Best Time to Visit Hawaii: A Monthly Breakdown

January in Hawaii is part of the wet season, with cooler temperatures averaging between the high 60s and low 80s. Rain is more frequent, particularly on the windward sides of the islands, which are areas such as Hilo on the Big Island and Hana on Maui. However, the leeward sides, which are the southwestern sides, like Kona and Lahaina, remain relatively dry and sunny.

This month is perfect for whale watching as humpback whales migrate through Hawaiian waters. The cooler temperatures also make it an ideal time for hiking trails like the Kalalau Trail on Kauai or the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail on Oahu. If you love surfing, January is the best time to go to Hawaii to catch big waves on the North Shore of Oahu.

In February, the weather continues to be slightly cooler and wetter, with temperatures still ranging from the high 70s to the mid-70s. Rain showers are common, especially in the northern and eastern regions of the islands, like Hilo and the windward side of Oahu. Despite the rain, there are also plenty of sunny days and ample opportunities for outdoor activities.
February is still whale-watching season and a great time to explore the islands’ rainforests and waterfalls, which are often at their most spectacular after the rain. The beaches of Kona and Lahaina usually have lots of sunshine for those wanting to chill by the sea.

March marks the transition from winter to spring, with temperatures gradually increasing to the high 60s and low 80s. Rainfall also begins to decrease, particularly towards the end of the month. This is a great time for hiking since the trails are green and lush from the winter rains, but the weather is starting to warm up.

A great option is hiking across the lava fields in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, where you can witness the unbelievable landscape formed by volcanic activity.

Is April a good time to go to Hawaii? Absolutely! April brings warmer temperatures to Hawaii, with temperatures hovering around the mid-70s and a noticeable decrease in rainfall. The weather is generally pleasant, so it’s a great time for outdoor activities like hiking, attending festivals, and going on island tours.

Beach activities are also in full swing during April. The calmer ocean conditions are perfect for snorkeling at places like Hanauma Bay on Oahu or Molokini Crater off the coast of Maui. And surfing conditions remain ideal, especially on the south shores of the islands, where waves are smaller and more beginner-friendly.

May is the beginning of Hawaii’s dry season, with consistently warm and sunny weather and temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the high 80s. Rainfall is minimal during this month, making it an excellent time for beach days and water activities.

May is also a fantastic month for hiking for nature lovers since the weather is warm but not too hot, and the trails are in great condition. The Lei Day celebration takes place on May 1st, a statewide festival honoring the Hawaiian tradition of lei-making. The event features lei-making contests, hula performances, live music, and other cultural activities.

Is June a good time to go to Hawaii? Summer officially begins in June in Hawaii, with plenty of warm, sunny days. The weather is typically dry, and the longer days provide lots of time for outdoor activities. Hawaii weather in June is perfect for going to the beach, with warm ocean temperatures ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing.

Popular beaches like Waikiki on Oahu, Kaanapali on Maui, and Hapuna Beach on the Big Island are buzzing with activity. But if you’re looking for a quieter beach escape, you can head over to the leeward coasts of the islands, such as the Kohala Coast on the Big Island and the west side of Kauai, which have stunning stretches of sand and clear waters with fewer people.

The weather in Hawaii in July is warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from the high 80s to the high 70s. July is one of the hottest months of the year, so if you’re visiting Hawaii during this time, you’ll want to spend most of your time at the beach enjoying the refreshing ocean water—remember to stay hydrated, though!

Snorkeling and diving conditions are excellent in July due to the calm and clear waters. If you like scuba diving, there are some unique sites on the Big Island, like the manta ray night dive in Kona and the underwater lava tubes at Puako.

Hawaii in August can get pretty warm, with temperatures in the high 80s to low 90s. This month is the peak season for families with children and honeymooners, meaning that the islands can get very crowded, and hotels and activities are usually more expensive. It’s a good idea to book things like car rentals, luaus, boat tours, and popular excursions well in advance so you can experience the highlights of the islands without missing out on anything you really want to do.

The warm temperatures make August perfect for spending time in the water. Whether you’re lounging on the beach or taking a dip in the ocean, the conditions are ideal for cooling off and enjoying the surf. But, if you’re looking to escape the crowds, consider exploring some of the less-visited areas of the islands, like the historic town of Lanai or the massive sea cliffs at Molokai.

September is a great month to visit Hawaii because the crowds start to thin out as the summer vacation season comes to an end. The weather remains warm and pleasant, with temperatures averaging around the mid-to-low 80s. Popular beaches like Waikiki and Poipu on Kauai are less crowded, but ocean temperatures are still great for swimming and snorkeling.

In addition to enjoying the beaches, September is a fantastic time to explore Hawaii’s cultural and natural attractions. The Aloha Festivals take place during September, with events showcasing traditional Hawaiian music, dance, and local arts and crafts. September is also harvest time for many tropical fruits, so it’s an excellent time to visit local farmers’ markets and sample fresh, locally-grown produce.

Temperatures start to mellow out in October, but they’re still warm enough for all the outdoor fun Hawaii is known for. With the summer crowds mostly gone, the beaches and attractions are quieter, while the ocean remains invitingly warm.

Rain is common during October, though it mostly falls at night, so your plans shouldn’t be too disrupted by showers. October is a fantastic time to dive into Hawaii’s rich culture. The Hawaii Food & Wine Festival, which is spread across multiple islands, showcases the culinary skills of local and international chefs and offers a taste of Hawaiian cuisine. The Coconut Festival on Kauai celebrates the versatility of the coconut with live music, cooking demos, coconut games, and entertainment for the entire family.

Visiting Hawaii in November means that you might experience your fair share of showers, though most precipitation tends to occur at night. In November, the beaches are less crowded, and the ocean remains warm enough for swimming and snorkeling. This is also the start of the humpback whale season, so you may have lots of opportunities to see humpback whales, particularly around the coast of Maui.

Additionally, you can visit the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival on the Big Island, which celebrates the island’s famous coffee with farm tours, tastings, and cultural performances. One of the benefits of visiting Hawaii in November is the drop in accommodation prices. Since it falls between the peak summer season and the holiday rush of December, many hotels and resorts offer lower rates to attract visitors.

Crowds pick up again in December with folks who want to escape winter temperatures flocking to the islands for a tropical holiday getaway. December temperatures are comfortably warm, ranging from the high 60s at night to the low 80s during the day.

December is a festive time in Hawaii, with plenty of holiday events and activities to enjoy. The Honolulu City Lights on Oahu kicks off the season with a fun display of Christmas lights, parades, and live entertainment. There’s also the Waimea Christmas Parade on the Big Island, a charming small-town celebration with floats, music, and local crafts.