Weather in Hawaii

Hawaii immediately conjures up images of Hula girls in Honolulu, a laid-back surfer lifestyle and a history of fierce tribal cultures. This is the only American state located in Oceania, a group of islands famous for their beaches, gargantuan volcanoes and verdant environment. Hawaii is the tropical 'Paradise of the Pacific', but the climate can still be wildly variable. So, imagine surfing at a beach on Hawaii Island in 25°C (77°F) heat at noon, then throwing snowballs on top of Mauna Kea the following, all in the hear of winter.It rarely drops below 20°C (68°F) during the year, but is always raining somewhere. 

There are two seasons, the dry season (May to October) and the wet season (November to April), summer and winter respectively. Most inhabited islands have similar weather patterns, with the exception of Molakai and Lanai, both of which are typically a few degrees colder than other islands. 

Summer is for surfing, swimming and relaxing in Hawaii, where a 30°C (86°F) day could be considered mild and even at 4205m on Mauna Kea, it rarely snows.

If it does get below 20°C (68°F), then it is wintertime and, even then, less than 16°C (61°F) is unusually cold. While the weather is warm, however, it's wet, 150mm (5.9in) in some places, so avoid areas like Mount Waialeale, where it rains over 11,400mm (449in) annually. Nonetheless, whether in winter or summer, there will be a dry spot somewhere on an island.

 

When is the best time to go to Hawaii?

Hawaii is warm all year round, but summer is the driest and hottest season, the best time to relax and soak up the sun. The winter holiday period is the most expensive, but it is a surfers paradise and whale watchers come from January to March. For a good balance of weather and cost, go from mid-April to May and, as an added bonus, there are few crowds as well.

 

What to pack for a holiday in Hawaii 

Wearing floral ‘Hawaiian shirts’ will let everyone know where the tourists are, so it’s best to pack casual loose-fitting clothing, to fit into the island's culture and weather. Pack plenty of T-shirts and shorts, light skirts and dresses, as well as loose and light trousers or jeans for cool evenings. Double up on swimwear because one pair won’t be enough and take along sunglasses, hats and sunscreen.

A backpack will be useful for short hiking trips and excursions, as well as a zip lock bag for keeping valuable items dry. A warm but lightweight hiking top or two, and maybe even a thermal for high altitudes are advisable extras, as well as gloves, scarves and a warm coat for snowy peaks. Finally, take some smart clothing for a special night out.

 

Climate and Weather in Hawaii in January

Average temperatures in Hawaii in January: 18°C to 27°C (65°F to 80°F)
Average sea temperatures in Hawaii in January: 24°C (75°F)
Average rainfall in Hawaii in January: 51mm to 102mm (2in to 4in)
Notes: Some towns on the west side of the Hawaii Island receives over 250mm (10in) of rainfall.
Events: The Cherry Blossom Festival in Hawaii celebrates Japanese culture in Hawaii, with many cultural activities to do in Oahu. The Maui Whale Festival honours the ocean’s giants, a good place to check out what’s on in Maui Island for the rest of the trip. The Narcissus Festival is a beauty pageant that forms part of the Chinese New Year celebrations, complete with food stalls and entertainment. 

 

Climate and Weather in Hawaii in February

Average temperatures in Hawaii in February: 18°C to 27°C (65°F to 80°F)
Average sea temperatures in Hawaii in February: 24°C (75°F)
Average rainfall in Hawaii in February: 51mm to 127mm (2in to 5in)
Notes: Some towns on the west side of the Hawaii Island receives over 250mm (10in) of rainfall.
Events: The Waimea Town Celebration is an eight-day festival in Hawaii, one of the best things to do in Waimea and a great taste of what’s on in Hawaii during the year.

 

Climate and Weather in Hawaii in March

Average temperatures in Hawaii in March: 19°C to 28°C (67°F to 82°F)
Average sea temperatures in Hawaii in March: 24°C (75°F)
Average rainfall in Hawaii in March: 51mm to 102mm (2in to 4in)
Notes: Some towns on the west side of the Hawaii Island receives over 355mm (14in) of rainfall.
Events: The Honolulu Festival draws artists from the Pacific, Hawaii and Asia together for a celebration of the diverse cultures of the Pacific Rim. Foodies will love the Kona Brewer’s Festival, a food and beverage festival featuring Hawaii’s top chefs and breweries. Prince Kuhio Day is an exciting day honouring Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole, with canoe races, music, dance and a royal ball. 

 

Climate and Weather in Hawaii in April

Average temperatures in Hawaii in April: 19°C to 28°C (67°F to 82°F)
Average sea temperatures in Hawaii in April: 24°C (76°F)
Average rainfall in Hawaii in April: 25mm to 75mm (1in to 3in)
Notes: Some towns on the west side of the Hawaii Island receives over 280mm (11in) of rainfall.
Events: The Hawaii Invitational International Music Festival is one of the best things to do on Oahu, featuring the best youth bands of Hawaii, as well as some international guests. Hawaii’s famous Hula dancers will compete at the Merrie Monarch Festival in the biggest hula competition of the year, which usually takes places a week after Easter.

 

Climate and Weather in Hawaii in May

Average temperatures in Hawaii in May: 21°C to 29°C (70°F to 84°F)
Average sea temperatures in Hawaii in May: 25°C (77°F)
Average rainfall in Hawaii in May: 15mm to 65mm (0.6in to 2.5in)
Notes: Some towns on the west side of the Hawaii Island receives over 200mm (8in) of rainfall.
Events: The Big Island Film Festival includes screenwriting workshops and displays the best of the Hawaiian film industry. Celebrate Lei Day in May, wear a floral necklace (Lei) and take some time to find out about the local culture. The Maui Onion Festival is a foodie’s dream festival and art lovers will enjoy the Celebration of the Arts Festival, especially those seeking an authentic travel experience in Hawaii. 

 

Climate and Weather in Hawaii in June

Average temperatures in Hawaii in June: 21°C to 29°C (70°F to 85°F)
Average sea temperatures in Hawaii in June: 26°C (79°F)
Average rainfall in Hawaii in June: 13mm to 38mm (0.5in to 1.5in)
Notes: Some towns on the west side of the Hawaii Island receives over 190mm (7.5in) of rainfall.
Events: King Kamehameha I is revered figure in Hawaiian history and there are special events dedicated to his honour on Kamehameha Day. The Kapalua Food and Wine Festival is the most prestigious gourmet festival in the state, hosting the best chefs and sommeliers on the islands. For a great film event, visit the Maui Film Festival and see the best local films, while enjoying good local food and wine. Finally, the Pan Pacific Festival is a celebration of cross-cultural relations between Hawaii and Japan, with many artists, dancers and musicians. 

 

Climate and Weather in Hawaii in July

Average temperatures in Hawaii in July: 22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F)
Average sea temperatures in Hawaii in July: 26°C (79°F)
Average rainfall in Hawaii in July: 13mm to 41mm (0.5in to 1.6in)
Notes: Some towns on the west side of the Hawaii Island receives over 255mm (10in) of rainfall.
Events: The Haleiwa Arts Festival presents some of the best visual art, as well as musicians, dancers and performers in the region and, the Korean Festival is another arts and cultural event in Hawaii that focuses on diversity. The American cowboy can also be found in Hawaii at a number of local festivals including the Makawao Rodeo, as well as the Parker Ranch Rodeo. The Prince Lot Hula Festival, as well as the Ukulele Festival, are two traditional festivals, with dance and music performances providing great edutainment for travellers.

 

Climate and Weather in Hawaii in August

Average temperatures in Hawaii in August: 22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F)
Average sea temperatures in Hawaii in August: 27°C (80°F)
Average rainfall in Hawaii in August: 13mm to 38mm (0.5in to 1.5in)
Notes: Some towns on the west side of the Hawaii Island receives over 255mm (10in) of rainfall.
Events: This month Hawaiians celebrate their multicultural history at the Aloha Festivals and it is the only statewide multicultural celebration in the US. Continuing this patriotic spirit, the State Day celebration is a massive affair for proud Hawaiians, with parades and special events on this day. 

 

Climate and Weather in Hawaii in September

Average temperatures in Hawaii in September: 22°C to 31°C (72°F to 88°F)
Average sea temperatures in Hawaii in September: 27°C (80°F)
Average rainfall in Hawaii in September: 18mm to 102mm (0.7in to 4in)
Notes: Some towns on the west side of the Hawaii Island receives over 255mm (10in) of rainfall.
Events: The Hawaii Food and Wine Festival is the biggest event of the month, great for food tours in Hawaii because the world’s best chefs run cooking exhibitions, food and wine tastings, as well as a few surprise events each year. For authentic travel in Hawaii, takes some workshops on folklore and craft at the Kauai Mokihana Festival, and enjoy music and events performed in the Hawaiian language.

 

Climate and Weather in Hawaii in October

Average temperatures in Hawaii in October: 22°C to 31°C (72°F to 87°F)
Average sea temperatures in Hawaii in October: 26°C (79°F)
Average rainfall in Hawaii in October: 46mm to 114mm (1.8in to 4.5in)
Notes: Some towns on the west side of the Hawaii Island receives over 255mm (10in) of rainfall
Events: The Hawaii International Film Festival is unique in displaying the best works from the Pacific, along with international films. Halloween in Laina is the ‘Mardi Gras of the Pacific’, so join this festival in Laina for wild time. The Maui Fair is one of the oldest fairs in Hawaii, featuring floral exhibitions, arts and crafts, and food stores, with cuisine from around the island. 

 

Climate and Weather in Hawaii in November

Average temperatures in Hawaii in November: 21°C to 29°C (70°F to 85°F)
Average sea temperatures in Hawaii in November: 26°C (79°F)
Average rainfall in Hawaii in November: 61mm to 127mm (2.4in to 5in)
Notes: Rainfall in Hawaii Island can be over 380mm (15in) on the west side.
Events: The Kona Coffee festival is a ten-day festival of food, drink and fun in the sun on Big Island. 

 

Climate and Weather in Hawaii in December

Average temperatures in Hawaii in December: 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 83°F)
Average sea temperatures in Hawaii in December: 24°C (76°F)
Average rainfall in Hawaii in December: 81mm to 140mm (3.2in to 5.5in)
Notes: Some towns on the west side of the Hawaii Island receives over 380mm (15in) of rainfall
Events: Athletes flock to Hawaii for the Honolulu Marathon and others will enjoy a more laid-back holiday watching the Christmas light festivals, such as the entertaining Holualoa Music & Light Festival, another great place to celebrate Christmas.