May Weather in Honolulu, United States

Last updated: February 24, 2025

In May, Honolulu experiences a delightful blend of warm temperatures and refreshing ocean breezes. The maximum temperature reaches 27°C (80°F), while the average remains a comfortable 24°C (76°F), making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. Nights are pleasantly cool with a minimum of 19°C (66°F). Although the month sees 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain spread over 4 days, the lush surroundings thrive, adding to the island's vibrant beauty. With humidity levels at a balmy 82%, May invites both residents and visitors to revel in the tropical charm of this stunning destination.

May Temperature in Honolulu

In May, Honolulu experiences a delightful transition into warmer weather, with temperatures that reflect the onset of summer. The minimum temperature hovers around a comfortable 19°C (66°F), while the average climbs to a pleasant 24°C (76°F), aligning perfectly with the island's inviting charm. Notably, the maximum temperature reaches up to 27°C (80°F), offering the perfect backdrop for beach outings and outdoor adventures. This month marks a subtle shift from the milder conditions of April, as both nighttime lows and daytime highs show a gentle upward trend. As Honolulu embraces May, residents and visitors alike can revel in the balmy atmosphere, anticipating the warmer months ahead.

May Weather in Honolulu: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates May temperature patterns in Honolulu, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec747373747577787979787775
Data source: Temperature data for Honolulu generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

May Precipitation in Honolulu

In May, Honolulu experiences a modest precipitation of 23 mm (0.9 in) across just 4 days, signaling a transition into the drier months. This amount is notably lower compared to the preceding months of February and March, which see much higher rain totals of 60 mm and 66 mm, respectively. The shift from April's 30 mm indicates a gradual decrease towards the summer months, where rainfall typically dwindles further. As May concludes, the island anticipates drier days ahead, with June projected to bring a slight uptick to 27 mm (1.1 in) but still remaining relatively low. This trend suggests that while May showcases a brief period of rainy weather, the overall pattern points towards increased sunshine and reduced precipitation as Honolulu heads into the summer season.

May Precipitation Trends in Honolulu

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Honolulu, with values for each month alongside May's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the amount of precipitation, providing insights into how May's conditions compare to those of other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec166066302327131519452563
Data source: Precipitation data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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May Humidity in Honolulu

As May rolls into Honolulu, the city's humidity reaches 82%, marking the start of a trend that sees the island’s moisture levels gradually rising throughout the late spring and into summer. Following April's slight uptick to 81%, May's humidity is indicative of the warming temperatures and lush, tropical ambience that characterize this Hawaiian paradise. The months that follow, particularly June and July, witness an even higher humidity of 82% and 83%, respectively, suggesting a definite shift towards a more humid summer climate. This consistent level of humidity not only shapes the island's vibrant ecosystems but also enhances the overall experience of visitors and locals alike, enveloping them in the lush, tropical embrace of Hawaii.

May Average Humidity in Honolulu

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Honolulu, with May's data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, allowing you to see how May's humidity levels compare to other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec78%79%78%81%82%82%83%83%82%81%80%79%
Data source: Humidity data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

May UV Index in Honolulu

May in Honolulu sees an extreme UV Index of 12, matching the earlier months of April and showcasing a notable trend of rising UV levels from January through June. With a burn time of just 10 minutes, this indicates that sun protection is essential for outdoor activities. As spring transitions into summer, the sun's intensity remains high, urging residents and visitors to be vigilant against skin damage. This consistent pattern underscores the importance of being prepared for the sun's rays throughout the year. For more detailed insights, visit Honolulu UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Honolulu for May

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Honolulu in May, representing the highest UV radiation level. The UVI measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, indicating the potential risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec810111212131313121188
Data source: Honolulu May UVI data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

May Sunshine in Honolulu

May in Honolulu heralds the arrival of longer, sun-filled days, with an impressive 337 hours of sunshine illuminating the city. This delightful month marks a notable peak in bright days, building on a steady increase from 223 hours in January to 310 hours in April. As summer approaches, June and July continue the trend, reaching a peak of 350 hours in July, showcasing Honolulu's charm as a prime destination for sun seekers. With this consistent upward trajectory, May not only encapsulates the essence of Hawaii's tropical allure but also sets the stage for the vibrant summer ahead.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Honolulu: May Highlighted

The May sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Honolulu experiences direct sunlight during the month of May, excluding cloudy or obstructed periods. This chart compares the sunshine duration of May with the other months of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec223h252h289h310h337h339h350h339h319h302h275h260h
Data source: Honolulu May Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Honolulu During May

As we transition into May, the chance of sunny weather in Honolulu sees a notable increase, reaching 73%—one of the highest probabilities of the year. This upward trend is part of a general pattern where sunshine is prominent in the late spring and summer months. While April's sunny disposition sits at 64%, it gives way to a glorious May, suggesting that residents and visitors alike can look forward to more bright days. Although August and September post even higher chances at 74% and 70%, respectively, May distinctly marks the beginning of a sunny streak. Therefore, if you're planning a trip or outdoor activities, May's delightful weather is particularly inviting!

Percentage of Sunny Days in May in Honolulu

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Honolulu throughout the year, with May highlighted. It highlights the variation in sunshine across each month and provides an overview of the typical frequency of sunny days, offering insights into how often Honolulu experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec60%64%53%64%73%69%61%74%70%69%64%41%
Data source: Honolulu May chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Honolulu in May

In Honolulu, United States, May ushers in a delightful extension of daylight, showcasing 13 hours of sunshine. This marks a steady increase from the 10 hours experienced in January and a gradual climb through the spring months, reaching 12 hours in March and April. As the days grow longer, May signals the peak of daylight duration, offering ample time for outdoor adventures and beach activities. Following May, daylight remains consistent at 13 hours through June and July before gradually tapering off in the late summer and fall months. This gradual shift underscores a rhythmic cycle of light and warmth, inviting residents and visitors alike to enjoy the vibrant Hawaiian landscape as daylight transitions through the seasons.

Average Daylight Hours in Honolulu for May

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Honolulu throughout the year, with May highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec10h 59m11h 26m12h 2m12h 38m13h 9m13h 23m13h 15m12h 48m12h 13m11h 37m11h 6m10h 50m
Data source: Honolulu daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

May Winds in Honolulu

In May, Honolulu enjoys a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 6.9 m/s (15 mph), contributing to the island's pleasant climate. As we transition from spring to summer, the winds show a slight uptick compared to April's calmer 6.3 m/s (14 mph). This trend of fluctuating winds becomes more apparent as the summer months approach, with wind speeds rising significantly in July to 8.7 m/s (19 mph). Interestingly, the overall pattern reveals that while May's winds are moderate, they often pave the way for the stronger gusts of the coming summer, adding a dynamic element to Honolulu's coastal charm. With such breezy conditions, May becomes a delightful time for outdoor activities, making the most of both the refreshing winds and the island's stunning scenery.

Average May Wind Speed in Honolulu

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Honolulu, with values for each month shown alongside May's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It illustrates the average wind speed, offering insights into how May's wind conditions compare to the rest of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec7.36.67.36.36.9 m/s6.88.77.37.78.05.17.5
Data source: Honolulu May wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How May Weather in Honolulu Compares to Other Months

The weather in Honolulu changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of May's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Honolulu and find detailed weather information for every month.

In May, the weather in Honolulu sees slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 19°C (66°F) and an average of 24°C (76°F), peaking at 27°C (80°F). The month experiences a bit more humidity at 82% and slightly higher precipitation with 23 mm (0.9 in) over four days. In contrast, January tends to be a bit cooler, with minimum temperatures around 20°C (69°F), an average of 23°C (74°F), and a maximum of 25°C (78°F). Additionally, January has lower precipitation levels at 16 mm (0.6 in) over the same number of days, and a slightly lower humidity of 78%. For more details on the weather specifics during January, you can check Honolulu weather in January.

When comparing the weather in May and February, May typically enjoys warmer temperatures, with average highs reaching 27°C (80°F), while February's average max is slightly lower at 25°C (77°F). Additionally, May experiences less precipitation, averaging only 23 mm (0.9 in) over about 4 days, compared to February, which receives significantly more at 60 mm (2.4 in) across approximately 9 days. Humidity levels are relatively similar, with May at 82% and February at 79%. For more detailed information about February's climate, you can check out Honolulu weather in February.

In comparing the weather of May and March, it is evident that both months have similar minimum temperatures, with March averaging slightly cooler. May typically offers warmer average and maximum temperatures, making it more pleasant for outdoor activities. Precipitation in March is significantly higher, with 66 mm occurring over 9 days, compared to May's 23 mm over just 4 days, resulting in a drier and sunnier May. Additionally, humidity remains relatively high in both months, but slightly favors May with 82% compared to March's 78%. For more detailed information, you can check Honolulu weather in March.

In comparing the weather of April and May, we see some notable differences. May tends to be slightly warmer, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 19°C (66°F) to a maximum of 27°C (80°F), while April's temperatures are a bit cooler, with a minimum of 20°C (69°F) and a maximum of 25°C (78°F). Precipitation is lower in May, totaling 23 mm (0.9 in) over 4 days, compared to April’s 30 mm (1.2 in) over 6 days. Additionally, both months maintain similar humidity levels, with May at 82% and April at 81%. For a more detailed look at April's specific weather patterns, you can visit Honolulu weather in April.

May and June share similarities in temperature and humidity, but June tends to be slightly warmer. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 19°C (66°F) to a maximum of 27°C (80°F), with an average of 24°C (76°F). Conversely, June features a higher minimum temperature of 23°C (74°F) while maintaining a similar maximum of 27°C (81°F) and an average of 25°C (78°F). The precipitation increases slightly in June to 27 mm (1.1 in) over 3 days, compared to May's 23 mm (0.9 in) over 4 days. Despite these differences, both months experience a consistent humidity level of 82%. For more detailed information on June weather, you can refer to Honolulu weather in June.

In comparing the weather between May and July, we see a noticeable difference in temperature and precipitation. May tends to have slightly cooler temperatures, with an average of 24°C (76°F), while July is warmer, averaging 26°C (79°F), and the minimum temperature rises to 23°C (74°F). Although July is warmer, it has less precipitation, recording only 13 mm (0.5 in) over 2 days, whereas May sees 23 mm (0.9 in) over 4 days. Humidity remains quite similar, with May at 82% and July slightly higher at 83%. For more detailed information, check out Honolulu weather in July.

May and August exhibit distinct weather patterns, with May generally marking the transition into the warmer months. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 19°C (66°F) to a maximum of 27°C (80°F), with an average of 24°C (76°F). The month sees about 23 mm (0.9 in) of precipitation over approximately 4 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 82%.

In contrast, August is noticeably warmer, featuring a minimum temperature of 24°C (76°F) and a maximum of 28°C (83°F), with an average temperature of 26°C (79°F). It experiences less rainfall, totaling 15 mm (0.6 in) over just 2 days, while humidity slightly rises to 83%. For more detailed insights about the weather during this month, you can visit Honolulu weather in August.

May and September both feature warm temperatures and high humidity levels, making them quite similar in feel. In May, the temperatures range from a minimum of 19°C (66°F) to a maximum of 27°C (80°F), with an average of 24°C (76°F). In contrast, September offers slightly warmer temps, with a minimum of 23°C (75°F) and a maximum of 28°C (83°F), averaging 26°C (79°F). While May receives a bit more rainfall (23 mm or 0.9 in), September is slightly drier with only 19 mm (0.7 in) of precipitation. Both months tend to see about four days of rain, maintaining the same humidity level of 82%. For a closer look at September weather specifically, you can check out Honolulu weather in September.

May and October in Honolulu present warm and inviting weather, but with some notable differences. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 19°C (66°F) to a maximum of 27°C (80°F), with an average temperature of 24°C (76°F). The month sees relatively low precipitation at 23 mm (0.9 in) over just 4 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 82%. In contrast, October enjoys slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 23°C (73°F) and a maximum of 28°C (82°F), averaging 26°C (79°F). However, it experiences more rainfall, totaling 45 mm (1.8 in) across 7 days, while maintaining a similar humidity level of 81%. For more details on October's weather specifics, you can check Honolulu weather in October.

In May, the weather is characterized by warm temperatures, with a minimum of 19°C (66°F) and an average of 24°C (76°F), peaking at 27°C (80°F). The month experiences light rainfall, totaling 23 mm (0.9 in) over about four days, complemented by a relatively high humidity of 82%. In contrast, November sees slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 21°C (70°F) and an average of 25°C (77°F), also reaching a maximum of 27°C (82°F). Rainfall increases to 25 mm (1.0 in), spread over six days, while humidity remains similar at 80%. For a closer look at the specific weather patterns in November, you can check out Honolulu weather in November.

In comparing the weather of May and December, both months feature similar average temperatures, with May slightly warmer, boasting a minimum of 19°C (66°F) and a maximum of 27°C (80°F) compared to December's minimum of 20°C (68°F) and maximum of 26°C (79°F). However, December experiences higher precipitation levels, with 63 mm (2.5 in) over 8 days, while May sees only 23 mm (0.9 in) across 4 days. Humidity remains relatively high in both months, with May at 82% and December slightly lower at 79%. For more detailed insights into December's climate, check out Honolulu weather in December.

Compare Honolulu's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From May Weather in Honolulu

As May unfolds in Honolulu, the weather offers a delightful transition into summer, characterized by warm temperatures that average around 24°C (76°F), creating a perfect backdrop for outdoor activities. While the humidity remains relatively high at 82%, it often contributes to a refreshing tropical feel rather than oppressive heat. This month typically experiences less rainfall than in the preceding months, with only about 23 mm (0.9 in) of precipitation across a handful of days, making it ideal for sun-seekers and beach lovers. Compared to the wetter earlier months of spring, May serves up a beautiful blend of sunshine and warmth, inviting residents and visitors alike to embrace the island's natural beauty. For a deeper dive into what the island's climate has to offer, check out Honolulu Climate.