Things to Do in Palau in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Palau
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Exceptional visibility for diving and snorkeling - May sits right between weather patterns, giving you 24-30 m (80-100 ft) visibility at sites like Blue Corner and German Channel. Water temps hover around 28-29°C (82-84°F), which means comfortable extended dives without thick wetsuits.
- Significantly fewer tourists than December-March peak season - you'll actually have dive sites and Jellyfish Lake relatively to yourself. Accommodation prices drop 20-30% compared to high season, and popular liveaboards have better availability without the six-month advance booking requirement.
- Manta ray season overlaps perfectly with May - the cleaning stations at German Channel and Ulong Channel see consistent manta activity as they feed on plankton blooms. You're looking at 70-80% chance of manta encounters on any given dive, which is about as reliable as it gets.
- Calm seas and minimal wind - May typically sees lighter trade winds than the winter months, making boat rides to dive sites considerably more comfortable. The calmer surface conditions also make it ideal for kayaking through the Rock Islands and paddleboarding in protected lagoons.
Considerations
- The rainfall data showing 0.0 inches with 10 rainy days is misleading - what actually happens in May is brief, intense afternoon squalls that dump 150-200 mm (6-8 inches) total for the month. These typically hit between 2-5 PM, last 30-45 minutes, then clear out. Not a dealbreaker, but you'll want to plan diving and tours for morning hours.
- Humidity sits consistently at 70% and feels higher after those afternoon rains - the kind that makes your camera lens fog up instantly when moving from air conditioning to outdoors. Clothes don't really dry overnight, and you'll go through more shirts per day than you packed for.
- May is technically transitioning into the wetter season, so you're gambling a bit on weather stability. Some years see perfectly calm conditions throughout, other years get an early start to the southwest monsoon pattern with choppier seas in the last week or two of the month.
Best Activities in May
Blue Corner and German Channel drift diving
May offers what many dive instructors consider the sweet spot for Palau's legendary drift dives - strong enough currents to bring in pelagic action without the washing-machine intensity of peak season. The 70% humidity is actually irrelevant once you're underwater, and morning dives before those afternoon squalls give you the best visibility. You're likely to see grey reef sharks, whitetip sharks, and those mantas at German Channel. The water temperature means a 3 mm wetsuit is plenty, making it easier to achieve proper buoyancy.
Jellyfish Lake kayaking and snorkeling
The jellyfish population in Ongeim'l Tketau typically peaks in the drier months, and May catches the tail end of this before the heavier rains dilute the lake's salinity. You'll find millions of golden jellyfish doing their daily migration across the lake. The 10-minute hike from the dock to the lake gets sweaty in that 70% humidity, but the swim is refreshing. Go early morning around 8-9 AM before tour groups arrive and before the afternoon squalls - the jellyfish are near the surface and more active in morning light.
Milky Way lagoon and Rock Islands kayaking
The famous white mud bottom of Milky Way makes for excellent photos in May's typically clear morning conditions. The lagoon sits protected enough that those afternoon squalls don't really impact it - though you'll want to time your visit for morning anyway when the turquoise water shows its best colors. Kayaking through the mushroom-shaped Rock Islands is genuinely stunning, and the calm May seas make it accessible even for beginners. The exfoliation ritual with the limestone mud is touristy but actually feels great in the humidity.
Peleliu Island historical tours
May's weather is actually ideal for exploring Peleliu's WWII sites - warm but not brutally hot like the peak of dry season, and those afternoon rains provide natural breaks in touring. The island saw one of the Pacific War's bloodiest battles, and the rusted tanks, coral-encrusted artillery, and overgrown bunkers remain remarkably preserved. The emotional weight of the sites is significant, and going in shoulder season means you can take your time without crowds. The Peleliu Peace Memorial Park and the Thousand Man Cave are particularly moving.
Ngardmau Waterfall hiking
Palau's tallest waterfall sits deep in the jungle on Babeldaob Island, and May's occasional rains actually enhance the experience - the falls run fuller and the jungle looks incredibly lush. The hike is moderate, about 45 minutes each way through muddy rainforest trail, and that 70% humidity means you'll be drenched in sweat regardless. The payoff is swimming in the freshwater pool beneath the falls, which feels amazing after the humid hike. You're likely to have the place nearly to yourself in May compared to peak season crowds.
Sunset dinner cruises through the Rock Islands
May's variable weather actually creates spectacular sunset conditions - those afternoon storms clear out by evening, leaving dramatic cloud formations that light up in oranges and purples. The calm seas make for smooth cruising through the Rock Islands channels, and you'll often spot fruit bats flying between islands at dusk. These cruises typically include fresh seafood dinner, local beer, and stops at quiet snorkeling spots. The temperature drops from 31°C to 24°C (88°F to 76°F) as sun sets, making evenings genuinely pleasant.
May Events & Festivals
Belau National Museum Cultural Demonstrations
While not a single-day event, the museum runs traditional craft demonstrations and storytelling sessions more frequently in May as they prepare for summer cultural programs. You'll see local artisans demonstrating storyboard carving, traditional weaving, and sometimes traditional navigation techniques. It's a genuine way to understand Palauan culture beyond the diving and beaches. The museum itself houses artifacts dating back thousands of years and provides crucial context for understanding the islands.