Palau in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Palau

31°C (88°F) High Temp

24°C (76°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Peak diving season with 30-40m (98-131 ft) visibility - clearest water of the year before summer storms arrive
Dry season finale means minimal rainfall despite 10 rainy days - brief afternoon showers lasting 15-20 minutes maximum
Shoulder season pricing saves 20-30% on accommodations before June peak season rates kick in
Perfect wildlife viewing - manta rays at German Channel are most active in May's warming waters before deep summer heat

Considerations

Increasing humidity reaches uncomfortable 70% by afternoon - expect to feel drained during 12pm-3pm outdoor activities
Limited flight availability as airlines reduce May schedules before summer peak - book 8-12 weeks ahead or pay premium
Some dive sites begin seasonal closures mid-May for marine protection - Micronesia may have restricted access after May 15th

Best Activities in May

Blue Corner Wall Diving

May offers the year's best diving conditions with 30-40m (98-131 ft) visibility and calm seas. Water temperature hits ideal 27-28°C (81-82°F). Currents are predictable, making advanced dives manageable for intermediate divers. Sharks congregate before summer dispersal.

Booking Tip: Book 14-21 days ahead through PADI-certified operators. Full-day trips cost $180-220, includes gear. Check current weather windows - May storms can cancel afternoon trips. Reference booking widget below for vetted operators.

Jellyfish Lake Kayaking

May's calm winds make kayaking to Jellyfish Lake comfortable in morning hours. Lake temperature peaks at perfect 30°C (86°F). Jellyfish populations are dense before summer heat stress. Morning visits avoid afternoon humidity that makes the 20-minute paddle exhausting.

Booking Tip: Morning tours (8am start) essential - afternoon humidity makes the experience uncomfortable. Costs $85-110 including kayak and snorkel gear. Book through licensed eco-tour operators only. See current availability in booking section below.

German Channel Manta Ray Encounters

May is prime manta season - warming waters bring plankton blooms that attract 15-20 resident mantas. Cleaning stations are most active 10am-2pm. Visibility averages 35m (115 ft). Mantas are predictably present 85% of May diving days versus 60% other months.

Booking Tip: Half-day snorkel trips cost $120-150, diving trips $160-200. Book minimum 10 days ahead - manta trips fill quickly. Choose operators with hydrophone systems to locate feeding mantas. Current tours available in widget below.

Rock Islands Kayak Camping

May's dry weather makes overnight camping feasible on designated Rock Island beaches. Calm seas allow access to remote lagoons inaccessible during windy months. Night sky visibility is excellent with minimal cloud cover. Water temperature stays comfortable for evening swims at 26°C (79°F).

Booking Tip: 2-day camping packages cost $280-350 including gear and meals. Requires advance permits - book 21+ days ahead through registered eco-tourism operators. Weather cancellation rare in May. See authorized operators in booking section.

Ngardmau Waterfall Hiking

May's low rainfall means safe hiking conditions on the 2.5km (1.6 mile) trail to Palau's highest waterfall. Trail is driest of the year but waterfall still flows from highland springs. Morning hikes (7-9am) avoid peak heat and humidity. Canopy provides natural cooling.

Booking Tip: Guided hikes cost $45-65 per person including transport from Koror. Self-guided permitted with $10 trail fee. Bring 2L+ water - humidity makes you sweat more than expected. Current guided options in widget below.

Traditional Fishing Village Tours

May coincides with traditional fishing season when villages like Ngchesar demonstrate ancient techniques. Calm seas allow safe outrigger canoe trips. Villages are less tourist-focused than peak season, offering authentic cultural exchange. Fish populations are high before summer spawning.

Booking Tip: Half-day cultural tours cost $75-95 including traditional lunch. Book through community-based tourism operators who share revenue with villages. Transport from Koror adds $25-35. See current community tours in booking widget.

May Events & Festivals

Mid May

Palau Traditional Fishing Festival

Local communities demonstrate ancestral fishing techniques using traditional nets and outrigger canoes. Visitors can participate in net weaving workshops and taste freshly caught local fish prepared in earth ovens. Coincides with peak fishing season when traditional methods are most effective.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ - UV index of 8 causes burns in 15 minutes, chemical sunscreens damage Palau's coral

Lightweight long-sleeve rash guard - protects from sun during extended water activities and dries quickly in 70% humidity

Quick-dry hiking pants - for waterfall trails that stay muddy despite dry season, synthetic fabrics handle humidity better than cotton

Waterproof phone case - essential for underwater photography, brief rain showers can damage electronics instantly

Reef-safe zinc oxide stick - for nose and ears during multiple daily water entries, reapplies easily over wet skin

Lightweight rain jacket with ventilation - afternoon showers are brief but intense, breathable fabric prevents overheating

Water shoes with thick soles - rocky dive entries and coral beaches require protection, flip-flops insufficient for activities

Electrolyte powder packets - 70% humidity causes excessive sweating, coconut water alternatives expensive on island

Mesh gear bag - for wet dive equipment, allows airflow in humid conditions, solid bags trap moisture and cause odors

Cooling towel - synthetic fabric that stays cool when wet, provides relief during surface intervals between dives

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by March 15th - May is when dive groups secure rooms for optimal weather, late bookers pay 40% premiums or get inferior locations

Dive operators offer 'May specials' combining trips - book 3+ dives and save $30-50 per dive, only available during shoulder season

Local markets in Airai have best produce on Tuesday/Friday mornings when supply boats arrive - stock up on hydrating fruits before dive days

May 15th marks traditional fishing season start - after this date, certain reef areas become off-limits to protect spawning fish, affecting dive site availability

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating afternoon heat - 70% humidity makes 31°C (88°F) feel like 38°C (100°F), schedule water activities only before 2pm or after 5pm

Not booking dive trips in advance - May's perfect conditions mean popular sites like Micronesia fill up 2-3 weeks ahead, walk-in availability rare

Bringing cotton clothing - humid conditions mean cotton never fully dries, synthetic quick-dry fabrics essential for comfort and health