Last updated: August 31, 2025
Experience the vibrant May weather in Nuku'alofa, Tonga, where the landscape flourishes under an average temperature of 25°C (76°F). This picturesque month sees maximum highs reaching 27°C (81°F) and comfortable lows of 21°C (70°F), perfect for exploring the island's natural beauty. However, visitors should be prepared for ample rainfall, with 196 mm (7.7 in) of precipitation over 14 days, making for a refreshingly lush atmosphere. With humidity levels at 81%, the air feels tropical, inviting you to bask in the rich culture and stunning scenery that Tonga has to offer.
In May, Nuku'alofa, Tonga experiences a delightful shift in temperatures, marking the onset of cooler, yet still pleasant, weather. The minimum temperature drops to a comfortable 21°C (70°F), while average temperatures hover around 25°C (76°F), creating an inviting atmosphere for outdoor activities. As the month progresses, daytime highs reach a maximum of 27°C (81°F), slightly lower than the preceding months but still warm enough to enjoy the island's stunning beaches and lush landscapes. This transition towards cooler conditions heralds the approach of winter, making May an ideal time for travelers to relish the beauty of Tonga with temperate weather and fewer crowds.
In May, Nuku'alofa experiences a noticeable dip in precipitation, with 196 mm (7.7 in) of rainfall spread across 14 days. This marks a decline from the preceding months of April and March, showcasing a trend towards drier conditions as the wet season transitions. The rainfall in May, while still significant, paves the way for the approaching winter months, characterized by even lower precipitation levels in June and July. As the landscape gradually absorbs the diminishing showers, May stands out not just for its reduced rainfall, but also as a pivotal month indicating Nuku'alofa's shift towards a cooler, drier season.
In May, Nuku'alofa experiences a slight dip in humidity, averaging 81%, which is consistent with the gradually declining trend observed from the peak levels of 83% in January. This month marks a transitional phase towards the drier winter months, as humidity falls slightly compared to April's 82%. While still comfortably high, May's humidity indicates a gentle easing, setting the stage for the cooler, more refreshing conditions that await in June. Thus, May stands out as a bridge between the sultry summer months and the more moderate climate, making it an ideal time to enjoy Nuku'alofa's vibrant landscapes.
In Nuku'alofa, Tonga, the UV Index trends sharply downward from the beginning of the year, displaying a gradual decline as the seasons change. January kicks off with an extreme UV Index of 16, requiring just 10 minutes of exposure before sunburn occurs. This intensity remains until April, where it drops to 11. By May, the index falls to 9, categorizing the sun exposure as very high and allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. This trend continues into the summer months, with July and August maintaining a very high index yet providing consistent burn times, while the UV intensity increases again by autumn. Always stay informed about these levels to protect your skin! For more detailed information, visit the Nuku'alofa UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
As May unfolds in Nuku'alofa, Tonga, the days continue to bask in a generous 242 hours of sunshine, maintaining a trend of bright and inviting weather that began earlier in the year. Following a notably sunny February and a steady March, April experienced a slight drop in hours before May displayed a comforting balance of warmth and light. This pattern hints at an overall trend where the first half of the year boasts robust sunshine hours, culminating in a spectacular November and December that promise an impressive return to brighter skies with 302 and 313 hours respectively. Each month builds anticipation for the long, sun-drenched days of summer, making May not just a bridge but a vibrant highlight of the sunny season in Tonga.
In Nuku'alofa, Tonga, the month of May sees a 30% chance of sunny weather, reflecting a notable shift from the increasingly sunny conditions of the preceding months. While sun exposure begins to ramp up in April, reaching 39%, May's sunshine likelihood appears to stabilize. Following this, the chances of clear skies climb gradually, peaking in July at 45%. This trend illustrates the transition towards the mid-year months, where sunshine becomes more prevalent, inviting residents and visitors alike to enjoy the beauty of Tonga's warm climate as summer approaches.
In Nuku'alofa, Tonga, daylight duration experiences a fascinating ebb and flow throughout the year. Beginning with an abundance of 13 hours in January, the days gradually shorten, hitting a low of 10 hours in both June and July. As spring approaches, daylight begins to rekindle, returning to 11 hours in April and May, before transitioning back to 12 hours by October. Interestingly, the year closes with a resurgence of long days, reaching back to 13 hours by December. This rhythmic cycling not only marks the changing seasons but also creates a delightful contrast between the peak floods of summer and the quieter periods of winter, inviting residents and visitors alike to revel in the tropical beauty of Tonga.
In May, Nuku'alofa experiences a noticeable uptick in wind strength, with an average speed of 8.3 m/s (19 mph), marking the highest gusts of the year. This increase follows a gradual decline from the breezier months of January to April, where average winds hovered around 6.0 to 5.0 m/s. June sees a slight drop to 7.1 m/s (16 mph), suggesting that while May kicks off a season of higher winds, the breezy conditions continue through the early winter months. Throughout the year, the winds remain dynamic, yet May stands out as a transitional month where the comforting embrace of the ocean breeze truly begins to assert its presence, inviting both residents and visitors to revel in the invigorating air.
Weather in Nuku'alofa varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Nuku'alofa, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 21°C (70°F) to a maximum of 27°C (81°F), with an average of 25°C (76°F). The month experiences a total of 196 mm (7.7 in) of precipitation over approximately 14 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 81%. In contrast, January is slightly warmer with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 24°C (75°F) to a maximum of 28°C (83°F), averaging 26°C (79°F). However, it is also wetter, receiving a total of 235 mm (9.2 in) of rainfall over 17 days, and maintaining a humidity level of 83%. For more details on January weather, you can visit Nuku'alofa weather in January.
When comparing the weather in May and February, February tends to be slightly warmer, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 24°C (76°F) to a maximum of 28°C (83°F). In contrast, May sees lower temperatures, with averages between 21°C (70°F) and 27°C (81°F). Additionally, February experiences more rainfall, totaling 294 mm (11.6 in) over 20 days, compared to May's 196 mm (7.7 in) over 14 days. Humidity levels are fairly similar in both months, with February at 82% and May at 81%. For more details, check out Nuku'alofa weather in February.
In comparing the weather of May and March, we find some notable differences despite similar humidity levels at 81%. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 21°C (70°F) to a maximum of 27°C (81°F), with an average of 25°C (76°F). Precipitation in May totals 196 mm (7.7 in) over 14 days, indicating more dry intervals. In contrast, March experiences slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 23°C (74°F) and a maximum of 28°C (83°F), averaging 26°C (79°F). However, it sees significantly higher rainfall, totaling 300 mm (11.8 in) over 20 days, making it a wetter month overall. For a more detailed look, you can check Nuku'alofa weather in March.
In comparing the weather between May and April, we see some interesting trends. May experiences slightly lower temperatures, with an average of 25°C (76°F), compared to April's 26°C (79°F). However, despite the temperate decrease, May has a higher number of rainy days, totaling 14 as opposed to April's 16, though May's total precipitation is slightly lower at 196 mm (7.7 in) compared to April's 238 mm (9.4 in). Additionally, humidity levels remain quite similar, with May at 81% and April at 82%. For a more detailed look into April weather, you can check Nuku'alofa weather in April.
In comparing the weather of May and June, we see some notable differences. May experiences slightly higher temperatures, with averages around 25°C (76°F) and a maximum of 27°C (81°F), while June sees a decrease with average temperatures of 24°C (75°F) and a maximum of 26°C (79°F). Additionally, May is characterized by higher precipitation, with 196 mm (7.7 in) spread over 14 days, compared to June's 101 mm (4.0 in) over just 11 days. Furthermore, humidity levels diminish from 81% in May to 74% in June, contributing to a drier and more comfortable atmosphere as the month progresses. For more detailed weather information, check out Nuku'alofa weather in June.
In May, the weather tends to be warmer with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 21°C (70°F) to a maximum of 27°C (81°F), and an average of 25°C (76°F). However, it experiences higher precipitation levels, with 196 mm (7.7 in) of rain over 14 days and a humidity level of 81%. In contrast, July offers slightly cooler conditions with temperatures ranging from 20°C (68°F) to a maximum of 25°C (78°F), averaging at 23°C (73°F). It also boasts drier weather, with only 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain over 11 days and lower humidity at 76%. For a more detailed look at the weather conditions during July, you can check Nuku'alofa weather in July.
May and August present distinct weather patterns. In May, temperatures are generally warmer, with a minimum of 21°C (70°F) and average highs reaching 27°C (81°F). This month is also characterized by significant rainfall, totaling 196 mm (7.7 in) over approximately 14 days, coupled with high humidity levels at 81%. In contrast, August features slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 20°C (68°F) and a maximum of 25°C (78°F). Precipitation is substantially lower in August, at 83 mm (3.3 in) over 10 days, and the humidity is somewhat lower at 76%. For further details on August weather, you can check Nuku'alofa weather in August.
May and September weather display notable differences, primarily in temperature and precipitation. May boasts a slightly warmer climate with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 21°C (70°F) to a maximum of 27°C (81°F), while September sees cooler averages between 20°C (67°F) and 25°C (78°F). Additionally, May experiences higher precipitation, totaling 196 mm (7.7 in) over about 14 days, compared to September's 135 mm (5.3 in) across 13 days. Humidity levels are also slightly elevated in May at 81%, whereas September's humidity is around 78%. For more detailed insights, check out Nuku'alofa weather in September.
May and October in Nuku'alofa exhibit relatively mild temperatures, but there are notable differences in precipitation levels. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 21°C (70°F) to a maximum of 27°C (81°F), with an average of 25°C (76°F) and higher precipitation at 196 mm (7.7 in) over 14 days. By contrast, October features slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 20°C (68°F) and a maximum of 25°C (78°F), averaging 23°C (74°F). Additionally, October sees reduced rainfall, totaling 135 mm (5.3 in) over 13 days, while maintaining the same humidity level of 81%. For more details, you can explore Nuku'alofa weather in October.
May and November exhibit similar temperatures, with both months featuring minimums around 21°C (70°F) and maximums reaching 27°C (81-82°F). However, May tends to be wetter, with total precipitation of 196 mm (7.7 in) spread over 14 days, compared to November's 88 mm (3.5 in) across 12 days. Humidity remains high in both months, slightly favoring November at 82%. Overall, while both months are warm and humid, May is distinctly rainier than November. For more details, you can check Nuku'alofa weather in November.
In comparing the weather of May and December, both months exhibit warm temperatures, with December slightly outpacing May in terms of minimum and maximum temperatures. In May, the temperature ranges from a minimum of 21°C (70°F) to a maximum of 27°C (81°F), while December sees temperatures from a minimum of 22°C (73°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F). However, May typically experiences more rain, with 196 mm (7.7 in) of precipitation over 14 days, compared to December’s 163 mm (6.4 in) over 17 days. Humidity levels are also similar, with May at 81% and December slightly higher at 83%. For more details on December weather, visit Nuku'alofa weather in December.
As May unfolds in Nuku'alofa, the weather presents a pleasant transition with temperatures that are comfortably warm, averaging around 25°C (76°F). This month experiences a notable increase in precipitation compared to the preceding months, with frequent rain contributing to the 81% humidity. The lush surroundings thrive under these conditions, creating a vibrant atmosphere for both locals and visitors. While other months may bring higher temperatures or less rain, May strikes a balance that cultivates the beauty of Tonga’s landscape. To explore more about the weather in Nuku'alofa, visit Nuku'alofa Climate.