What is the Best Time to Visit Hawaii?

Hawaii’s warm year-round weather and tropical climate are parts of what make it such a popular vacation destination. Visitors can enjoy lush rainforests, thundering waterfalls, and sunny beaches every month of the year. However, depending on what you’re looking to do, you might prefer to book during certain months.

When is Hawaii at its most perfect for your favorite activities and interests? Here is a great guide for visitors to Hawaii, including a month-by-month weather breakdown.

Best Time for Whale Watching in Hawaii

Every winter, humpback whales return to the Hawaiian Islands from Alaska. They migrate to the warm, calm, shallow waters to breed and birth their calves. During this period, you can take a whale-watching cruise or simply look out at the water from the shore for the telltale waterspout or breaching of these incredible animals. The whale watching season lasts from November through May, with the best opportunities to see whales in January and February.

Best Time to Visit Hawaii to Avoid Crowds

If you want to time your trip to avoid crowds, you will want to travel to Hawaii during the so-called “shoulder season.” The golden periods when kids are in school, and there are no major holidays, can make it feel like you have the islands all to yourself. April, May, and the first week of June are typically quiet. In the fall, September­ through early December, excluding Thanksgiving, have thinner crowds.

Best Time for Swimming and Snorkeling in Hawaii

Summer is the best time to take a dip in the warm Hawaiian waters. The ocean temperature hovers around 82°, and the wind and surf are reliably low. Visitors of any experience level can enjoy snorkeling in the clear, calm summer sea.

Best Time to Cruise Hawaii

For nice weather, great prices, and fewer crowds on your Hawaiian cruise, we recommend booking during the off-season. May­ through June, and September through early December, are the best months to enjoy affordable, less crowded cruises.

Best Season for Fishing in Hawaii

Want to tell the ultimate fish tale? Then plan on putting some time aside to cast a line or two during your trip. You can expect to catch different fish depending on the season. Summer is ideal for marlin and ono. Spring and fall offer the best chance at landing mahi-mahi. Winter is the time to catch snapper and tuna.

Hawaii Weather by Month

The weather in Hawaii varies from perfect to utter bliss. There really is no “bad” time to visit, Hawaii weather is great year-round. May through September see the least precipitation, but the summer months can feel a bit warm for those unaccustomed to tropical weather. The best all-around weather is in April, May, September, and October.

Here is a month-by-month breakdown of the weather and water temperatures of the capital city found on Oahu.

Hawaii Weather in January

January marks the end of the peak holiday tourism season and the arrival of winter-escapees looking to warm up in paradise. Along with February, this is the best month for whale watching.

• High Temperature: 79°F
• Low Temperature: 68°F
• Average Temperature: 73°F
• Monthly Precipitation: 2.4”
• Water Temperature: 76°F

Hawaii Weather in February

February is a great time to escape from the doldrums of cold weather at home, but you can expect to encounter higher crowds on the islands throughout the month. Amongst those visitors will be professional surfers, who flock to Hawaii in February to ride some of the best waves in the world.

• High Temperature: 79°F
• Low Temperature: 68°F
• Average Temperature: 73°F
• Monthly Precipitation: 2.1”
• Water Temperature: 75°F

Hawaii Weather in March

You can enjoy particularly great weather and lower prices in March. To avoid crowds, be sure to book your trip outside of Easter and students’ Spring Break.

• High Temperature: 80°F
• Low Temperature: 69°F
• Average Temperature: 74°F
• Monthly Precipitation: 2.0”
• Water Temperature: 75°F

Hawaii Weather in April

April is one of the best months to visit the islands. Avoid booking during holidays to enjoy Hawaii (almost) all to yourself!

• High Temperature: 81°F
• Low Temperature: 71°F
• Average Temperature: 75°F
• Monthly Precipitation: 1.5”
• Water Temperature: 76°F

Hawaii Weather in May

May is the best time to visit Hawaii. Low prices, thin crowds, and perfect weather make this an ideal time to book.

• High Temperature: 83°F
• Low Temperature: 72°F
• Average Temperature: 77°F
• Monthly Precipitation: 0.8”
• Water Temperature: 77°F

Hawaii Weather in June

Early June, before kids are out of school for summer vacation, can’t be beat.

• High Temperature: 85°F
• Low Temperature: 74°F
• Average Temperature: 79°F
• Monthly Precipitation: 0.3”
• Water Temperature: 78°F

Hawaii Weather in July

July is Hawaii’s busiest tourist month, but the clear skies and warm sea temperatures make it a great time to enjoy swimming or snorkeling.

• High Temperature: 86°F
• Low Temperature: 75°F
• Average Temperature: 80°F
• Monthly Precipitation: 0.6”
• Water Temperature: 79°F

Hawaii Weather in August

Want to wear shorts 24/7? With nighttime lows averaging a glorious 76°F, you can truly live your best tropical life in August. Travel later in the month for thinner crowds.

• High Temperature: 87°F
• Low Temperature: 76°F
• Average Temperature: 81°F
• Monthly Precipitation: 0.8”
• Water Temperature: 80°F

Hawaii Weather in September

The beginning of the shoulder season is tied with May and June for being the best time to travel to Hawaii. Look forward to clear skies, lower prices, and fewer visitors in September.

• High Temperature: 87°F
• Low Temperature: 76°F
• Average Temperature: 80°F
• Monthly Precipitation: 0.9”
• Water Temperature: 80°F

Hawaii Weather in October

Cruise lovers should definitely think about booking in October. They can enjoy the best prices of the year, little rain, and the chance to see some of the season’s first whales.

• High Temperature: 85°F
• Low Temperature: 75°F
• Average Temperature: 79°F
• Monthly Precipitation: 1.4”
• Water Temperature: 80°F

Hawaii Weather in November

November is the best time of the year to enjoy hiking, golf, and any other land-based activities in Hawaii. The mild weather and low rainfall, particularly at the beginning of November, make it a great time to get outside.

• High Temperature: 83°F
• Low Temperature: 73°F
• Average Temperature: 77°F
• Monthly Precipitation: 1.7”
• Water Temperature: 79°F

Hawaii Weather in December

Elvis Presley wasn’t alone in loving Christmas in Hawaii. December is the high season for Hawaiian tourism, particularly during the latter half of the month.

• High Temperature: 80°F
• Low Temperature: 70°F
• Average Temperature: 75°F
• Monthly Precipitation: 2.2”
• Water Temperature: 77°F

Visit Hawaii with YMT Vacations!

YMT offers year-round departures on our multi-island vacation packages. These affordable tours are a great way to experience Oahu, the Big Island, Kauai, and Maui. The stunning natural beauty, laid-back island vibes, and perfectly balmy weather of Hawaii are yours to enjoy with YMT. Call your travel consultant or YMT Vacations at 888-860-1969 to book today!