May · Papua New Guinea
Best time to visit Rabaul in May Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Rabaul in May
Average temperature 27°C, 256 mm of rain, about 26 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 85% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
May score
4.1/10
Ranked #11 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 27°C
- Rainfall
- 256 mm
- Humidity
- 85%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 26
- Crowd Density
- Quiet / Uncrowded
- Average Expenses
- $ · Budget Friendly ($)
May in Rabaul scores 4.1/10 for sightseeing and cultural travel - ranked #11 of 12. Expect around 27°C, 256 mm of rain, and roughly 26 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Rabaul is an East New Britain harbor town surrounded by volcanic peaks, ash-covered WWII history, hot springs, and access to exceptional diving.
May in Rabaul: expect compromises
Days in May average 27°C (80°F) and humidity near 85% — front-load outdoor plans before the heat builds and treat the middle of the day as indoor time.
This is the year's wettest stretch at 256 mm, but with about 26 days with 6+ hours of sunshine it is not a total loss; an indoor fallback covers the risk.
That is 4.1/10 on the same scale — 11th of 12 months, versus 5.3/10 for the best month here.
Pack the lightest breathable clothing you own, a hat, and more water than feels necessary, a proper rain shell rather than an umbrella.
Expect low-season pricing, and crowds are light for this destination.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Rabaul in May?
- In May, Rabaul averages 27°C, 256 mm of rain, and about 26 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 4.1/10.
- Is May a good time to visit Rabaul?
- May earns a 4.1/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Rabaul in May?
- Expect about 256 mm of rain in May. Average humidity is 85% and there are about 26 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
Curated in Rabaul
Tickets & experiences
Things to do in Rabaul
Rabaul, Papua New Guinea. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.