Middle of the drier season · Weather & things to do
Waikiki in May
Waikiki edges warmer than April, with highs of 80°F (27°C), lows of 74°F (24°C) and about 1.9 in (47 mm) of rain.
At 90/100 for comfort (the top score of the year), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 80°F (27°C)
- Avg low
- 74°F (24°C)
- Rain
- 1.9 in (47 mm)
- Humidity
- 74%
- Cloud cover
- 50%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 01 min
- Comfort score
- 90/100 · Great
What May feels like
Highs settle around 80°F (27°C), warm enough for short sleeves most of the day.
Even at night it stays warm, around 74°F (24°C).
Rain is moderate at about 1.9 in (47 mm) for the month.
It's breezy, with average winds near 11 mph (5.1 m/s) at ground level.
Plan around May
May is one of Waikiki's best months on the climate data.
- Comfort improves from 85/100 in April to 90/100.
- Our Honolulu New Year's Eve route is planned for Dec 30 – Jan 1, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — May falls outside it.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clothes80°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Windproof shellaverage wind 11 mph
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Waikiki in May
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Waikiki Beach fireworks
Midnight fireworks launched from a barge off Waikiki, free to watch from the sand along Duke Kahanamoku Beach.
Why now May scores 90/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Royal Hawaiian Hotel
Pink 1927 Spanish-Moorish hotel on Waikiki Beach, with gardens and a beachfront bar open to visitors.
Why now Highs near 80°F and 1.9 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Diamond Head State Monument
Volcanic crater above Waikiki with a steep 0.8-mile trail to old military bunkers on the rim.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Rainbow Drive-In
Plate-lunch drive-in near Kapiolani Park open since 1961, serving loco moco and mixed plates.
Nearby in May
- Kailua & Lanikai in May~11 mi · highs 78°F, 1.3 in rain · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Oahu in May~15 mi · highs 78°F, 1.9 in rain · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Maui in May~103 mi · highs 70°F, 1.5 in rain · 6°C (10°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Big Island in May~185 mi · highs 54°F, 5.4 in rain · 14°C (26°F) cooler by day, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Waikiki in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Waikiki?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 90/100. Expect highs of 80°F (27°C) and 1.9 in (47 mm) of rain.
How hot is Waikiki in May?
Average highs are 80°F (27°C) and average lows 74°F (24°C), making it the 6th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Waikiki in May?
Not much: about 1.9 in (47 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 4th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 30.4 in (771 mm).
What should I pack for Waikiki in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (80°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days), windproof shell (average wind 11 mph) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Waikiki in May?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.