Best Time To Visit Hawaii: Weather, Temperature & Season 2024

Best Time To Visit Hawaii: Weather, Temperature & Season 2024

Hawaii is a great year-round destination, but the best weather is generally found in April, May, September, and October. The winter months are rainier, and June to November is hurricane season, although significant storms are rare.

Winter also brings the most prominent surf waves on the islands, especially on the north shore beaches. The quietest month for tourists in November.

When is the best time to visit Hawaii?

Best Time to Visit Hawaii in Good Weather:

Hawaii has a warm climate year-round, with average highs of 26-28 ° C in winter and 29-31 ° C in summer. The most significant variables are the rain and surf conditions.

The winter months tend to be rainier, while the hurricane season runs from June to November (but big storms are rare here). Surf waves are more significant in winter, especially on the northern shores of the islands. The most consistent weather is generally found in April, May, September, and October.

Best time to surf:

The best time to surf Hawaii depends on your surfer’s skill level. The giant waves hit the northern coast of all the islands in winter, from November to March, especially in December and January, and especially on the north shore of Oahu.

This is the best time for professionals, seasoned surfers, and viewers. Beginning surfers will want to stay on the southern sides of the islands during the winter or travel in the summer months. The waves are exceptionally calm from May to September.

Best time to snorkel and swim in Hawaii:

You can swim and snorkel in Hawaii all year round, but during the summer months (May to September), the water is warmer, the waves are smaller, and the skies are sunnier, making conditions ideal for these aquatic activities.

Big Island and Maui have the best snorkeling spots as their dive sites are least exposed to the eastern trade winds. Kauai has the least reliable snorkeling as it tends to rain all year round, reducing visibility in the water.

Best time to hike:

Some of the most incredible hikes in the world can be found in Hawaii, especially on Kauai. Although you can walk all year round, summer is usually better, as there are more hours of daylight and the trails tend to be drier.

Summers can be sweltering here, so be sure to pack plenty of water and sunscreen, and plan to start your hike early in the morning, when the air temperature is more relaxed.

Best Time for Whale Watching:

Whales come down from Alaska to Hawaii every year during the winter, December through April. After the calves are born, the peak time for sightings runs from late February to early March. Whales can be seen from the coastline on each island but are usually concentrated between the western shores of Maui and the neighboring islands of Molokai and Lanai.

Best time to see a volcano: Big Island’s Kilauea has been erupting continuously since 1983, sometimes in dramatic eruptions and sometimes in lazy inundations. There is no specific season where you can see more or less lava than any other.

The main factor in choosing a date for your visit is the weather. Temperatures at higher altitudes are about 6-11 degrees Celsius lower than at sea level, with winter temperatures averaging 8-12 degrees Celsius. Summer (May to September) is the best time to visit the volcano while warm.

Best Time to Fish in Hawaii:

Fishing is a year-round activity in Hawaii, with different fish biting at other times on different islands. (Except sharks – you can always find sharks).

In general, large numbers of striped marlin, snapper, skipjack, and bigeye are observed in winter; And there is also a good chance of seeing a whale while you are out and about.

Spring offers more mahi-mahi, yellowfin, and blue marlin. Summer finds large yellowfin and blue marlin, along with ono and skipjack. Fall sees many billfish, all varieties of marlin, mahi-mahi, and giant trevally.

Best Time to Star Gaze on Mauna Kea:

Similar rules apply to visiting Mauna Kea as they do to visiting Kilauea. The colder winter temperatures mean that the summer months are the best to stay warm. For visibility, the best time of the month to see stars is during a new moon.

If you plan to use the world-class telescopes at the summit of Mauna Kea, remember to take elevation into account; At nearly 4,200 meters above sea level, Mauna Kea’s oxygen level is low. Travelers are strongly recommended to stop midway for an hour to acclimatize and never ascend to Mauna Kea within 24 hours of diving.

Best time to ski/snowboard:

Mauna Kea means “white mountain” in Hawaiian. Snow lays here all year round, although its consistency varies. The best times to ski or snowboard Mauna Kea are February and March. There are no lifts or resorts, and you will need a 4WD vehicle, but the snow is said to be one of the best in the world.

Best Time for Discounts:

It is generally best to book early and schedule flights for mid-week for discounted fares. In general, the cheapest fares for flights and hotels can be found in the spring and fall months.

There are usually great rates from late March to mid-June, except for the last week of April, Golden Week, the best travel time in Japan.

Later this year, from September to mid-December, is also a great time to find a bargain, except for Thanksgiving Week. June and July are usually cheaper than the expensive winter months but are more crowded; Offers at this time are generally rare and last minute.

Best Time to Avoid Crowds in Hawaii:

November is the quietest month for tourists, except Thanksgiving. May to the first week of June, September, and October are good times to avoid the crowds. April can be quiet, except for Golden Week and the years where Easter falls at the beginning of the month.

Best Time for a Wedding:

The summer months tend to be drier than the winter months, so planning a wedding from May to October means less chance of rain, although Kauai and Hilo almost always have some rain. Hurricane season generally runs from June to November, but rare significant storms. The best bet for a sunny wedding in May.

Best Time for Inter-island Cruises:

The winter months, December to March, are the best time to watch whales from the side of a ship, but it is also the rainiest and most expensive time to visit. The best time for cruises is from Thanksgiving to mid-December. A greater variety of boats can be found in April, September, and October.

Best time to buy flights:

Flight prices change dramatically. Overall, booking one or four months in advance offers the best rates, with six weeks being the optimal time to find a deal.

Exceptions are made for bookings for the Thanksgiving week and from mid to end of December. For these times, it is usually best to book as soon as tickets are available, up to eleven months.

Hawaii Travel Seasons

Peak Season (December – March): December through March is Hawaii’s peak season, especially during Christmas and New Year’s. Flights, hotels, and cars will be more expensive this time. Hotels often require more extended minimum stays, more extensive deposits, and stricter cancellation policies during vacations. Rental cars can be sold well in advance. Plan well and book early for peak season travel.

Low season (April to mid-June, September to mid-December): Spring and fall are the low seasons for travel to Hawaii, April to mid-June (except the last week of April), and September to mid-December (except Thanksgiving week). Flights, hotels, and cars are less expensive, while beaches and attractions are less crowded.

Summer (mid-June to August): The family travel season lasts in Hawaii from mid-June to late August. Prices are usually cheaper than during the winter months, but the beaches and attractions will be more crowded. Fewer deals are available during the summer, especially in August, and rare ones are usually offered at the last minute.

When To Visit The Hawaiian Islands?

Best time to travel to Oahu

The best months to visit Oahu are April (the first three weeks), May, September, and October for great weather, fewer crowds, and fair rates. Oahu’s temperatures range from 26 ° C to 31 ° C throughout the year, with hot summers (June to October) and mild winters (mid-December to late March).

There is not much climatic variation in the lower altitudes, where all the beaches and most hotels are located; higher elevations inland are cooler and rainier. Rain usually falls at night. December to February is the rainiest time, while June to August is the driest.

From the beginning of August to the beginning of November, the warmest ocean temperatures are recorded, and from mid-January to mid-April, it is the coldest. Monster waves hit the north shore and attract huge surfing tournaments from November to March.

The best time for surfers is from March to May, when the waves are still significant, but the beach is less crowded. The high season coincides with whale season (off the south coast), with high room and flight rates from December to March.

The low season runs from April to mid-June (except for the last week of April, which is Golden Week in Japan and draws enormous crowds to Honolulu) and from September to early December with better rates and fewer travelers. When the waves are still significant, but the beach is less crowded.

The high season coincides with whale season (off the south coast), with high room and flight rates from December to March.

The high season coincides with whale season (off the south coast), with high room and flight rates from December to March. The low season runs from April to mid-June (except for the last week of April, which is Golden Week in Japan and draws enormous crowds to Honolulu) and from September to early December with better rates and fewer travelers.

Best Time To Travel To Maui

The best months to visit Maui are April, May, September, and October. Maui’s daily highs range from 27 ° C to 31 ° C year-round, warmer in summer and more relaxed in winter, but only slightly.

The west coast is generally warm, sunny, and dry, while the eastern Maui rainforest is somewhat more incredible, with light showers in the late afternoons or at night. From the beginning of June to the end of October is the driest time of the year.

From November to March, the chances of light and brief rains increase. The warmest ocean temperatures are recorded from August to October, while from January to March, it is the coldest. The heaviest swell hits the north coast from mid-November to early February.

December through March is the peak season and whale watching season (whales generally stay on the west coast), with the largest crowds and the highest room rates. The low season falls from April to mid-June and from September to mid-December, with fewer crowds and better rates.

Best Time To Visit Kauai

The best months to visit Kauai are April, May, August, and September for the best weather, lower rates, and smaller crowds. Overall, Kauai is the rainiest of the major Hawaiian islands, but its microclimates differ dramatically. The northern and eastern beaches (Princeville to Lihue) see regular rainfall, while the southern beaches near Po’ipu tend to be sunnier, and the western side around Waimea Canyon is desert.

Near the center of the island, Mount Waialeale ranks among the rainiest places on earth. In general, year-round highs average from 27 ° C to 29 ° C, the warmest from July to October and the coldest from December to March. Brief rains are likely throughout the year, although the driest is from late May to late September.

The warmest ocean temperatures are recorded from the beginning of August to the end of October, while from mid-January to mid-April, it is the coldest.

The giant waves are seen on the north coast from November to February. Peak season and whale season (across the island) run from mid-December to March; Low season runs from April to early June and from September to early December.

Best Time To Travel To The Big Island

The best months to visit the Big Island are mid to late April, May, September, and October for the best combination of good weather, cheaper rates, and fewer people. The Big Island is enormous, twice the size of all the other islands put together, with eight completely different climate zones.

Most travelers only need to worry about two areas: Kailua-Kona in the west (hot, muggy, dry) and Hilo and Volcano in the east (hot, sticky, humid – Hilo is the wettest city in the US. ).

Temperatures are relatively constant throughout the year, with temperatures between 27 ° C and 31 ° C in Kailua-Kona and temperatures between 26 ° C and 28 ° C in Hilo and Volcano. March and April are the rainiest months in both regions, while mid-May to late July is the driest.

Although the rainy and dry seasons fall simultaneously for both areas, Hilo and Volcano experience almost twice as much rain as Kailua-Kona during the wet season. The ocean temperatures for both regions are nearly the same; August to October is the warmest, while February and March are the coldest.

The best surf hits the east and west coasts during winter, although the waves are smaller here than on the other islands; The best months for surfing are between December and February. Peak season and whale season (Kohala Coast and Hilo Bay) run from late December through March, while the low season is during April and May and September through mid-December.

Hilo and Volcano experience nearly twice as much rainfall as Kailua-Kona during the wet season. The ocean temperatures for both regions are almost the same; August to October is the warmest, while February and March are the coldest.

The best surf hits the east and west coasts during winter, although the waves are smaller here than on the other islands; The best months for surfing are between December and February.

Peak season and whale season (Kohala Coast and Hilo Bay) run from late December through March, while the low season is during April and May and September through mid-December.

August to October is the warmest, while February and March are the coldest. The best surf hits the east and west coasts during winter, although the waves are smaller here than on the other islands; The best months for surfing are between December and February.

Peak season and whale season (Kohala Coast and Hilo Bay) run from late December through March, while the low season is during April and May and September through mid-December. August to October is the warmest, while February and March are the coldest.

The best surf hits the east and west coasts during winter, although the waves are smaller here than on the other islands; The best months for surfing are between December and February.

Peak season and whale season (Kohala Coast and Hilo Bay) run from late December through March, while the low season is during April and May and September through mid-December.

Weather In Hawaii By Months – Best Time To Visit Hawaii

Temperatures in Hawaii are warm all year round. Rain is most common in the winter months from November to March, and the rare big storm is seen during the hurricane season from June to November. Short, light showers occur regularly everywhere.

Kauai and the Hilo side of the Big Island are the wettest areas, while West Maui and the Kona Coast are the warmest and driest. The surf is more significant and more complex in winter, especially on the northern shores of the islands.

Hawaii Weather in January: January is one of the coldest months of the Hawaiian year, with temperatures as low as 20ºC. Rain is likely, but not heavy. The northern shores will see their most giant waves this month, with big waves in the west, too. It’s a good idea to bring a light jacket or layered dress for afternoons or when visiting high elevations. (Average high 26ºC, average rainfall 78mm, average Honolulu water temperature 24.7ºC.)

Hawaii Weather in February: Average temperatures in February are the same as in January, around 20-26ºC, but the rain is slightly heavier. Huge wages continue to hit the north and west coasts. A light jacket and clothes that dry quickly are recommended at this time of year; Whale watching excursions sometimes get eye-catching (Average highs 26ºC, average rainfall 90mm, Honolulu average water temp 24.4ºC.)

Hawaii Weather in March: March temperatures remain the same as February, with slightly less rain. The northern waves are still pretty big, but not the winter monsters. The western waves can be a bit bigger than the northern ones. (Average highs 26ºC, average rainfall 88mm, average Honolulu water temperature 24ºC.)

Hawaiian Weather in April: Temperatures remain constant from March to April, but the rain falls significantly. Layers are still a good idea, but rain gear can be left behind. The waves on all coasts in April range from flat to medium in size, and the water begins to warm. Good time to dive. (Average highs 26ºC, average rainfall 52mm, Honolulu average water temperature 25ºC.)

Hawaii Weather in May: May is one of the sunniest and driest months of the year, and temperatures continue to rise. In most places, surfing is still low to medium, and the ocean temperatures are high. It is considered one of the best months to visit Hawaii due to the unique weather conditions. (Average highs 27º, average rainfall 38mm, average water temperature in Honolulu 25.5ºC.)

Hawaiian weather in June: gorgeous, sunny, and dry. June sees waves surfing off the southern shores while the locks on the northern beaches disappear entirely. Ocean temperatures are incredibly comfortable from this time of year. (Average highs 28ºC, average rainfall 43mm, average Honolulu water temperature 26ºC.)

Hawaiian Weather in July: High temperatures hold steady in July, with slightly more rain than in June. The southern waves reach their peak, bringing some big waves. A jacket is still helpful at this time of year if you visit Haleakala Crater or take a helicopter tour. (Average highs 28ºC, average rainfall 57mm, Honolulu average water temperature 26ºC.)

Hawaii Weather in August: In August, temperatures reach their highest limits, and rainfall is at its annual low. The northern waves are still flat, while the southern waves are large, and the western and eastern waves increase in size. (Average temperature 29ºC, average rainfall 34mm, average Honolulu water temperature 26.5ºC.)

Hawaii Weather in September: September has the warmest water temperatures of the year in Hawaii, while waves are medium to large on all coasts. Air temperatures stay friendly and constant. This is one of the rainiest summer months, although it still doesn’t rain as much as winter. (Average temperature 29ºC, average rainfall 61 mm, average Honolulu water temperature 27ºC.)

Hawaiian Weather in October: October is the last sweltering month here, although the rains are starting to increase. The waves in the south and east begin to subside, and the waves in the north and west start to grow for the winter. A rain jacket or umbrella can come in handy if visiting during this time of year. (Average temperature 29ºC, average rainfall 80mm, average Honolulu water temperature 26.5ºC.)

Hawaii Weather in November: This is the wettest month in Hawaii, with three times more precipitation than May or August. Bring an umbrella and plan some rainy day activities in case of a downpour. The water and air temperatures are still very comfortable, and the waves from the north and west are big again, much to the delight of many surfers. (Average temperature 27º, average rainfall 124 mm, average water temperature in Honolulu 26ºC.)

Hawaii Weather in December: In December, air temperatures hit their winter lows, which generally remain constant for the next several months. The water temperatures are still comfortable, although not so mild.

The southern waves flatten out completely, while the western and especially northern waves get more prominent. The first whales of the season should appear now. (Average temperature 26ºC, average rainfall 87 mm, average water temperature in Honolulu 25ºC.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best month to go to Hawaii?

The best time to visit Hawaii is between March and September. This is when the islands see the highest temperatures and the lowest amount of rain. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the beach or the water.

When should you not go to Hawaii?

When it’s raining on one side of an island in Hawaii, though, the sun is usually shining on another, a short drive away. However, if the priority is to avoid heavy downpours in traditionally fun-in-the-sun locations such as Waikiki, Poipu, Kona and Kihei, the worst time to go is November through April.

What is the cheapest time of year to visit Hawaii?

Flights to Hawaii are generally at their most expensive from mid-December through mid-April. In 2019, Skyscanner estimated that flights would be cheapest in January and September and most expensive in June and December.

What is the rainy season in Hawaii? – Best Time To Visit Hawaii

Hawaii’s dry season ocurrs from April to October while the wet season occurs from November to March. Although summer sounds like the best time to travel to Hawaii, the climate is actually very hot and humid, something to keep in mind if you struggle with extreme temperatures.

What month is hurricane season in Hawaii? – Best Time To Visit Hawaii

Hawaii hurricane season for all the Hawaiian islands is from June through November, especially from July through September. Temperature and rainfall for each month of the year can be found at Maui Weather.

When is the hottest time to visit Hawaii?

June to September has the warmest temperatures, peaking in July and August with highs around 88°F (31°C). However, this also coincides with the wettest season in some area.

When is the coolest time to visit Hawaii?

December to February has the coolest temperatures, with highs around 78°F (26°C). While less crowded, it also sees more frequent showers, especially at higher elevations.

How many days do you need in Hawaii? – Best Time To Visit Hawaii

While many vacations are five to seven days long, we recommend staying for at least 10 days to enjoy your Hawaiian vacation. The time change is difficult to adjust to at first and takes about 3 days to get fully acclimated.

Best Time To Visit Hawaii: Weather, Temperature & Season 2024

When is the best time to visit Hawaii?