Marshall Islands Weather in May

May is hot in the Marshall Islands, with daytime temperatures reaching around 86°F (30°C) and night-time temperatures sitting at about 77°F (25°C). In other words, it’s warm from breakfast to bedtime, so pack light clothing and plan your shade breaks wisely.

Temperatures Across the Marshall Islands

• Majuro - The average maximum temperature is 86°F (30°C) and the minimum average temperature is 77°F (25°C)
• Enewetak - The average maximum temperature is 87.8°F (31°C) and the minimum average temperature is 77°F (25°C)
• Kwajalein - The average maximum temperature is 86°F (30°C) and the minimum average temperature is 77°F (25°C)

Sea Temperatures in May

The sea is beautifully warm at around 82°F (28°C), making May a comfortable month for swimming, snorkelling and lagoon-based activities.

The Marshall Islands gets around 7 hours of bright sunshine per day in May, which works out to about 58% of daylight hours. With roughly 12 hours of daylight each day, there’s still plenty of time for lagoon trips, beach walks and lazy outdoor exploring.

That said, May is not cloud-free. The Marshall Islands is predominantly cloudy year-round, with overcast or mostly cloudy conditions averaging between 75% and 85% of the time.

You can expect some rainfall on around 17 days of the month, so the sunshine often comes between passing showers rather than in one flawless blue-sky stretch (tropical weather likes to keep things interesting).

UV Levels During May

The UV index can reach 11+ (Extreme), so even when clouds drift through, sun protection is essential. Wear sunscreen, cover up where you can and take shade breaks during the middle of the day.

For advice on what sunscreen to wear, see The Best Sunscreens for the Marshall Islands + Sun Protection Tips.

Sunrise and Sunset During May

May has daylight hours lasting about 12 hours a day in the Marshall Islands.

• Sunrise: 6:21 am at the beginning of May and 6:17 am toward the end of May
• Sunset: 6:43 pm at the beginning of May and 6:47 pm at the end of May.

May is a showery month in the Marshall Islands and, we’re not going to beat around the bush, you should expect rain to make an appearance.

Nevertheless, tropical rainfall patterns are often swift, followed by sunshine, so a rainy morning doesn’t always mean the whole day is a write-off.

If you need a rainy day backup for a couple of hours, check out the ideas in 10 Things to Do in the Marshall Islands on a Rainy Day.

The Marshall Islands receives an average of 9.8 in (248 mm) of rainfall in the month of May, with around 17 days out of May experiencing some rain.

Average Rainfall Across the Marshall Islands

• Majuro - The average rainfall in May is 9.8 in (248 mm)
• Enewetak - The average rainfall in May is 8.5 in (217 mm)
• Kwajalein - The average rainfall in May is 9 in (229 mm)

The Marshall Islands sits in the North Pacific typhoon region, and May is around the beginning of the broader tropical typhoon season in this part of the Pacific.

That said, May is not usually one of the highest-risk months compared with the middle and later parts of the year. Tropical weather can still bring heavy showers, squally winds, rough seas and disruption to boat or flight schedules, especially when travelling between atolls.

Compared with the peak stormier months, May is usually a lower-risk month for severe tropical storms in the Marshall Islands, although rainfall is higher than in the earlier drier-season months.

However, weather can change quickly in this part of the Pacific, so it’s still worth keeping an eye on local forecasts and taking any marine warnings seriously.

If you want to reduce the chance of weather-related disruption, avoid packing your schedule too tightly around boat trips, lagoon excursions or outer-atoll transfers.

For those planning to travel during May, be aware of what to do if there is a tropical storm or typhoon alert by following our guide, Typhoon Safety in the Marshall Islands: How to Prepare for a Typhoon in the Marshall Islands.

By May, weather and transport can become a little less predictable, so it is sensible to keep your plans closer to the capital. Majuro Atoll and nearby Arno Atoll offer plenty of variety without relying on a long domestic flight or complicated outer-atoll journey.

You are likely to enjoy your trip wherever you go, but if we had to choose the best places to visit in the Marshall Islands in May, they would be the following.

Majuro Atoll: Majuro is the most practical choice in May, with the country’s widest selection of accommodation, restaurants and activities. Lagoon trips, diving, snorkelling and island day tours are still possible when conditions allow, while museums, markets, murals and historic sites provide easy alternatives on land.

Visit at the beginning of the month and you may also catch Constitution Day on 1 May. Sports, parades, cultural performances and local food make this one of the liveliest times to experience the capital, as explained in 5 Biggest Events & Festivals in the Marshall Islands.

The capital also gives you more flexibility when showers, wind or changing sea conditions affect outdoor plans. See The Complete Travel Guide to Majuro and 30 Best Things to Do on Majuro for ideas.

Arno Atoll: Just across the water from Majuro, Arno offers a convenient taste of outer-atoll life without taking you too far from the capital. Quiet beaches, village communities and broad lagoon scenery make it ideal for travellers who want somewhere more remote but still relatively accessible.

Boat crossings remain dependent on the weather, so confirm the forecast, departure time and return arrangements before leaving. Plan the journey with Majuro to Arno Atoll by Boat: Fares, Schedules & Tips.

Be prepared for the Marshall Islands in May by packing these few seasonal essentials:

• High-factor reef-safe sunscreen
• Light bamboo, linen or merino layers (we like the sustainable bamboo clothing of Moso Morrow)
• Light long-sleeved tops (to cover from sun and mosquitoes)
• Light pants/trousers (to cover the knees when appropriate – villages, church service, etc.)
• Sunhat
• Sunglasses
• Insect repellent
• Swimwear
• Rash vest (we like the UV-protecting Sharkskin rashies)
• Closed walking shoes
• Flip-flops/jandals/sandals
• Drypack (protect electronics in case it rains - we recommend these from Sharkskin)

Get more ideas on what to pack with our guide, What to Pack for the Marshall Islands: the Marshall Islands Packing List.