Every year, thousands of tourists visit Hawaii to explore the picturesque sceneries that make Hawaii one of the top vacation destinations in the world. However, the varying weather and cost of travel can affect how well you enjoy your visit.
So, when is the best month to visit Hawaii for the weather and what should you expect during your visit? This article reveals the answers to these questions and more. Let’s dive in.
Generally, the best months to visit Hawaii are March and April. The temperature during these months is warm and comfortable with little chance of rainfall which allows for a terrific outdoor experience. These months don’t fall during Hawaii’s busiest periods so you can expect fewer visitors, less crowded beaches, and affordable flight and hotel rates.
The temperature in Hawaii during the spring season (March through May) ranges between the mid-70s and low-80s. Visiting Hawaii during the spring season is a great time to see locals and experience some of the different island festivities.
The summer time in Hawaii (July through September) falls in Hawaii’s peak seasons with thousands of tourists and families flooding the beaches and mountains due to an increase in family travel time and school breaks.
The fall and winter seasons in Hawaii come with an increase in rainfall and precipitation levels. This is also the coldest period in Hawaii as temperatures range between the mid-60s and low-70s. This is the best month to visit Hawaii to avoid crowded spaces but be sure to prepare for the freezing temperature.
Table of Contents
Average Temperature In Hawaii
In Hawaii, the temperature is considered warm all year round and the average temperature fluctuates between 68 degrees Fahrenheit and 87 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year.
The hot season lasts for 3.6 months starting from July to Mid-October. The average temperature during this period is 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The hottest periods in Hawaii are the hot summer months from August to September.
The temperature in Hawaii during these months is usually at its highest with an average high temperature of 87 degrees Fahrenheit and an average low temperature of 76 degrees Fahrenheit. Not many people visit Hawaii during this period due to the heat making it an off-season. During this period, air-conditioning is the norm in many hotels to keep the rooms and guests comfortable.
The cold season also lasts for 3.6 months beginning in December to early April. The average temperature in Hawaii during the cold season is 81 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest period in Hawaii starts from December to early February with the average temperatures dropping as low as 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The weather during this period is windy and humid. Tourists that visit Hawaii during this period do so to experience a different view of Hawaii including Snow-capped volcanoes and tropical beaches.
Daily Chance Of Precipitation In Hawaii
A wet day has at least 0.04 inches of liquid precipitation and the chances of having a wet day in Hawaii vary all through the year. There is a greater daily chance of precipitation from late October through March since these months fall in the wet season in Hawaii. This period has a daily chance of precipitation greater than 16% on a given day and rises especially in January and early February.
January is the month with the wettest days in Hawaii having an average of 7.3 days in the month with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation. The chances of a wet day in January rise to 25%. Tourists planning on visiting Hawaii in January are advised to go with raincoats but this is the best month to visit Hawaii if you are looking forward to migrating whales that return to the Hawaii seas.
The daily chance of precipitation falls from early April through mid-October and the month with the least chance of precipitation is June having an average of only 2.1 days with 0.04 inches of precipitation.
Humidity Comfort Levels In Hawaii
For most people, the right humidity comfort level is between 30% and 60%. In Hawaii, the muggier period lasts for 7.5 months from mid-May to late December, and the comfort levels during this period are uncomfortable at least 45% of the time.
August and September are the months with the muggiest days with both months having 28.2 days being muggy or worse. This period feels hotter and sweaty but hotels around Hawaii use air-conditioning to make the atmosphere more comfortable.
The best months to visit Hawaii with fewer muggy days are February and early March with both months having less than 10 days being muggy.
Best Time Of Year To Visit Hawaii For Great Weather
The best time of year to visit Hawaii for great weather and general outdoor activities is from early March to mid-May with the ideal time in the first week of April (or during the spring season).
During this period, the temperature is in the mid-80s and the chances of a muggy condition are lower than 40%. You also have a 70% chance of clear skies making the weather ideal for general outdoor exploration, sightseeing, hiking, pictures, and boat cruises.
The best months to visit Hawaii for hot-weather activities like swimming and outdoor activies are from June to mid-September with a peak beach score in the first week of August (or during the summer season).
During this period, the temperature spikes to the high 80s, and the chances of precipitation and rainfall are low in Hawaii. The humidity comfort levels are muggy and oppressive making this the best month to visit Hawaii for some beach/pool time. Many Tourists visit Hawaii during this period to enjoy the landscape and cool off.
Best Time Of Year To Visit Hawaii For Low Prices
Based on statistics provided by Hawaiian Airlines, the best time of the year to visit Hawaii for cheap flight prices and affordable hotel rates is during late spring; April through May, and early fall; September, and October.
These periods don’t fall during Hawaii’s busiest or peak months so there are fewer tourists planning trips to Hawaii. This means hotel prices are more affordable and flight tickets are not high-priced. Statistics from Hawaii’s most visited city; Honolulu suggests that hotel prices are at the lowest in April and late-September
You can also save more on your flight and accommodation by booking the flight tickets and hotels a few weeks before your visit to Hawaii. This way, you get to enjoy discounts and get the best hotel rooms. It’s also cheaper to visit Hawaii during the weekdays than on the weekends.
On the other hand, visiting Hawaii is the most expensive if you travel during the summer season. This is because summertime falls in Hawaii’s peak season and there are thousands of tourists planning trips to Hawaii during this period so you can expect flight and hotel rates to soar.
Other expensive months to visit Hawaii include holidays like Christmas, New Year, Easter, and Spring breaks. According to Hawaiian Airlines, cities in Hawaii experience high traffic from tourists so you can expect flight tickets to be expensive and hotels would be high-priced.
When Should You Go To Hawaii?
Peak Travel Season In Hawaii
Tourists and families travel to Hawaii all year round but the peak season to visit Hawaii is during summer and the winter holidays. The months of July through mid-September and December through February see thousands of families and tourists visit Hawaii’s pristine locations, exotic beaches, and mountains.
The weather during Hawaii’s peak seasons is promising for outdoor exploration as there is a greater chance of clear skies and favorable temperatures in the mid-80s. Visiting Hawaii during the peak season is great because there are tons of indoor and outdoor activities to try out.
From hiking and sightseeing to swimming and boat cruising, there is something for everyone regardless of your taste during the summertime and winter holidays. As expected, flight tickets and hotel prices skyrocket during these months due to the large influx of tourists in Hawaii.
You should expect crowded beaches and relaxation spots during this period. Hotels and resorts are usually packed to full capacity so if you would be traveling to Hawaii during peak season, it’s advised to book accommodation weeks before your arrival. The peak season in Hawaii includes some of the best months to visit Hawaii as long as you are a people person.
Shoulder Travel Season In Hawaii
The shoulder season in Hawaii starts at the beginning of the spring season in March through May and begins again in late September till late November. This period sees relatively fewer people in Hawaii compared to the peak seasons. However, there is still a lot to do and enjoy in Hawaii’s major cities during this period.
The weather in Hawaii’s shoulder season is ideal for indoor and outdoor activities and it’s also the period when many of Hawaii’s festivals take place such as the ‘Honolulu’ festival in march and the ‘Waikiki Spam Jam’ festival in April. Many tourists that travel to Hawaii during the spring season also do so to see large whales migrating to the Maui and Kohala coasts, especially in March.
Flight and accommodation prices vary during Hawaii’s shoulder season but you can expect to pay less than you would have if you traveled during the peak season. Flight tickets are especially cheaper in March and November when more people are returning from Hawaii than people traveling to Hawaii.
Low Travel Season In Hawaii
Hawaii’s low travel season begins in mid-May and ends just before summertime begins. The late days of September when summer ends and early October are also off-peak periods in Hawaii as there are fewer people in Hawaii during this period. However, there are still a lot of activities for you to enjoy during this period.
You also get to enjoy great weather during Hawaii’s off-peak seasons as temperatures fall and rise between the high 70s and low 80s. There is also a lower chance of precipitation during Hawaii’s off-peak season at an average chance below 30%. This is a good time for first-time surfers and swimmers to enjoy the gentle waves of the beach.
Cheap hotel and accommodation rates, discounts, pocket-friendly flight tickets, and less crowded resorts and beaches are all features of Hawaii’s off-peak season. During the off-peak season, hotel prices in Hawaii’s cities reduce by an average of 29% and there are very few people in Hawaii during this period making it perfect for private people looking for a great vacation destination.
Best Months For Travel To Hawaii
The beautiful landscape, clear waters, volcanoes, and beachside resorts make Hawaii a top vacation destination at any time of the year. However, your interests and reasons for visiting Hawaii will determine the best time of the year for you to travel.
For the overall best weather, fewer visitors on the islands, and good hotel and flight rates, Hawaii’s shoulder season especially the month of April is a great time to visit Hawaii. For the cheapest rates and the fewest visitors on the islands, you should visit Hawaii during the off-peak season, and to enjoy the best of what Hawaii has to offer, you should travel during Hawaii’s peak season but be sure to expect more visitors and packed hotels.
For more travel tips and great vacation destinations, check out other articles on this website. Do have a pleasant Hawaiian experience!
