Hawaii
Getting ready to visit Hawaii? Want to know when the best time is to see this lovely island? Don’t look any further! This ideal guide will show you when is the best time to see Hawaii’s sights.
Hawaii is on the bucket lists of many tourists because of its tropical beauty and variety of landscapes. People can visit the islands at any time of the year, but the experience changes based on the month and season you choose.
But when is Hawaii’s best time to visit? You can answer at any time. How long you stay depends on what you want to do, how much money you have, and what you like about Hawaii. Hawaii has only two seasons for the most part: summer and winter. Each season has its own set of things to do on the island.
When Is The Best Season To Visit Hawaii?
Summer (May To October)
Summer is the best time to go to Hawaii because the weather is dryer and more stable. At sea level, the average daytime summer temperature during these months is 85°F (29°C). At night, it drops to about 75°F (24°C).
The trade winds in Hawaii help keep the weather nice during the dry season, and there will be a lot of sunshine. However, temperature and weather can be different on different islands and even on different parts of the same island because of microclimates.
Beach Days: The dry season is great for relaxing on Hawaii’s beautiful beaches because it doesn’t rain much and there is lots of sunshine. You can swim, lay out in the sun, fish, or just enjoy the beautiful scenery along the coast.
Surfing: Hawaii is known as the place where modern surfing began, and many of its famous surf breaks have steady waves during the dry season. No matter how experienced or new to surfing you are, you can find good spots on many islands.
While it’s still dry, you can go hiking in Hawaii and enjoy its lush scenery and hiking trails. Diamond Head on Oahu, Haleakalā on Maui, and Waimea Canyon on Kauai are all well-known places to walk.
If you like snorkeling and scuba diving, the dry season is the best time to go because the water is clear. Visit colorful coral reefs, swim with sea creatures, and look for shipwrecks near the coast.
Luaus: Dance the hula, listen to music, and eat a delicious meal at a classic Hawaiian luau. Luaus are a way to learn about Hawaiian culture and history. They are held at many resorts and cultural sites.
Festivals and Events: Hawaii has many cultural festivals and events all year long. There are often events like the Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo, Hawaii, which celebrates hula and Hawaiian culture, the Aloha Festivals, which honor Hawaiian customs, and local food festivals. The dates of these events may change!
Viewing the Sunset: Hawaii’s dry season is the best time to see beautiful sunsets. Want to see a beautiful view? Go to Waikiki Beach, Haleakalā National Park, or the west coast of any island.
Outdoor Dining: In Hawaii, many places and food trucks let you eat outside, so you can enjoy tasty local food while taking in the beautiful scenery.
The best time to visit Hawaii
Winter (November through April)
Even though it’s called the “rainy” season, that doesn’t mean it rains all the time. Weather-wise, it does rain sometimes, but the grounds are lush and green all winter. You can still have a great time on vacation in Hawaii even when it rains a lot. The islands are often more beautiful when it rains, and it can also make for some interesting situations.
While the average daily temperature in Hawaii during the rainy season is 78°F (23°C), it can change based on the island, the time of year, and the location within the island.
It’s important to remember that these are just average temps. Hawaii’s weather can change quickly, especially when the seasons are changing. Although it rains a lot in the winter, the temperatures are cooler, making it the best time to visit Hawaii. It’s also a peaceful month this month, especially near the coast.
Things to do and events
Seeing whales: The best time to see whales is in the winter. To breed and have babies, humpback whales move from Alaska to Hawaii, where the water is warmer.
Big Wave Surfing: During this time, Oahu’s North Shore is famous for having huge waves, which makes it a popular place for professional surfers and events around the world.
Which Month Is The Best To Visit Hawaii?
In January
In Hawaii, January is cold and rainy, with rare trade winds that cool things down. In general, it’s between 21°C and 27°C (70°F to 80°F). When it comes to weather, January is one of the best months to visit Hawaii because it is both cooler and rainy. It’s also a peaceful month this month, especially near the coast. Even though there aren’t as many people around, prices may be higher because of the holiday season.
Things to do and events
Snorkeling lets you see beautiful coral reefs and sea life.
Surfing: Hit the waves at one of the best spots in Hawaii.
As you hike along the Road to Hana, you can go on an adventure through a tropical paradise and find secret gems.
Whale watching: During their passage season, you can see humpback whales playing off the coast of Maui and Big Island.
It is a professional golf event held every year at the Plantation Course at Kapalua Resort. It is called the Hyundai Event of Champions.
Hawaii’s art, music, culture, and food are celebrated at the Ko’olina Artfest, which takes place every January. You can watch shows and demonstrations with your own hands, as well as look at art and buy souvenirs.
Month of February
The best time to visit Hawaii
It stays cold in February, just like it did in January, and it rains sometimes. The month has a mix of warm to moderately sunny days and cloudy, dark days in the winter. The temperature range is between 78°F and 80°F (25.6°C and 27°C). Hawaii might be a great place to visit in February when there are fewer people there and prices start to drop. This means that February is a great time to visit Hawaii because it is cheap.
Things to do and events
Waimea Town Celebration: This cultural event lights up Kauai.
Whale Sightings: This is the last of the best months to see a humpback whale.
March
Hawaii has warmer weather in March, which is spring break month. Days are sunny and nights by the ocean are cool. In general, it’s between 21°C and 28°C (70°F to 82°F). If you want to go to Hawaii in March, you can expect more people, and more expensive flights and hotels. This is mostly because of spring break, which starts around the middle of March.
Things to do and events
At the Honolulu Festival, Pacific cultures are celebrated through parades and dance shows.
Time for the beach: The rain starts to stop, which makes beach days more reliable.
April
If you want to avoid crowds, April is a great month to go to Hawaii. This month is the last one of the rainy season, so you can enjoy lush green scenery and flowers in bloom.
The temperature range is between 74°F and 85°F (24°C and 29.4°C). Even though summer is still a long way off, more and more people start to visit in late April, especially in popular spots like the Algarve. The ocean is getting warm enough for swimming and other water sports now that the weather is nice.
Things to do and events
Take it easy on the beach: Hawaii is known for its lovely beaches. Take it easy on the sandy beaches of Oahu, Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island. Swim, lay out in the sun, and make sandcastles.
For snorkeling and scuba diving, April is a great month because you can see everything beneath. Explore the bright coral reefs and swim with different kinds of sea life. Hanauma Bay on Oahu and Molokini Crater on Maui are both famous places to snorkel.
Whale watching: By April, humpback whales start to leave Hawaii’s waters, but you can still see some of these beautiful animals before they go north. Take a whale-watching tour to see how amazing they are.
Merrie Monarch Festival: This is the best hula event in the world.
May
Hawaii’s dry season starts in May. The month is marked by longer days, the smell of flowers in bloom, and the buzz of excitement about summer coming up. Since it’s the start of summer, there will be fewer crows until Memorial Day weekend, when the first group of summer guests arrives.
The temperature range is between 24°C and 29.4°C, or 75°F to 85°F. People think that May is one of the best times to go to Hawaii because hotels are cheaper and there are fewer people there.
Things to do and events
Kayaking: You can rent a kayak and paddle along the coast to find secret coves, sea caves, and animals that live near the water. For a more in-depth experience, you can also go on guided kayak trips.
Lei Day is a time to celebrate Hawaiian customs and lei-making competitions.
Hiking Trips: This month is the most beautiful time to visit trails like Maunawili Falls on Oahu.
June
The actual start of summer in Hawaii is in June, which means dry weather and high temperatures. June is a great time to visit Hawaii because the weather is great for vacations. The temperature range is between 77°F and 88°F (25°C and 31°C). At this point, there will be more people at famous spots, and the cost of lodging will begin to rise.
Things to do and events
Sunset Cruises: Take a romantic journey along the coast at sunset and enjoy a delicious dinner, live entertainment, and beautiful views.
Luaus: Go to a classic Hawaiian luau to enjoy Polynesian music, hula dancing, and a feast of food from the area.
The King Kamehameha Lei Draping Ceremony is a well-known event that takes place in downtown Honolulu on the south shore. People are watching as the people in charge of the event put a huge traditional lei on the 18-foot-tall bronze statue of King Kamehameha.
King Kamehameha Day is on June 11, and people from the Big Island chain celebrate it with parades, a food fair, and several ceremonies.
July
July is the middle of summer in Hawaii. The weather is warm and sunny, there isn’t much rain, and there are lots of things to do outside. The whole island is full of life and action. Usually, it’s between 82°F and 88°F (28°C and 31°C). A lot of people visit the city, and prices for hotels and plane tickets go up.
Things to do and events
Volcano Tours: If you’re on the Big Island, you might want to take a tour of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It’s a memorable experience to see the active lava flows and hike through the unique volcanic scenery.
Luau: To learn more about Hawaiian culture, go to a traditional luau. There will be live music, hula dancing, and a feast of tasty local foods.
When is the Prince Lot Hula Competition? It takes place every year on the island of Oahu on the third weekend of July. The Moanalua Gardens Foundation presents this event.
August
Hawaii’s summer is at its height in August. July and August are often the hottest months in Hawaii, so August is the best month to go to the beach. There are tourists from all over the world on the island. The temperature range is between 24°C and 32°C, or 75°F to 90°F.
Things to do and events
Adventure tours and zip-lining: If you like to be daring, you can go zip-lining or take an ATV tour through Hawaii’s beautiful scenery.
Slack Key Magic: The Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival sings beautiful songs for Oahu.
Activities at the beach: On smoother waters, you can paddleboard, kayak, and do other things.
September
If you want to avoid crowds and still enjoy warm weather, September is one of the best months to go to Hawaii. As we move into September, the summer crowds start to thin out. The weather stays nice, though, so many people choose this month to enjoy a calmer but still exciting experience. The temperature range is between 26°C and 31°C, or 78°F to 87°F.
Things to do and events
At Aloha Festivals, you can learn about Hawaiian music, dance, and culture.
Perfect for adventure seekers who want to ride an ATV or zip line over green landscapes.
Viewing the Sunset: Hawaii has beautiful sunsets in September. To watch the sun go down, go to a beautiful place like Waikiki Beach, Haleakalā on Maui, or the west coast of any island.
In October
Hawaii’s summer ends in October. It gets warmer and there are fewer people around during this month. The weather is nice this month, so you can still do things outside without having to deal with a lot of people. The temperature range is between 24°C and 29°C, or 75°F to 84°F.
Things to do and events
Hawaii has a growing farming scene, and you can see it on farm tours. For trips that are both educational and tasty, think about going to a coffee farm on the Big Island or a pineapple plantation on Oahu.
The Ironman World Championship is held in Kona and is known all over the world.
November
In Hawaii, November is the start of the winter season. This month has cooler temps and a few showers here and there. Even though it might rain, it rarely gets in the way of your plans. Usually, it’s between 72°F and 82°F (22°C and 28°C). One of the best times to visit Hawaii is in November, when prices are cheaper and there are fewer people there.
Things to do and events
Waterfall Tours: The rainy season makes sure that the islands’ waterfalls move beautifully. Visit some of Hawaii’s beautiful waterfalls with a tour guide, like Manoa Falls on Oahu or Wailua Falls on Kauai.
floral Gardens: Take a walk through the islands’ lush floral gardens. A lot of them have strange plants and peaceful, rainforest-like settings. You can visit the Allerton Garden on Kauai or the Foster Botanical Garden on Oahu.
Cultural Experiences: Go to museums, historic places, and cultural centers to learn about Hawaiian history and culture. You should check out both the Bishop Museum and the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu.
Bird watching: Hawaii is home to many rare and interesting bird types. There are great places to see birds in Hawaii, such as the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge on the Big Island or the Alakai Swamp on Kauai.
December
A lot of people like to go to Hawaii in December because it’s the holiday season. This month’s weather is cooler than the previous ones, and it rains every once in a while. Even though it’s rainy season, the weather is usually still pretty nice. The temperature range is between 69°F and 81°F (21°C and 27°C).
Things to do and events
Golf: Hawaii has some of the best golf holes in the world, with stunning views. If you like golf, you might want to make a tee time at one of the many golf resorts.
Try Local Foods: To get a taste of Hawaii, try foods like poke, shaved ice, and traditional Hawaiian plate lunches. The month of December is a great time to eat fresh fish.
Stargazing and Sunsets: Hawaii has some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. To watch the sun go down, find a beautiful spot on the beach or in the woods. If you’re on the Big Island, you might want to look at the stars from the top of Mauna Kea.
Sit back and relax: Hawaii is a great place to do that. You can spend the day at the spa, go to yoga class, or just chill out on the beach and enjoy the warm vibe.
Are you ready to go to Hawaii?
You decide when is the best time to go to Hawaii. Every season in Hawaii shows off a different part of its beauty, giving tourists a wide range of things to do.
Summer is the best time to visit Hawaii if you like the beach and being outside. Folks who like to do things in the winter should wait for winter to come around. In reality, Hawaii’s beauty lasts all year, drawing tourists with its wide range of attractions.