Nauru in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Nauru

30°C (86°F) High Temp

26°C (79°F) Low Temp

180 mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Phosphate mining landscape displays busy green recovery vegetation after April rains, creating dramatic photography opportunities across the interior Dakar
Ocean conditions are excellent for snorkeling and diving with 25-30m (82-98 ft) visibility and calmer swells between weather systems
Noddy tern breeding season peaks in May, offering exceptional birdwatching at Topside cliffs with thousands of birds in residence
Hotel rates drop 15-20% compared to April conference season, with better availability at Menen and Od-N-Aiwo hotels

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms occur 60% of days between 2-5pm, limiting outdoor exploration during prime sightseeing hours
High humidity makes walking the 19 km (12 mile) ring road feel more strenuous, requiring frequent hydration breaks
Irregular flight schedules due to weather can cause 1-2 day delays on Nauru Airlines connections through Brisbane

Best Activities in May

Topside Plateau Exploration and Phosphate History Tours

May's post-rain conditions make the moonscape interior accessible with fewer dust clouds. The recent rainfall reveals limestone pinnacle details and makes walking easier. Perfect timing to see how nature reclaims mining areas, with new vegetation growth most visible this month.

Booking Tip: Book through Republic of Nauru Visitor Bureau 2-3 days ahead. Tours cost AUD 80-120 per person. Morning departures (8am-11am) avoid afternoon storms. Look for guides who worked in phosphate industry for authentic historical perspective.

Anibare Bay Snorkeling and Swimming

May offers the year's best underwater visibility before wet season peaks. Water temperature stays comfortable at 28°C (82°F). Morning sessions (7-11am) provide glassy conditions perfect for spotting reef fish and occasional turtles.

Booking Tip: Equipment rental available at Anibare Lodge for AUD 25-35/day. No formal tour operators needed - self-guided snorkeling is safe in designated areas. Bring reef-safe sunscreen as regulations protect the limited coral systems.

Traditional Fishing and Cultural Experiences

May marks traditional fishing season preparation. Local families offer real feels teaching traditional techniques using outrigger canoes. Weather patterns create ideal conditions for lagoon fishing between storm systems.

Booking Tip: Arrange through accommodation hosts or Nauru Cultural Centre for AUD 60-100 per person. Half-day experiences include meal preparation. Book 3-5 days ahead. Best value includes transportation and traditional lunch.

Command Ridge Historical Site Visits

May's cooler mornings and post-rain conditions make the uphill walk to WWII Japanese command bunkers more comfortable. Clear air after storms provides excellent views across the entire island - the only month you can see all districts clearly.

Booking Tip: Self-guided visits free, guided historical tours AUD 50-75 through local operators. Early morning (7-9am) visits avoid heat and storms. Wear proper hiking shoes for limestone terrain. Photography permitted but respect cultural sites.

Bird Watching at Buada Lagoon

May is peak breeding season for multiple endemic species. Recent rains fill the lagoon to optimal levels, attracting migratory birds alongside residents. Best month for photography with lush vegetation backdrop and active wildlife behavior.

Booking Tip: No formal tours required. Entry through local landowners, small fee AUD 10-20 expected. Early morning (6-8am) or late afternoon (4-6pm) optimal for bird activity. Bring binoculars and telephoto camera lens.

May Events & Festivals

May 17

Constitution Day Celebrations

May 17th national holiday featuring traditional dancing, local food stalls, and community gatherings at Civic Centre. Only time visitors can experience authentic Nauruan cultural performances and try traditional dishes like coconut crab and pandanus fruit preparations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - afternoon storms dump 20-30mm (0.8-1.2 inches) in 30 minutes with little warning

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and regular brands damage fragile coral systems

Closed-toe hiking shoes with grip - limestone pinnacles are sharp and slippery when wet from daily rainfall

Quick-dry clothing in light colors - 70% humidity makes cotton feel damp and synthetic fabrics uncomfortable

Waterproof phone case and camera protection - sudden downpours can damage electronics within seconds

Electrolyte tablets or powder - high humidity and limited shade cause rapid dehydration during outdoor exploration

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - post-rain conditions increase mosquito activity, especially near Buada Lagoon

Portable phone charger - power outages during storms are common and phone is essential for communication

Cash in Australian dollars - no ATMs on island and card acceptance is limited to hotels only

Insider Knowledge

Schedule outdoor activities between 7-11am and after 6pm - locals avoid midday heat and afternoon storms religiously during May

Buy groceries immediately upon arrival at Capelle Store - supply ships are delayed by weather and shelves empty quickly

Book return flights with 2-day buffer - May weather causes 40% more flight delays than dry season months

Rent accommodation with kitchen facilities - restaurant options are limited and locals cook at home during frequent storms

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning full-day outdoor activities without accounting for 2-5pm storm window that forces indoor shelter

Bringing only sandals - sharp limestone surfaces require closed shoes and wet rocks become dangerously slippery

Not carrying cash - assuming cards work everywhere when only hotels accept them and no banking services exist