Do I need a jacket in Hilo in May?

Probably not for daytime — highs average around 81°F. A light layer for air-conditioned interiors is enough.

Is May rainy in Hilo?

Expect roughly 14 days of rain across the month. Pack a compact umbrella and shoes that can handle wet pavement.

How hot does Hilo get in May?

Daytime highs average around 81°F. Lean toward breathable fabrics like cotton and linen, and bring sun protection.

May Packing List for Hilo – What to Wear & Bring

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Essentials

If you only pack a few things, pack these.

Linen or cotton shirtsEssential
With Hilo's May highs reaching 81°F, breathable natural fabrics are perfect for staying cool in the tropical rainforest.
Lightweight rain jacketEssential
Since Hilo sees about 14 days of rain in May, a lightweight waterproof layer is essential for sudden showers.
Moisture-wicking t-shirtsEssential
These are ideal for the high humidity of Hilo's tropical rainforest when temperatures hit 81°F.
Closed-toe hiking shoesEssential
To navigate the lava rock terrain of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park safely during Hilo's 14 rainy days in May, bring sturdy closed-toe shoes.
Compact umbrellaEssential
A compact umbrella is essential for Hilo's tropical rainforest environment and its average of 14 rainy days in May.
Puffer jacketEssential
If you head to high elevations like Mauna Kea, pack a puffer because temperatures can drop to 32°F even when Hilo is 81°F.

Clothing

Linen or cotton shirtsEssential
With Hilo's May highs reaching 81°F, breathable natural fabrics are perfect for staying cool in the tropical rainforest.
Lightweight rain jacketEssential
Since Hilo sees about 14 days of rain in May, a lightweight waterproof layer is essential for sudden showers.
Light sweater or fleeceRecommended
Hilo's May evenings can dip to 64°F, so a light layer is recommended for comfort after sunset.
Quick-dry shortsRecommended
Stay comfortable during humid walks around Akaka Falls with quick-dry fabrics suited for Hilo's 14 rainy days in May.
Moisture-wicking t-shirtsEssential
These are ideal for the high humidity of Hilo's tropical rainforest when temperatures hit 81°F.

Footwear

Closed-toe hiking shoesEssential
To navigate the lava rock terrain of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park safely during Hilo's 14 rainy days in May, bring sturdy closed-toe shoes.
Waterproof sandalsRecommended
Waterproof sandals help you navigate the misty Akaka Falls during Hilo's 14 days of precipitation in May.
Walking sneakersRecommended
Comfortable sneakers are ideal for walking the flat, humid streets of downtown Hilo when temperatures hit 81°F.

Accessories

Compact umbrellaEssential
A compact umbrella is essential for Hilo's tropical rainforest environment and its average of 14 rainy days in May.
Polarized sunglassesRecommended
Protect your eyes from the bright tropical sun during Hilo's warm 81°F afternoons.
Wide-brimmed hatOptional
A wide-brimmed hat provides shade during Hilo's sunny periods amidst its 14 days of May rain.

Gear

Puffer jacketEssential
If you head to high elevations like Mauna Kea, pack a puffer because temperatures can drop to 32°F even when Hilo is 81°F.
Dry bagRecommended
A dry bag keeps your electronics safe during Hilo's frequent showers and its average of 14 rainy days in May.
Insulated water bottleRecommended
Stay hydrated while exploring the tropical rainforest heat of Hilo when temperatures reach 81°F.

Local tips for Hilo in May

Always carry a light waterproof layer when visiting Akaka Falls to stay dry in the high humidity and mist of Hilo.

If you plan to drive up Mauna Kea, pack heavy layers as temperatures can drop to 32°F at the summit despite Hilo's warm 81°F daytime highs.

Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes if exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to avoid damaging sandals on the hardened lava rock found in Hilo.

FAQ — Hilo in May

Probably not for daytime — highs average around 81°F. A light layer for air-conditioned interiors is enough.
Expect roughly 14 days of rain across the month. Pack a compact umbrella and shoes that can handle wet pavement.
Daytime highs average around 81°F. Lean toward breathable fabrics like cotton and linen, and bring sun protection.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes if exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to avoid damaging sandals on the hardened lava rock found in Hilo. See our full shoe picks for May: full shoe guide →

More tools for Hilo in May

What to wear

Outfit ideas for Hilo in May →

Layering looks and style guidance matched to the month's weather.

Best shoes

Shoe picks for May →

Waterproof, breathable, insulated — matched to the month.

Pack or skip

Umbrella? Winter coat? Sunscreen? →

Item-by-item verdict for May.

Comfort check

Will I be cold or hot? →

Day and night temp bands for May.

Packing tools

Decide jackets, outfits, shoes, and bag fees for Hilo in May

Free calculators — city and month pre-filled when we know them. No account required. Start with how many outfits, sudoku packing, or bag fees.

Trip

Planning a trip to one city?

One city → typical weather for your month, packing counts that fit your bags, and email your plan.

Outfits

How many outfits for this trip?

Trip length, bag size, and climate → exact tops, bottoms, layers, and outfit combinations.

Jacket

Not sure about a jacket?

City + month → base / mid / shell stack and pack-or-skip verdicts for rain jacket, coat, and thermals.

Shoes

Shoes for this climate?

Climate, activities, and bag size → pair count, primary/backup types, and climate-matched picks.

Bags

Will this trip cost bag fees?

Airline + fare bucket + bags you plan to bring → fit verdicts and typical carry-on / checked fee ranges.

Capsule

Try sudoku packing for this climate?

City + month → climate-ready 3 tops / 3 bottoms / 3 layers you can edit — up to 27 mix-and-match outfits.

All packing tools

May Packing List for Hilo — What to Wear & Bring

Hotels in Hilo