Majuro in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Majuro

27°C (81°F) High Temp

26°C (79°F) Low Temp

10mm (0.4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season begins - May sees only 10mm (0.4 inches) of rainfall compared to 200mm+ (8+ inches) in wet season months, making it ideal for lagoon activities
Consistent 15-knot northeast trade winds create perfect conditions for sailing and windsurfing around the outer reef without the choppy conditions of other months
Marine visibility peaks at 30-40m (98-131 feet) - the clearest water of the year for diving and snorkeling as plankton blooms settle
Local breadfruit season means traditional Marshallese cooking demonstrations are common at cultural centers, plus street vendors sell fresh coconut crab during spawning season

Considerations

Intense UV exposure with index of 8 and minimal cloud cover - sunburn happens in 15 minutes without SPF 50+, making midday outdoor activities challenging
Limited flight connections mean if you miss your weekly United flight, you're stuck for 7 days with accommodation costs of $150-200+ per night
Lagoon water temperature reaches 29°C (84°F) making extended snorkeling uncomfortable without a wetsuit, and some visitors find it too warm for refreshing swims

Best Activities in May

Outer Reef Diving and Snorkeling Tours

May's 30-40m (98-131 feet) visibility and calm conditions make it the premier month for exploring WWII wrecks and pristine coral walls. The consistent northeast trades create perfect surface conditions while underwater currents are minimal. Water temperature of 29°C (84°F) means you'll stay comfortable during longer dives.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead as there are only 3 licensed dive operators on island. Two-tank dives typically cost $120-150 USD, with equipment rental adding $30-40. Look for operators with PADI certification and proper boat insurance. Reference booking widget below for current tour availability.

Traditional Outrigger Sailing Experiences

May's consistent 15-knot northeast trades provide ideal conditions for learning traditional Marshallese sailing techniques. Local families still use these skills for inter-island transport, and cultural centers offer 3-4 hour workshops including canoe construction basics and navigation by wave patterns.

Booking Tip: Arrange through the Liberia Islands Visitors Authority 1-2 weeks ahead. Sessions typically run $80-120 USD per person and include traditional lunch on a remote islet. Morning sessions (8am-12pm) avoid the strongest afternoon winds. Check current cultural tour options in the booking section below.

Lagoon Kayaking and Paddleboarding

With minimal rainfall and calm morning conditions, May offers perfect lagoon exploration weather. The inner lagoon's protected waters warm to 28°C (82°F) by 10am, ideal for multi-hour paddling sessions. You can access uninhabited islets within 2-3km (1.2-1.9 miles) of the main island for private beaches and bird watching.

Booking Tip: Rent equipment from dive shops for $35-50 USD per day or book guided tours for $75-100 USD. Early morning launches (7am-8am) avoid afternoon heat and provide the calmest conditions. Tours typically include lunch on remote beaches. See current rental options in booking section below.

Cultural Village Tours and Handicraft Workshops

May coincides with breadfruit harvest season, making it the best time to experience authentic Marshallese cooking and food preservation techniques. Village demonstrations include traditional earth oven cooking, basket weaving from pandanus leaves, and coconut oil production methods passed down for generations.

Booking Tip: Book through local cultural associations 1 week ahead. Half-day tours cost $60-80 USD and include traditional meal and take-home crafts. Afternoon tours (2pm-6pm) coincide with cooking times and avoid morning fishing activities when villagers are busy. Check current cultural experiences in the booking widget below.

WWII Historical Site Tours

Clear May weather provides excellent conditions for exploring above and below-water wartime sites. With minimal rain, you can spend full days at locations like the Japanese bunkers and US military installations without weather interruptions. The dry conditions also make metal detecting activities more productive for finding artifacts.

Booking Tip: Combine land and underwater historical sites for $100-150 USD per day. Licensed guides are required for certain restricted areas - book 1-2 weeks ahead. Full-day tours include transportation and typically run 8am-4pm to avoid peak afternoon heat. Current historical tour options available in booking section below.

Sport Fishing Charters

May marks peak season for yellowfin tuna and mahi-mahi as they follow baitfish concentrations around the outer reef. Calm morning seas and consistent wind patterns make for comfortable 6-8 hour charters with success rates above 80% for experienced operators.

Booking Tip: Charter boats cost $800-1,200 USD for full-day trips (up to 6 people). Book 2-3 weeks ahead as there are limited boats available. Half-day trips (4 hours) cost $500-700 USD and focus on reef fishing closer to shore. Check current charter availability in the booking widget below.

May Events & Festivals

Mid May

Breadfruit Festival

Local celebration of the breadfruit harvest featuring traditional cooking competitions, cultural performances, and handicraft demonstrations. Families showcase different preparation methods and visitors can participate in earth oven cooking.

Early May

Coconut Crab Season Opening

Traditional season when locals harvest coconut crabs following sustainable practices. Markets and restaurants feature fresh preparations, and cultural centers offer cooking demonstrations showing traditional preparation methods.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index of 8 means burns in 15 minutes, and you'll need 30ml (1 oz) per day for full body coverage

Lightweight long-sleeve UV shirts - 70% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable, choose cotton or bamboo blends for all-day wear

Reef-safe snorkel gear - rental quality varies and proper-fitting masks are essential for 30-40m (98-131 feet) visibility diving conditions

Waterproof phone case - essential for lagoon activities and sudden afternoon showers that occur 10 days per month

Electrolyte supplements - 29°C (84°F) water temperature and high humidity increase dehydration risk during water activities

Insect repellent with DEET - still-water areas around the lagoon breed mosquitoes despite dry season conditions

Quick-dry towels - high humidity means regular towels stay damp for hours after use

Waterproof watch or dive computer - essential for timing tide changes which affect lagoon access and diving conditions

Breathable hiking shoes - coral surfaces are sharp and flip-flops inadequate for exploring WWII sites and village tours

Portable shade umbrella - minimal natural shade on beaches and during cultural site visits lasting 3-4 hours

Insider Knowledge

Book the weekly United Airlines flight (Island Hopper) at least 2 months ahead for May travel - it's the only commercial service and frequently sells out during dry season

Bring US dollars in small bills ($1, $5, $10) as the USD is official currency but change is limited outside of major shops and hotels

Time lagoon activities for incoming tides - many shallow areas become inaccessible during low tide, particularly the inner reef snorkeling spots

Purchase fresh coconut water from roadside vendors for $1-2 USD - it's safer than tap water and naturally replaces electrolytes lost in the heat and humidity

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating sun exposure - many visitors get severe burns on their first day thinking the ocean breeze provides protection from the UV index of 8

Not bringing enough cash - credit cards only work at the airport and main hotel, everywhere else requires US dollar cash including tours and restaurants

Scheduling back-to-back water activities - the 29°C (84°F) water temperature and high humidity cause fatigue faster than expected, plan rest periods