Aloha! Are you dreaming of a tropical getaway to Hawaii? With its crystal-clear waters, stunning beaches, and year-round sunshine, the Hawaiian islands are a popular destination for travelers from all around the world. But when is the best time to visit Hawaii? Is there really a perfect time to go?
Well, the truth is, it depends on what you’re looking for. Each month in Hawaii offers a unique experience, from whale watching to surfing to cultural festivals. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a little bit of both, there’s a perfect time for you to visit the islands.
In this video, we’ll take you on a month-by-month journey through Hawaii, highlighting the best times to visit and what you can expect during each season. From the bustling and colorful streets of Honolulu to the serene beaches of Maui, we’ll show you how to make the most of your Hawaiian vacation.
So grab your sunglasses, pack your swimsuit, and get ready to experience the magic of Hawaii at its very best. Let’s dive in!
Viewcation Presents: The Best Time to Visit Hawaii (Month by Month)
January
January is a popular month for tourists to visit Hawaii, with an average high of 81 degrees, an average low of 64 degrees, and 3 inches of precipitation over the month. Visitors should plan well in advance as resorts and hotels tend to fill up quickly, and there are also yearly PGA golf tournaments held on several islands during this month.
February
February is another popular month to visit Hawaii, with an average high of 81 degrees, an average low of 66 degrees, and 3.5 inches of precipitation over the month.
It’s worth noting that February is known to be one of the rainier months in Hawaii, but it is popular among travelers seeking to escape cold, gloomy weather on the mainland.
March
Due to spring break, March is a busy time to travel anywhere, especially Hawaii. The month has an average high of 82 degrees, an average low of 68 degrees, and 3.5 inches of precipitation. Some of the events that happen in March include the annual Honolulu Festival and the Kona Brewers Festival, which can lead to larger than usual crowds.
April
Tourist season begins to slow down in April, except during Easter weekend. The average high in April is 84 degrees, the average low is 70 degrees, and the average precipitation is just 2 inches of rain over the course of the month.
May
May marks the beginning of the dry season in Hawaii, with an average precipitation of just 1.5 inches of rain over the month. The temperatures are also great, with an average high of 86 degrees and an average low of 70 degrees. May is one of the slower tourist months for Hawaii, which means that prices for hotels and resorts should be a bit more reasonable.
June
June is the start of the hot season in Hawaii, with an average high of 88 degrees, an average low of 72 degrees, and under 1.75 inches of precipitation over the month.
Tourist season starts to ramp up again in June, with families taking full advantage of summer break. Many events and festivals take place in June on all of the different islands, including the famous Kapalua Wine & Food Festival in Maui and the must-experience King Kamehameha Celebration that is celebrated throughout all of the islands.
July
Rain starts to fall again in July, with an average high of 88 degrees, an average low of 73 degrees, and over 2.25 inches of precipitation over the month.
The Prince Lot Hula Competition, which is organized by the Moanalua Gardens Foundation, is held annually on the 3rd weekend of the month of July on the island of Oahu.
August
August is typically one of the warmest month in Hawaii, with an average high of 90 degrees, an average low of 75 degrees, and just over 1.25 inches of precipitation over the month. Although early August sees some peak season traffic just like in June and July, it starts to drop off towards the end of the month.
September
With the kids back in school, tourism in Hawaii begins to steadily slow down a bit for a few months beginning in September. The average high temp in September is 90 degrees in Hawaii, with the average low reaching as low as a balmy 73 degrees. The state averages about 2.5 inches of rain during the month of September.
October
October is a busy month in Hawaii, with several noteworthy events such as the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival, the Hawaii International Film Festival, the Kauai Chocolate and Coffee Festival, and the must-see Eo E Emalani I Alakai Festival.
The average high temp in Hawaii in October is 88 degrees, while the average low is just 73 degrees.
Unfortunately, during this month, the rainfall on the islands really starts to ramp up, with an average of nearly 3 ¼ inches of rain throughout the month.
November
If you’re hoping to attend the Annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival on Hawaii’s Big Island, you can expect relatively good weather in Hawaii during the beginning of the month. November is, however, one of the rainiest month in Hawaii.
November rains in Hawaii total close to an average of 5 inches, making it one of the rainiest months of the year on the island. Fortunately, the average high temp in November is 84 and the average low is 72.
December
To wrap up the year, December has an average high temperature of about 82 degrees and an average low of 66 degrees. This makes for for excellent running conditions for the Honolulu Marathon, which takes place annually on the second Sunday of December.
But, like anywhere else during the holiday season, you can expect crowds and high prices. On the bright side, Christmas spirit is alive and well in Hawaii, with lots of festivities and events taking place, including parades, light displays, and concerts.
December marks the start of the whale watching season in Hawaii, so you might be able to spot some humpback whales during your visit.
Overall, Hawaii is a popular destination year-round, and each month offers a unique experience for visitors.
The Worse Time To Visit Hawaii
The worst time of year to visit Hawaii is arguable during the peak of the tourist season, which occurs in late December and early January, and again during the summer months of June, July, and August. During these times, the islands can be extremely crowded, and prices for hotels, flights, and activities can be significantly higher.
In addition, the weather can be quite hot and humid during the summer months, and there is a higher chance of experiencing heavy rainfall and tropical storms. The winter months, particularly from November through February, can also be a less than ideal time to visit due to the risk of storms and rain, and the water may be too cold for swimming or water activities.
It’s worth noting, however, that weather patterns in Hawaii can be unpredictable and can vary depending on which island you are visiting. It’s always a good idea to check weather forecasts and plan ahead to make the most of your trip, regardless of the time of year.
The Best Time To Visit Hawaii
The best time to visit Hawaii is generally from mid-April to early June or from September to mid-December, when the weather is typically mild, the crowds are thinner, and the prices are lower than during the peak tourist season. During these periods, the temperatures are usually comfortable, ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s, and there is less rainfall than during the winter months.
Another advantage of visiting Hawaii during these periods is that you can take advantage of various festivals and events that take place throughout the islands. For example, the Merrie Monarch Festival, which features traditional hula dancing, takes place in Hilo on the Big Island in April, while the Aloha Festivals, which celebrate Hawaiian culture with music, dance, and food, take place on various islands in September and October.
If you are looking to enjoy water sports and outdoor activities, the best time to visit Hawaii is during the summer months from late June to early September, when the ocean temperatures are warm and the surf is typically calmer. However, this is also the busiest tourist season, so you should expect higher prices and more crowds.
The Cheapest Time To Visit Hawaii
If you’re looking to save some cash on your trip to Hawaii, there are a few times of year when prices tend to be lower. One of the best times to find deals is during what’s known as the “shoulder season,” which falls between the high and low seasons.
The shoulder season in Hawaii runs from mid-April to early June and from September to mid-December. During these months, you can often find lower airfare and hotel rates, as well as fewer crowds. Plus, the weather is still pretty nice during the shoulder season, with warm temperatures and less rain than in the winter months.
If you’re really looking to stretch your budget, you might want to consider visiting during the low season, which runs from late September to early-December. While you might encounter some rainy weather and rough seas, you can still find some great deals on accommodations and activities.
Of course, if you’re looking for the ultimate Hawaii experience and don’t mind spending a bit more, the high season from mid-December to mid-April is the time to go. During this time, you’ll enjoy the best weather, the most prominent festivals, and the most opportunities for outdoor adventures.
So, whether you’re looking to save some money or splurge on a dream vacation, there’s a perfect time to visit Hawaii for everyone!
Overall, the best time to visit Hawaii depends on your preferences, budget, and travel style. Whether you want to avoid the crowds, save money, or enjoy a particular festival or activity, there is a month or season that will suit your needs.
Hopefully, this video has been helpful to you while making your plans to visit one of America’s most beautiful states.
Now it’s your turn to speak your mind. Did you know that Hawaii’s peak tourist season falls between late December and early January and that the cheapest time to visit is during the low season of late January to March? Let us know in the comments, and as always, happy travels!