The best time to visit Hawaii is between March and September, when the weather is fine, with little rainfall and perfect temperatures for hiking, exploring, and basking on the endless beaches.
Hawaii has a tropical climate with two main seasons: summer, or kau, is from May to October, while winter, or ho’oilo, runs from November to April. But this isn’t winter in the traditional sense; the weather here is warm all year round, just slightly wetter in the winter months.
Hawaii is cooled by tradewinds and blessed with multiple microclimates. There are volcanoes, which may wear a snowy cap in winter, as well as semi-desert, tropical rainforest, and alpine highlands. This variety is what makes the islands such a wonderful environment for nature lovers.
Visiting Hawaii By Season
Summer
Volcanoes National Park, Kailua Kona
July and August are peak season months in Hawaii for summer vacationers. June is still relatively quiet with hot, sunny days. Expect average temperatures of 79°F (26°C) in June, rising to a peak of 81°F (27°C) in August.
July and August are perfect months for enjoying Hawaii’s beaches and splashing around in the water, with deliciously warm sea temperatures. This is also the season when pineapples and mangoes are harvested, making it the perfect time to feast on sweet, juicy fruit.
Bear in mind that if you decide to tackle a volcano trip or hike, the temperature will drop 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet of ascent, even in summer, so take layers.
Fall
September is the end of summer in Hawaii and still a wonderful time to visit. The sea is warm, marine life abundant, and the summer crowds have dispersed. By October, the seas are choppier and the island will receive some rainfall. November sees much more rain; expect up to 4.8 inches (124mm). Fall is also technically hurricane season, although hurricanes are rare in the islands.
What’s more, even if it’s raining in one location, the chances are that there will be sunshine somewhere nearby. Temperatures remain tropical, with an October average still up at 81°F (27°C).
Winter
Although December can see some rainfall, it’s nonetheless a popular time to go to Hawaii for a tropical Christmas and New Year’s break. High season for winter sun-seekers continues into January and to an extent, February. This is the time when surfers are drawn to the islands, waiting to catch those famously enormous waves on Oahu’s northern shores.
January and February are also a great time to see humpback whales in the waters around the islands, as this is their breeding season. The weather is still warm, with average temperatures of 73°F (23°C) in January.
Spring
Lahaina
In spring, the weather transitions from slightly cooler and rainy to dry and sunny. March is still rainy; in fact, after November, it’s one of the rainiest months of the year, receiving up to 3.4 inches (88mm) of precipitation.
April and May, though, are usually fine and dry. By April, tropical flowers are in bloom all over the islands. May is a great time to learn to surf; the huge rollers of winter have subsided, but there’s still enough swell for beginners and intermediates.
When Is Rainy Season?
October to March are the rainier months in Hawaii, with November the wettest, receiving up to 4.8 inches (124mm) of precipitation. The windward, or northeastern sides of the islands, receive the most rain.
Having said this, November still receives up to nine hours of sunshine every day, despite the shortening day length. Rain in Hawaii rarely means long, gray days; instead, expect short, sharp, localized bursts.
When Is High Season?
Lahaina
July and August can be regarded as high season in Hawaii, as well as December and January, when visitors come to escape the frigid temperatures of the northern winter. Spring break can also be busy.
In the summer months, there’s little rainfall. The ocean is a delightful 81°F (27°C) and the water is calm, making this peak time for family vacations.
When Is Shoulder Season?
Shoulder season in Hawaii is late spring, after Spring Break and before the summer rush, and in fall, particularly before Thanksgiving.
May and June are the best time to go to Hawaii to explore those spectacular landscapes with fewer other visitors for company. September and October are great months to visit for balmy temperatures, warm seas, and fewer crowds.
When Is Low Season?
Hawaii doesn’t really have a low season in the sense that everything shuts down and tourists disappear. But February and March tend to be the slowest months, with more rainfall and slightly cooler sea temperatures of around 24°C. Early November, before Thanksgiving, is also a quieter month due to the likelihood of rain.
Low season can still be a great time to visit, and it’s especially good for foodies, as everything from citrus to avocados is in season and farmers’ markets are busy.
Honolulu
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