What is the Weather Like in Niue in May?
With the wet season behind, May is the beginning of the so-called “dry season” in Niue and with it comes the perfect holiday in the tropics. Hot days with bright sun and cool refreshing nights, it’s the perfect combo between the hot weather of the wet season and the lowest rainfalls that comes with the dry season.
Let’s be honest, for the next few months, you won’t have to worry too much about the weather, but just so you know what you are in for, we’ve put this guide together to go over temperatures, rainfalls, UV index and much more information about the Niue weather in May.
Before we dive into this weather guide to Niue in May, be sure to bookmark Niue Weather by Month: What is the Weather Like in Niue? and The Best Time to Visit Niue for more climate advice.
5 Tips for Travelling Niue in May
- May is the transition between the low and the high season in Niue. Look out for a few discounts on accommodation, you may get lucky and grab one of the last low season promos out there
- Don’t be put off by the hot and humid weather that April brings, as most accommodation has air conditioning or ceiling fans for a peaceful night. Plus, there are plenty of ways to cool down, from stunning snorkelling spots to delicious cocktails
- Although May is part of the dry season, short bursts of rainfall can still occur so pack a light rain jacket, just in case
- May is the beginning of the busy tourist season, so you’ll need to plan your trip a bit earlier than during the low season. We recommend booking your trip at least two weeks (or more) in advance
- May also marks the beginning of the “village show days” festival season. Check with the information centre when arriving in Niue to see if you are lucky enough to catch a celebration. It only happens once per year in each village!
(c) niuepocketguide.comTypical Temperatures in May
Niue presents itself at its best in May with temperatures hot enough to feel like a tropical holiday during the day but cool enough to offer conformable dining experiences in the evening. Expect the daily temperatures to be 27°C / 81°F on average and the nightly temperatures to be 21°C / 70°F on average. That’s not bad for a month that is attracting only a very moderate number of travellers!
Temperatures in Alofi
- Average maximum temperature: 26°C / 79°F,
- Average minimum temperature: 22°C / 72°F
Sea Temperature in May
With water temperature close to 27°C / 81°F on average during the month of May, Niue is just begging for you to jump in. The fish life at this time of the year is vibrant and any dive or snorkel trip around the raised coral atoll is an absolute treat.
(c) niuepocketguide.comHours of Sun in May
Being right in the junction between the wet and the dry season, May gets the best of both worlds with long days, a high amount of sunshine hours, and lower rainfall. You’ll get plenty of sun and plenty of daylight to spend the whole day chasing that big game fish or exploring remote chasms. In May, the average day is comprised of 12 hours of daylight and 6 hours of bright sunshine.
UV Levels During May
With the dry season comes more reasonable UV levels. As such, May is a much tamer month for the pale skins. But with an average UV index of 8+, you will still need to equip yourself with a sunhat and sunscreen, especially when heading on the water. Reapplying sunscreen every couple of hours is a good idea too!
We’ve got a list of reef-safe sunscreens so you can protect both your skin and the beautiful corals around Niue. If you are travelling with the little ones, then also check our list of sunscreens especially designed to protect your kid’s skins.
Sunrise and Sunset During May
The average amount of daylight in May in Niue is 12 hours.
- Sunrise: 6.35am at the beginning of January and 6.45am at the end of May
- Sunset: 6.00pm at the beginning of January and 5.50pm at the end of May
(c) niuepocketguide.comRainfall in May
As a small tropical island nation right in the middle of the South Pacific, even in the driest of its dry season, Niue will still experience some amount of rain. Since May is right at the transition between the wet and the dry season, you can expect a few rainfalls to spice up your trip. But what is a tropical holiday without that one day when you experienced a tropical downpour like no other before the sky cleared up as if nothing happened?!
May’s average rainfall in Niue is 160mm / 6.3” spread over an average of 9 days. This means that, on average, only 9 days of the month will experience some showers.
Rainfall in Alofi
- Average rainfall in May: 195mm / 7.7″
- Average rain days: 9
(c) niuepocketguide.comTropical Storms in May
Niue has been spared by major cyclones in the last 10+ years. However, the island nation can still experience tropical storms and cyclones during the wet season and May falls right at the tail end of this season.
In most cases, tropical storms and cyclones happen when the temperatures go over 27°C / 80°F. This is no cause for panic though, as Niue is well prepared for this kind of weather episode. In 2004, the cyclone Heta showcased the nation’s readiness when it struck, causing very limited loss of life.
In the unlikely event of a warning being issued during your stay, your accommodation or tour staff will take you to an established safe zone on higher ground and issue further instructions when receiving up to date information.
For more information on the subject, head over to How to Prepare for a Cyclone in Niue.
(c) niuepocketguide.comBest Things to Do in May
With the wet season over, Niue is blossoming with heaps of adventures and activities to be enjoyed. The whole island is yours for the taking with cultural tours, opportunities to get on or in the water, and a lot of remote caves and inlets to explore. In short, there is pretty much nothing that we would not recommend doing in May in Niue. You’ve just chosen one of the best months to make the most of this tiny island nation!
Museums & Art – Hide from the occasional rainfall at the Taoga Niue National Museum or the local Tahiono Art Gallery in Alofi. Outdoors, you’ll be able to check out ingenious sculptures created by local artists at the Hikulagi Sculpture Park. If you are lucky, you’ll also be able to experience a village show day, which is simply unmissable if you are interested in learning more about the Niuean culture.
Snorkelling or Scuba diving – Niue is poised with some of the clearest waters you will ever experience since it has no freshwater estuaries. By jumping in the water, you will be able to uncover the vibrant world that created this raised coral atoll in the first place.
Road Trip – If you are unsure about what you feel like doing, get yourself behind the wheel of a rental car, grab a map from the visitor’s centre, and head on the road to enjoy a slice of everything. The drives between the points of interests are short (heck, it only takes about 30 minutes to cross the whole island!) where you will be able to treat yourself to some great sights and experience local food at the eateries scattered along the east coast of the island.
(c) niuepocketguide.comMay Packing List for Niue
We’ve got a comprehensive packing list for a trip to Niue ready for you, but since you’re here we thought you’d like to know what is essential to pack if you are planning a trip there in Niue:
- Sunscreen (High factor protection)
- Insect repellent
- Rain jacket (just in case)
- Light clothing layer, cotton or linen preferably so it is super light!
- Light long-sleeved top (for both sun protection and making sure that the slight evening breeze does not make your cocktail any less enjoyable)
- Light pants/trousers
- Sunhat/sunglasses/swimwear (And whatever else you need in your “summer holiday kit”)
- Flip-flops/sandals
- Sarong or other light clothing to wear over your swimwear when passing through villages.
More About the Niue Weather
