Aloha! Were you wondering the best time of year to check out Hawaii? The sunny paradise has something to offer year-round, from crystal-clear waters to breathtaking landscapes. So, it’s time to pack your bathing suit and plan your ultimate adventure.
Hawaii Climate Guide
Hawaii has a tropical climate, meaning it's warm and humid year-round. The temperature ranges from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C) on average, but it can vary depending on the season and location. The hurricane season runs from June to November, so the weather can be at its most unpredictable during these months. Hawaii’s wet season falls between November and March, but the rain is often very localized, meaning there’s always a sunny spot just along the bay!
Visiting Hawaii During the Spring
Spring is a fantastic time to visit Hawaii if you're looking for a quieter escape. The winter crowds have dispersed, and the weather is still mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s. April is also a great time to see Hawaii's beautiful flowers in bloom, including the state flower, the yellow hibiscus.
Visiting Hawaii During the Summer
Summer is peak tourist season in Hawaii, so expect the beaches and attractions to be crowded. You can expect great weather in the summer months, and plenty of sun, with temperatures peaking in the low-90s. June is also a great time to see the humpback whales before they leave Hawaii for the summer.
Visiting Hawaii During the Fall
Fall is considered off-peak season in Hawaii. The weather is still mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s, but fewer crowds mean you’ll have more of the beach to yourself!Visiting Hawaii During the Winter
Winter is a really popular season to visit Hawaii, especially for those seeking some sun during the December holidays. While the days are still hot and sunny, the evenings can be cooler so come prepared for a dip in temperature at night.
What is the Best Month to Visit Hawaii?
Whilst every season has something unique to offer in Hawaii, here’s our handy month-by-month guide to help you decide the best time to plan your visit.
Visiting Hawaii in January
January in Hawaii offers a quiet escape. The weather is still mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s. It’s especially good for animal-lovers, with your chances of spotting a migrating humpback whale elevated during this month. For surf-fanatics, January is one of the best times to visit Hawaii as it plays host to the Vans Triple Crown, a staple event in the world surf calendar. Here you can expect to see some of the world’s best riding Hawaii’s fantastic swell.
Visiting Hawaii in February
February offers larger surf than the summer months, adding appeal for the seasoned surfers. Temperatures remain similar to those in January, and with over 11 hours of daylight a day there’s plenty of time to hit the beach.
Visiting Hawaii in March
March continues to bring excellent swell, warm temperatures and slightly longer daylight hours—perfect for an early spring break. March is also the tail-end of Hawaii’s wet season, so rainfall is less than previous months.
Visiting Hawaii in April
Calling all nature lovers! April is arguably the best time to visit Hawaii to see the flowers bloom, including the territorial emblem of Hawaii, the yellow hibiscus.
Visiting Hawaii in May
With an average temperature of 84 degrees, May is a very appealing month to head to Hawaii. On 1st May, Hawaiians celebrate Lei Day with a festival involving exchanging the Lei flower. Expect to see plenty of parades and celebrations on this colorful day!
Visiting Hawaii in June
June is peak tourist season in Hawaii, so expect the beaches and attractions to be crowded. However, it's also the last chance to see the humpback whales before they migrate. The weather is hot and sunny, with temperatures hitting the low 90s on some days! King Kamehameha Day, one of the islands biggest festivals, is celebrated on 11th June.
Visiting Hawaii in July
If you’re looking to soak up some cultural traditions, July is the best time to visit Hawaii as the state celebrates Independence Day, with fireworks, parades and celebrations across the islands. Although rainfall is low at this time of year, it is the start of Hurricane season, so the weather can be a little unpredictable. But fear not, there’s still plenty of sun to be found.Visiting Hawaii in August
August is still the peak tourist season in Hawaii, so you can expect it to be busy. But with the crowds comes plenty of activities and entertainment, with lots of festivals happening during the month of August, including the Makai Music & Art Festival. The weather is great and the vibes are pumping!
Visiting Hawaii in September
‘Aloha’, the US’s only state-wide cultural festival, takes over Hawaii in the month of September, with celebrations across the whole of Hawaii. The community events honor the many unique traditions of Hawaii and are quite a spectacle to see. September is still in Hurricane season, but with over 12 hours of daylight and minimal rainfall, it’s still a great place for an end-of-summer vacation.
Visiting Hawaii in October
October sees a slight drop in temperature as the summer months drift away, but you can still expect pleasant temperatures and plenty of sunshine hours. The tourist crowds from the summer seasons have dispersed so you can expect a slightly quieter vibe—perfect for those who want a peaceful vacation.
Visiting Hawaii in November
November sees the end of Hawaii’s hurricane season, but the start of the rainy season. With pleasant, humid days, and warm sea temperatures, November can still offer an ideal beach break. For film lovers, Hawaii International Film Festival takes place in November, serving up work from the best talent in Asian-Pacific cinema.
Visiting Hawaii in December
December is peak tourist season in Hawaii, especially around the holidays. It takes the crown for the wettest month on the islands, but with showers only arriving in short bursts it’s certainly no reason to avoid the island. Mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine can be found between the short showers, making it a wonderful place to spend the festive season.
Best Off-Peak Time to Visit Hawaii
If you're looking to avoid the crowds, the best off-peak seasons to visit Hawaii are spring and fall. The weather is mild and pleasant, and there are fewer tourists, making it a great time to enjoy the beaches and attractions without the crowds.
When is the Cheapest Time to Visit Hawaii?
The cheapest time to visit Hawaii is during the off-peak seasons of spring and fall. You can find great deals on flights and accommodations, and benefit from fewer crowds!
Long story short…
Hawaii has something to offer all year round, and whether you’re seeking great surf breaks, cultural celebrations, an escape into nature, or a kick-back on the beach, you’ll find it all during the calendar year in this island paradise. Please keep in mind many that Hawaii is home to native communities that deserve your respect and support when you visit. Please take some time to learn and research about native cultures and traditions before your trip and what actions you can take to reduce your impact and empower locals.
Written by AC Callahan
