Hawaii is known for its world-class surfing, untainted beaches, natural volcanic landscapes, and friendly aloha culture. Selecting the ideal time to visit Hawaii might be difficult because there is so much to see and do there. With information on activities and weather for each season, this guide can be of use.
Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places on earth with one of the mildest temperatures, so it’s easy to imagine that any time is a good time to come.
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It is undoubtedly a wonderful place to travel, with plenty of sunshine and mild temps all year round. Though the island state has a varied climate and a distinct rainy season, certain months are more suited for specific locations and activities than others.
We put prepared this information on the ideal time to visit Hawaii in order to assist you in sorting this out. Learn out all you need to know to create the itinerary of your dreams by reading on!
When is the best time to visit Hawaii?
The best time to visit Hawaii also depends on which island you plan to visit, Because each island is different. Hawaii is beautiful throughout the year, so there is never a “bad” time to go there.
March to October
Any time between late March and late October is the ideal time to travel to Hawaii. The warmest temperatures, calmest waters, and least likelihood of rain are experienced during these months.
November to January
November to January is the best time to visit Hawaii if you want to surf some of the island’s famous waves; but, if this isn’t your top priority, you may want to stay away from the crowds and traffic that swarm the Oahu North Shore at this time. The whole family may enjoy calmer conditions in late summer when the weather has warmed and the surf hordes have dispersed.
mid-December to mid-April
The most expensive times to book flights and accommodations are during the “peak” season, which extends from mid-December to mid-April. If you plan to travel during this time, it is recommended that you make your reservations as far in advance as you can. If you’re interested in seeing humpback whales or other natural wonders, you should go between November and the beginning of May.
Attending or participating in a large festival or event is an excellent way to see Hawaiian culture in its authentic form. We shall look into a few of the events that take place throughout the year. You have the last say on whether or not a trip to Hawaii is worthwhile. In general, Hawaii never has a bad moment. Having said that, since you intend to travel to Hawaii, let’s learn a little bit about the state.
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● Best Time to Visit Hawaii for Good Weather in 2024
Hawaii experiences year-round high temperatures, with typical winter highs of 26–28 degrees Celsius and summer highs of 29–31 degrees Celsius. The state of the surf and the amount of rain are the two most crucial factors. While the hurricane season also lasts from June to November, the rainy season runs from June to November.
The largest waves occur in the winter, particularly along the northern coasts of the islands. The most reliably pleasant months are April, May, September, and October. That being said, Hawaii makes for an excellent year-round vacation destination, with some of the best activities available throughout the year.
● Best Time to Book Hotels for Hawaii
Hawaii’s best hotels, especially the family-friendly ones, book up far in advance, especially in July and August as well as late December and early January. It is recommended to make reservations 3–6 months in advance.
● Best Time for Surfing in Hawaii
The ideal time to surf in Hawaii depends on the ability of the surfer. The best waves hammer the north beaches of all the islands throughout the winter, especially on Oahu’s North Shore, which runs from November to March. For both experts and spectators, now is the ideal moment to go. Novice surfers are advised to stick to the southernmost points of the islands or visit during the summer season. There is unusual quiet on the oceans from May to September.
● Best Time to go Snorkeling and Swimming in Hawaii
Hawaii offers year-round swimming and snorkeling, but summertime is the best time to enjoy these water sports because of the warmer water, gentler waves, and brighter sky. The best snorkeling is found on the Big Island and Maui since these locations are less affected by the easterly prevailing winds. Because Kauai experiences more regular rains throughout the year, which reduces water clarity, snorkeling there is least trustworthy.
● Best Time to Go Hiking in Hawaii
There are some of the most breathtaking walks in the world in Hawaii, especially on Kauai. While hiking may be done all year round, the summer months are usually the best because of the increased daylight and generally drier pathways. This region experiences hot summers, so pack plenty of water and sunscreen, and try to begin your hike early in the morning when the temperature is still lower.
● Best Time to go Whale-Watching in Hawaii
Whales winter in Hawaii, traveling from Alaska between December and April each year. The optimum time to watch the calves after they are born is in late February or early March. Although they can be seen off the shore of every island, whales usually congregate between Maui’s western coastline and the neighboring islands of Molokai and Lanai.
● Best Times to Visit the Volcano in Hawaii
The Big Island’s Kilauea volcano has been erupting continuously since 1983, sometimes in spectacular bursts and other times in steady flows. There is never a specific time of year when there is less or more lava. When determining when to visit, the weather is the most crucial factor.
Higher elevations experience average winter temperatures of 8–12 degrees Celsius, which are typically 6–11 degrees Celsius colder than at sea level. Summertime (May to September) is the greatest time to visit the volcano when it’s still warm.
● Best Time to Go Fishing in Hawaii
Fishing is year-round in Hawaii, with different species biting at different times on different islands. Winter offers bigeye tuna, marlin, and striped skipjack in plenty, along with a good chance of spotting whales. In the spring, there are more blue marlin, yellowfin, and mahi mahi to be discovered. Along with gigantic yellowfin and blue marlin, summertime comes ono and skipjack tuna. Fall offers plenty of billfish, large trevally, mahi-mahi, and marlin of various kinds.
● Best Time to go Skiing or Snowboarding in Hawaii
Over the course of the year, snowfall fluctuates in frequency. The ideal months to ski or snowboard on Mauna Kea are February and March. Although a four-wheel-drive vehicle is necessary and there are no amenities or lifts, the snow is thought to be some of the best in the world.
● Best Time to Get Discounts in Hawaii
To get the greatest rates, it’s always a good idea to plan ahead and schedule your flights during the middle of the week. The best times to book hotels and flights are typically in the fall and spring. With the exception of the final week of May, known as “Golden Week,” which is Japan’s busiest travel period, great deals are typically available from late March to mid-June.
Discounts are also available later in the year, from September to mid-December, which is a fantastic time to save for Thanksgiving week. In general, June and July are more popular and less expensive than the pricey winter months. Last-minute deals are more usual during this time of year.
● Best Time to Avoid Crowds in Hawaii
Travelers find November to be the driest month, except Thanksgiving week. It’s also feasible to avoid crowds in May through the first week of June and October. April can be a quiet month, save for the Golden Week and years when Easter falls at the beginning of the month.
● Best Time to Have a Destination Wedding in Hawaii
Since summers are often drier than winters, planning a wedding for May through October suggests a decreased chance of rain. But Hilo and Kauai are nearly always wet. Although significant storms are rare, the hurricane season runs from June through November. The ideal month for a sunny wedding is May.
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● Best Time to go on an Inter-Island Cruise
December through March are the best months to watch whales from the side of your ship, but they are also the most expensive and rainiest. The greatest cruise deals are available from Thanksgiving until mid-December. A greater selection of boats can be found in April, September, and October.
● Best Time to Buy an Airline Ticket to Hawaii
Flight costs fluctuate a lot. Booking one to four months in advance generally yields the cheapest rates; however, six weeks ahead of time is the optimal time to do it. There are a few restrictions when making reservations for Thanksgiving week and mid-to-late December. Usually, it’s best to book these times as soon as tickets go on sale, up to eleven months beforehand.
Weather in Hawaii
In comparison with other places, Hawaii’s tropical climate has only two distinct seasons: summer and winter. Autumn and Spring? Not in Hawaii, please!
Winter typically lasts from November through April, and summer typically lasts from May to October.
In the summer, 85°F (29.4°C) is the average daytime temperature; at night, it drops to roughly 75°F (23.9°C).
Wintertime temperatures do not drastically drop, although they still typically reach beyond 73.4°F (23°C). In Hawaii, the winter also marks the start of the wet season. Although there is no denying that the islands have more rain in the winter, you can nearly always find a spot where it doesn’t rain while it’s raining elsewhere because of their unique microclimates.
Hawaii’s weather and season statistics:
- Hawaii’s warmest months are July and August.
- Hawaii’s coldest months are December through February.
- November and March are Hawaii’s wettest months (December on Kauai, the wettest island overall).
- Hawaii’s driest month or months are June through August.
- August is the busiest month in Hawaii.
- April is the least crowded month in Hawaii.
● Best Time to Visit Hawaii as a Months Wise
Summer in Hawaii
Let’s analyze what to expect in Hawaii during the summer, when temperatures are at their peak and the islands are usually drier.
● May
Hawaii’s summertime temperatures range from 75–79°F (24–26°C) in Kauai and Lanai, to 82.4°F (28°C) on average on the other islands.
As the season is just getting started, the islands are largely deserted until Memorial Day weekend, when the first wave of summer vacationers arrives. This is when most people think Hawaii is best visited, especially if they want to stay somewhere cheap and avoid the crowds.
In addition, May marks the beginning of Mele Mei, the cherished month-long celebration of Hawaiian music and culture.
● June
The Hawaiian islands, including Kauai, experience the least amount of rainfall in June, when the sun is shining and the temperature is beginning to rise.
The Big Island approaches 84.2°F (29°C), however the average temperature across all the islands is at least 77°F (25°C).
Another great time to visit Hawaii sans the crowds is in the early part of June. Remember that in the middle of the month, hotels begin to fill up and schools close across North America.
● July
Travelers from all over the world flock to the region in July. Every island has long, bright days and temperatures that range from 82 to 86°F (28 to 30°C).
Both Oahu and Maui are bustling, with well-liked beaches teeming with families and bustling with people as night falls from bars and restaurants.
If you aren’t restricted by school vacation dates and don’t mind larger crowds and more expensive travel, you might want to reconsider going to Hawaii in July.
● August
The height of Hawaii tourism occurs in July and August. This is the ideal season to visit beaches and take in the many festivals held throughout the islands. End-of-summer carnivals with rides, games, and food booths are held on all the islands.
If you want to avoid busy beaches, try to visit in late August as things tend to wind down at the end of the month.
● September
September is one of the greatest months to visit Hawaii because of the low number of tourists and the high temperatures.
This time of year offers exceptional underwater visibility, making it a great time for diving and snorkeling. September is still a great month for festivals, especially the Aloha Festivals on Oahu.
● October
The summer ends in October, and as rain starts to fall more frequently, the islands experience a sharp decline in visitors.
While the cost of lodging and rental cars drops dramatically and the weather stays in the 80s (Fahrenheit, 20s Celsius), there is a greater likelihood of thunderstorms. October also brings with it a plethora of island-wide cuisine and music festivals.
● Best places to visit during summer in Hawaii
- Oahu: This surf-focused island is home to the well-known Waikiki Beach and is the site of the yearly Aloha Festivals, which offer a thrilling opportunity to experience Hawaiian culture firsthand.
- Kauai: Enjoy the Garden Isle by snorkeling or trekking at Kōkeʁe State Park, especially when the weather is dryer.
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: It is the star of Hawaii Island and is home to Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, two of the most active volcanoes in the world. Summer is the ideal season to visit.
- The Big Island’s Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park : It is a waterfront area with swimming, snorkeling, hiking, and kayaking available.
- Maui: Take advantage of some of Hawaii’s top snorkeling beaches during festival season.
- Diamond Head: Kid-friendly hiking routes travel past former military outposts and provide breathtaking crater rim vistas.
● Best things to do during summer in Hawaii
- Whale shark diving when submerged: The best times to watch the gentle giants are in late March and late July.
Swimming with snorkels: September has the maximum visibility and is the finest month to snorkel off the southern shores of the islands. Nearly every beach offers equipment rentals.
Hiking: Summer is the greatest season to visit Hawaii for hiking of all kinds because there is less possibility of rain.- Surfing the wind: The windiest months on Oahu are June through August, whereas the greatest time to visit Maui is from March through October.
The Hana Road: Although you may enjoy the famed scenic drive on Maui at any time of year, the summer months offer more daylight and fewer chances of rain.
Savor the Bon Season: June to Labor Day is when these Buddhist traditional dance celebrations take place.
Attend a festival: Choose between the Kauai Chocolate and Coffee Festival, the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival, and the Hawaii International Film Festival.
Winter in Hawaii
Even though winter brings the rainy season, visiting Hawaii in the winter doesn’t have to be discouraged.
Late October
By the end of October, summer turns into winter, but the average temperature stays comfortable around 78.8–86°F (26–30°C). The main difference is that rainfall is now far more often on all the islands, especially Kauai.
At the end of October, Oahu and Big Island host the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival.
November
If you’re into surfing large waves, now might be the ideal time to go to Hawaii. The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing is held in late November or early December on Oahu’s renowned North Shore.
Remember that November is one of the wettest months on all the islands, with Kauai receiving an average of 14.5 inches of rain. At the yearly Kona Coffee Cultural Festival on Big Island, get a cup of coffee to warm up if the rain is making you feel cold.
December
Travel takes off at the beginning of the month and keeps increasing, pushing up hotel and airfare costs in the run-up to Christmas and New Year’s. This may not be the ideal time to visit Hawaii unless you can handle crowds well and money isn’t a big factor.
The annual Honolulu Marathon takes place in December, so if it’s always your dream to run 26.2 miles in paradise, make sure to reserve your spot well in advance.
January
Let’s ride the waves! Surfing’s peak season officially begins in January. Another surf festival to mark your calendar is the Billabong Pipe Pro, which is often held in January or early February.
Despite the fact that it is the complete winter wet season, Hawaii experiences high tourism throughout January due to the surf community and visitors looking for whale watching and winter sun. Golfers also seem to be enjoying this month.
February
January and February are among the greatest months to travel to Hawaii for surfing. You have a fantastic chance to locate deals in the second half of February, though, as prices start to decline and the influx of winter tourists tapers down.
The greatest island to see humpback whales is Maui, and this is also the height of the season.
March
Generally speaking, March is a slow month in Hawaii, but there is an increase in tourists around spring break. March is one of the wettest months on the islands, so even though the temperature is starting to increase, you’ll still need to be alert for erratic storms.
Take advantage of a low-cost hotel during this period or visit the historical sites on Molokai or Oahu.
April
When traveling to Hawaii, April is the ideal month to avoid crowds. You may visit the state and national parks in comfortable weather and enjoy al fresco eating because the evening temperatures are considerably warmer than in March.
Plus, wildflowers are beginning to bloom throughout the valleys!
● Best places to visit during winter in Hawaii
- Maui: The best island to see humpback whales; it also has the least amount of rain overall and calm weather ideal for snorkeling.
- Lanai: At some of Hawaii’s most opulent resorts, play golf while soaking in the sun.
- Pearl Harbor: Rain or shine, an interesting day trip can be had at Pearl Harbor, the only US naval installation designated as a National Historic Landmark.
- Mauna Kea: Unmatched stargazing may be seen at the visitor center close to the 13,796-foot summit of this dormant volcano. You should anticipate seeing snow up here during the winter!
- Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge: See the enormous North Shore surf, explore the ancient lighthouse, and keep an eye out for seabirds at Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge (Kauai).
- Molokai: Visit one of the most serene islands and take in the customary activities during the Ka Molokai Makahiki Festival in January
● Best things to do during winter in Hawaii
- Watching Whales: During the end of the year, humpback whales migrate from Hawaii to Alaska, with January through March being the busiest months.
- Surfing: Winter is when the seas off the Hawaiian islands are at their biggest. When visiting Hawaii, this is the ideal time to catch a surf tournament or practice advanced surfing.
- Swimming with snorkels: Snorkeling is possible all year round because of the consistently warm weather. The northern coastlines of the islands offer better conditions, but stay alert for flags and safety instructions.
- Kayaking and Canoeing: In Hawaii, these pursuits are usually risk-free throughout the year, and if you paddle in the winter, you might see whales!
- Look around the farmers’ markets: Every island has them, full of regional baked delicacies, fruit, and crafts. Plus, you can eat delectable citrus and tropical fruits to strengthen your immune system.
- Visit cultural venues and museums: It’s ideal to schedule a few indoor activities among the islands during the rainier months.
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FAQs about Best Time to Visit Hawaii
When is the best time to visit Hawaii ?
Any time between late March and late October is the ideal time to travel to Hawaii.
When is the best time to Book Hotels for Hawaii ?
Hawaii’s best hotels, especially the family-friendly ones, book up far in advance, especially in July and August as well as late December and early January. It is recommended to make reservations three to six months in advance.
When is the best time to Surfing in Hawaii ?
The best waves hammer the north beaches of all the islands throughout the winter, especially on Oahu’s North Shore, which runs from November to March. For both experts and spectators, now is the ideal moment to go.
When is the Best Time to go Snorkeling and Swimming in Hawaii?
Hawaii offers year-round swimming and snorkeling, but summertime is the best time to enjoy these water sports because of the warmer water, fewer waves, and brighter sky.
When is the Best Time to go Whale-Watching in Hawaii?
Whales winter in Hawaii, traveling from Alaska between December and April each year. The optimum time to watch the calves after they are born is in late February or early March.