Maui Weather in May
Maui, Hawaii, USA
Pick your travel dates to see the odds.
May marks Maui's shift into its dry season: rain days drop to 15.7, highs warm to 75.7°F, and the sea climbs to 79.4°F.
Humidity eases to 74%, and the combination of warmer, drier weather makes May one of the more comfortable shoulder-season months on the island.
Lei Day, celebrated May 1st, brings local festivals and cultural events across Maui, a good window for visitors interested in Hawaiian culture beyond the beach.
Whale sightings have largely tapered off by May as the humpback population completes its migration north, though the occasional late straggler is still spotted.
No hurricane activity has been recorded historically for May, and Central Pacific storm season remains a month away.
Snorkeling and diving conditions improve steadily this month as seas calm and warm, with Molokini Crater trips running in increasingly clear water.
May sits before the summer school-holiday crowd surge, making it a relatively quiet, good-value window for beach time and outdoor activities.
Pack lighter clothing as the days warm, along with sun protection and snorkel gear for improving water conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Is May a good time to visit Maui?
Yes, it's warm, increasingly dry, and quieter than the summer crowds, a strong shoulder-season pick.
Is May dry season in Maui?
Yes, May marks the start of the drier half of the year, with rain days dropping from the winter peak.
Can you still see whales in Maui in May?
Rarely, the main season has ended by May, though occasional late sightings happen.
How warm is the ocean in Maui in May?
About 79.4°F, comfortably warm for swimming and snorkeling.
Is Maui crowded in May?
Less so than summer, May sits before the school-holiday crowd surge.
Weather data by Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0) and the NOAA National Hurricane Center. Data updated September 2026. How we calculate.