Bora Bora or Maldives in May?
On climate data, Bora Bora comes out ahead overall in May. See the per-criterion details below.
Bora BoraPhoto: The TerraMar Project · CC BY 2.0
MaldivesPhoto: Mekzholan · CC BY-SA 4.0Key figures in May
| Criterion | Bora Bora | Maldives |
|---|---|---|
| Average daily high | 28 °C | 29 °C |
| Average daily low | 27 °C | 28 °C |
| Sea | 28 °C | 30 °C ★ |
| Rainy days | 15 rainy days (est.) ★ | 24 rainy days (est.) |
| Sun | 6 h/day | 7 h/day ★ |
| Humidity | 79 % | 81 % |
Winner by travel type
Trade-offs
- Bora Bora is drier, with about 9 fewer rainy days.
- The sea at Maldives is about 1 °C warmer.
Bora Bora or Maldives in May: the short answer
In May, Bora Bora comes out ahead on the overall climate score (Bora Bora 67/100 vs Maldives 55/100). That is a snapshot of one month, though — which one truly fits depends on what you want from the trip, so the breakdown below goes criterion by criterion.
This comparison focuses on May as a representative month for the pair; for any other month, use each destination's month-by-month pages. Across the whole year Bora Bora averages a climate score of 70/100, Maldives 64/100. Both profiles below are historical monthly averages, not a forecast.
Weather in May, side by side
The average daily high is about 28 °C in Bora Bora and 29 °C in Maldives — warmer in Maldives. Average daily lows are around 27 °C versus 28 °C.
On rain, Bora Bora sees about 15 rainy days in May and Maldives about 24 — drier in Bora Bora. Maldives gets more sunshine (6 vs 7 hours a day).
Sea temperature and swimming
In May the water is about 28 °C at Bora Bora and 30 °C at Maldives — warmer for swimming at Maldives. Over the year, Bora Bora is comfortable for swimming (from ~21 °C) in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December, Maldives in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December. Peak sea warmth is March for Bora Bora and April for Maldives.
Rain and sun across the year
Over a full year Bora Bora records roughly 193 rainy days and Maldives about 228 — the drier of the two overall is Bora Bora. At their sunniest, Bora Bora reaches about 8 hours of sun a day (November) and Maldives about 8 (March). If dependable dry, sunny weather is your top priority, weigh these annual totals alongside the single month above.
Best time to visit each
Climatically, Bora Bora is at its best in June, July, August and September, while Maldives peaks in January, February, March and December. If your dates are fixed, pick the destination whose strong season overlaps them; if you are flexible, plan around these windows.
Which suits which kind of trip
Based on the May scores for each travel style:
Beach & swimming: Bora Bora scores higher in May (Bora Bora 75 vs Maldives 67).
City breaks: Bora Bora scores higher in May (Bora Bora 65 vs Maldives 50).
Active & hiking: Bora Bora scores higher in May (Bora Bora 48 vs Maldives 37).
Family: Bora Bora scores higher in May (Bora Bora 72 vs Maldives 57).
Verdict: which should you pick?
In May, Bora Bora leads across every scored category here — the overall score and each travel type — so on the climate data it is the clearer pick this month. Over the year, Bora Bora carries the higher overall climate score. Your own priority (sun, sea, low rain or sightseeing comfort) still matters, and the month-by-month pages for each destination give you the full picture before you book.