Honolulu in May
Great time to visit
May offers near-perfect weather with minimal crowds outside Memorial Day weekend. The combination of dry conditions and moderate tourism makes it one of the year's best value propositions.
Weather
May continues the dry season with reliable trade winds and very little rainfall. Low humidity and clear skies make this one of the most pleasant months weather-wise. Ocean temperatures are perfect for swimming and water sports.
29°C high22°C low5 rain days
Crowds & Cost
moderate crowds
~$230/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Lei Day (May 1)
- •Memorial Day weekend
- •Local graduation celebrations
May Tips
- •Book Memorial Day weekend accommodations early - locals travel too
- •Prime time for sunset sailing and catamaran trips
- •UV is intense with clear skies - don't skip reef-safe sunscreen
All Months
April, May, September, October, and November give you the best weather without the crowds. Temperatures hover around 80°F, trade winds keep things comfortable, and hotel rates drop 30% from peak season. December through March brings humpback whales but also higher prices and more tourists. Summer (June-August) gets humid and crowded — families descend on Waikiki like locusts. But summer also brings the best surf to the south shore, so surfers should time their trips accordingly. Hurricane season runs June through November, but direct hits are rare. More likely, you'll get a few rainy days that clear up quickly. Pack a light rain jacket regardless of when you visit.
Honolulu Scores
Solo
7/10
Couples
9/10
Families
9/10
Adventure
6/10
Budget
4/10
Luxury
8/10
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