and frequent rainfall, totaling 204 mm (8.0 in) over 23 days. Whether you’re exploring the lush landscapes or soaking in the local culture, Rabaul's May weather presents a unique blend of warmth and moisture that enriches this beautiful region.
In May, Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, continues to bask in a tropical embrace, with temperatures maintaining a steady rhythm that is characteristic of the region. The month features a minimum temperature of 25°C (78°F), an average of 27°C (81°F), and a maximum of 30°C (85°F), illustrating a slight dip from the higher peaks seen earlier in the year. This consistency in warmth, along with only a marginal reduction in maximum temperatures, ensures that May remains an inviting time for visitors and locals alike. As the year progresses, these warm temperatures create a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for exploring the stunning landscapes and vibrant culture that Rabaul has to offer.
In May, Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, experiences a noticeable dip in precipitation, accumulating about 204 mm (8.0 in) over 23 days of rainfall. This reduction follows the higher rainfall totals of the preceding months, such as March, which recorded a significant 407 mm (16.0 in). While May sees less rain, it still maintains a consistent pattern of frequent showers, contributing to the lush tropical landscape of the region. As the transition into the drier months begins, this shift in precipitation signals a gradual decrease that continues into June, allowing Rabaul to breathe a little easier before the wetter season resumes later in the year.
In May, Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, experiences a humidity level of 77%, maintaining the consistent trend seen in the preceding months of April (77%) and February (77%). This stable humidity hints at the region's tropical climate, where moisture levels remain relatively high. As the year progresses, humidity begins to rise significantly, peaking in the mid-year months of July (86%) and August (89%). Thus, while May presents a comfortable transition, the impending months signal a shift toward a more humid atmosphere, characteristic of Rabaul's lush and vibrant environment.
In May, Rabaul, Papua New Guinea experiences a UV Index of 13, maintaining its classification of extreme exposure. This level indicates a consistent trend of high UV radiation throughout the year, with burn times remaining at just 10 minutes across all months from January to June. While the UV Index begins to taper slightly from the peak values seen earlier in the year—such as 17 in February and March—the risk remains significant, urging residents and visitors to take necessary precautions. As the weather warms, it’s essential to stay informed and protect your skin during outdoor activities. For a detailed look at the UV trends year-round, explore the complete data at Rabaul UV Index.
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As May graces Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, it brings an inviting 256 hours of sunshine, reflecting the region's delightful transition into the heart of the dry season. Following a consistent upward trajectory from January's 225 hours to April's 241 hours, May’s sunshine hours continue to shine brightly, paving the way for the splendid sun-filled months ahead. The sunshine in May serves as a prelude to the peak of the dry season, with June promising an impressive 265 hours. This progression not only showcases the vibrant appeal of Rabaul during this time but also entices both locals and visitors alike to embrace outdoor adventures under the warm tropical sun.
As May rolls around in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, the likelihood of sunny weather stands at 21%, a slight uptick from the preceding months of April and March. This period typically experiences a transition, with the chances of sun beginning to improve after the notably low percentages in February and March. With the approaching dry season in June, where the chance of sunnier days skyrockets to 33%, May offers a charming window for those looking to enjoy the lush tropical landscape of Rabaul while still encountering some cloud coverage. Overall, while May may not be the sunniest month, it signals a gradual shift towards brighter days ahead.
In Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, the daylight duration exhibits a subtle yet intriguing pattern throughout the year. From January to April, residents enjoy a generous 12 hours of daylight, creating a consistent atmosphere of vibrant energy as the year begins. However, as May rolls in, the daylight dips slightly to 11 hours, a trend that continues through June and July, evoking a serene calm in the midst of cooler months. This mainly stable daylight duration returns to 12 hours starting in September, marking the onset of a rejuvenated brightness that lasts until the year's end in December. Overall, Rabaul’s daylight cycle showcases the balance of light and shadow, reflecting the enchanting rhythm of tropical life.
In Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, the winds of May begin to cradle the region with a gentle average speed of 2.9 m/s (6 mph). This marks a slight increase from the calmer conditions of the previous months, contributing to a fresh and invigorating atmosphere ideal for outdoor activities. As the month transitions into the drier season, winds gradually strengthen, setting the stage for a noticeable uptick in speed through the upcoming months of June and July. This pattern highlights May as a transitional period, where the breezes begin to pick up, hinting at the more pronounced gusts that characterize Rabaul's winter months. Overall, the wind conditions in May provide a delightful blend of calmness and refreshing breezes, perfect for both locals and visitors alike.
Weather in Rabaul varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Rabaul, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
May and January present similar warm temperatures, with both months featuring a minimum of 25°C (78°F), an average of around 27°C (81°F), and a maximum reaching 30°C (86°F). However, May experiences slightly less precipitation at 204 mm (8.0 in) over 23 days, compared to January's 216 mm (8.5 in) over 21 days. Humidity levels are also quite close, with May at 77% and January slightly higher at 78%. For a more detailed look at January's climate, check out Rabaul weather in January.
In comparing the weather of May and February, both months share similar temperature ranges, with minimums at 25°C (78°F), average temperatures around 27°C (81°F), and maximums reaching 30°C (85°F in May and 86°F in February). However, February experiences significantly higher precipitation, totaling 299 mm (11.8 in) across 26 days of rainfall, compared to May's 204 mm (8.0 in) over 23 days. This results in a wetter and potentially more humid atmosphere during February, while May tends to be slightly drier despite the same humidity levels of 77%. For a more detailed look at February's weather, you can visit Rabaul weather in February.
In comparing the weather of May and March, both months see similar temperature ranges, with minimums around 25°C (78°F), average temperatures at 27°C (81°F), and maximums peaking at 30°C (85°F) in May and 30°C (86°F) in March. However, March experiences significantly higher precipitation, with 407 mm (16.0 in) over 28 days compared to May's 204 mm (8.0 in) over 23 days. Humidity levels are also comparable, with March at 78% and May slightly lower at 77%. For more details on March weather, visit Rabaul weather in March.
In comparing the weather between April and May, we observe that both months exhibit similar temperature patterns, with minimums around 25°C (77°F), averages at 27°C (81°F), and maximums peaking at 30°C (85°F) in May and 30°C (86°F) in April. However, a notable difference lies in the precipitation levels; April receives significantly more rain, totaling 336 mm (13.2 in) over 27 days, compared to May's 204 mm (8.0 in) over 23 days. Humidity remains consistent at 77% for both months. For more detailed insights on April's weather, you can refer to Rabaul weather in April.
In May, the weather is characterized by slightly higher maximum temperatures, reaching up to 30°C (85°F), while June sees a slight decrease with a maximum of 29°C (85°F). Both months have similar minimum and average temperatures, hovering around 25°C (77°F) and 27°C (81°F), respectively. However, May experiences significantly more rainfall, with 204 mm (8.0 in) over 23 days, compared to June's 119 mm (4.7 in) over 19 days. Additionally, humidity rises slightly in June to 82%, compared to May's 77%. Overall, June offers a drier and slightly cooler climate than May. For more detailed information, you can check Rabaul weather in June.
In both May and July, the temperatures in Rabaul remain consistent, with minimum temperatures at 25°C (78°F), average temperatures around 27°C (81°F), and maximums reaching 30°C (85°F). However, May experiences slightly higher precipitation levels at 204 mm (8.0 in) over 23 days compared to July's 179 mm (7.1 in) over 20 days. Additionally, humidity is marginally lower in July at 86%, compared to 77% in May. For more detailed information, you can check Rabaul weather in July.
In comparing the weather between May and August, both months exhibit warm temperatures, with minimums around 25°C (78°F) and average highs of approximately 30°C (85°F) in May, and just slightly cooler temperatures in August, which peak at 29°C (85°F). Precipitation is notably high in May, totaling 204 mm (8.0 in) over 23 days, compared to August's slightly lower 191 mm (7.5 in) across 18 days. Interestingly, August also has a higher humidity level at 89%, compared to May's 77%, which can make the atmosphere feel more oppressive despite the similar average temperatures. For more detailed information on the August climate, you can check Rabaul weather in August.
May and September share similar warm temperatures, with both months having a minimum of 25°C (77°F) and an average of around 27°C (81°F). However, May experiences slightly higher maximum temperatures, reaching up to 30°C (85°F), compared to September's peak of 29°C (85°F). Precipitation levels in May are greater, with 204 mm (8.0 in) falling over 23 days, while September sees a reduction to 178 mm (7.0 in) across 19 days. Additionally, September has higher humidity, averaging 88%, compared to May's 77%. For more specific details about September weather in Rabaul, you can check this link: Rabaul weather in September.
In both May and October, temperatures remain quite consistent, with minimums around 25°C (77°F), averages at 27°C (81°F), and maximums reaching approximately 30°C (85-86°F). However, October experiences slightly less precipitation, totaling 171 mm (6.7 in) over about 22 days, compared to May's 204 mm (8.0 in) over 23 days. Humidity is also higher in October, averaging 85% compared to May's 77%, which may contribute to a more humid feel. For a detailed look at October weather, check out Rabaul weather in October.
When comparing the weather in May and November, both months showcase similar temperature ranges, with minimum temperatures around 25°C (78°F), average temperatures of 27°C (81°F), and maximum temperatures reaching approximately 30°C (85°F in May and 86°F in November). However, November tends to be slightly wetter, receiving an average of 227 mm (8.9 in) of precipitation over 24 days, compared to May's 204 mm (8.0 in) spread across 23 days. Additionally, humidity levels rise slightly in November to 81%, compared to 77% in May, which can make the month feel a bit more oppressive. For more details on November weather, check Rabaul weather in November.
In comparing the weather conditions of May and December, both months in Rabaul exhibit similar average temperatures, with minimums of 25°C (78°F) and averages around 27°C (81°F). However, December tends to be wetter, receiving significantly higher precipitation levels of 339 mm (13.3 in) over 28 days, contrasting with May's 204 mm (8.0 in) spread across 23 days. The humidity remains relatively high in both months, slightly elevated in December at 78%. For more details about December weather, you can check Rabaul weather in December.
In May, Rabaul experiences a gradual shift from the hotter months, settling into a more comfortable climate characterized by average temperatures hovering around 27°C. While it still enjoys warm days, the increased humidity and significant rainfall with over 204 mm of precipitation—spread across 23 days—make this month distinctively wet. Compared to the drier months preceding this, May's weather marks a transition that embraces both warmth and moisture, adding lushness to the surrounding landscapes. For those eager to learn more about how Rabaul's weather changes throughout the year, visit Rabaul Climate.