Hawaii Weather Trends by Month
The Hawaiian Islands are known for their tropical climate, unique topography, and natural environment. Hawaii is arguably one of the most diverse places in the US, with beautiful beaches and mountain ranges, cascading waterfalls, lush greenery, stunning sunsets, and seaside towns.
Hawaii boasts 11 of the world’s 13 climate zones, each with a unique ecosystem and meteorological conditions. With warm and mild winds, moderate temperatures, and sunny skies, Hawaii is an ideal temporary and permanent destination throughout the year.
What is Hawaii Weather Like Year-Round?
SDC International Shipping has created this weather guideline by month and main islands so you can learn more about Hawaii’s climate.
Hawaii Weather in January
In January, the weather in Hawaii is pretty rainy and cold due to cold fronts from the north. Clear and warm days can quickly replace cloudy ones. The trade winds only blow 42% of the time, compared to 95% in July. January is one of the months when you can see snow on top of Haleakala. The water in the ocean warms up to 73°F. The average daily air temperature on the islands goes up to 82°F, and after sunset, up to 64°F.
Hawaii Weather in February
The average air temperature on the islands in February is similar to the previous month. During the day, the air can warm up to 82 °F, and at night the temperature may drop by 10 degrees. The level of precipitation increases to 35 mm if it rains for 2-3 days in a row. The seawater is still very nice, warming up to 73°F.
Weather in Hawaii in March
Spring features stronger northeast wind gusts and showers from Haiku to Hana, including the upper west area from Napoli to Kaanapali. Lahaina and Kihei are usually very warm. The average water temperature near the Hawaiian Islands is 75°F. The air temperature fluctuates from 79°F to 28°C during the day and may drop to 63°F at night.
Hawaii Weather in April
April is a windy month. Trade winds blow on average 74% of the time and bring heavy rains. You can enjoy mild weather from April 15 to October. Ocean temperature can reach 75°F. During the day, the air warms up to 77-84°F and up to 65°F at night.
Weather in Hawaii in May
Maui welcomes early summer, and in May, it already gets warm (up to 86°F during the day). The temperature over the rest of the islands averages 80°F during the day and 71°F at night. The water near the coast will warm up to 64°F. The level of precipitation for 2-3 rainy days is 25-30 mm.
Hawaii Weather in June
June is the driest month. The winds blow almost every day. While hurricanes are frequent, they are rare visitors on the island of Maui. The average air temperature ranges from around 82°F to 87°F during daylight hours, decreasing to 68°F after sunset. The average water temperature is 77°F. There are almost no rains in June.
Weather in Hawaii in July
The temperature in July is not too different from the previous month; it may increase slightly on some islands. Average temperatures fluctuate at 82°F…87°F during the day and up to 68-71°F at night. The water temperature in the ocean reaches 78°F.
Hawaii Weather in August
The highest temperatures of the year occur in August. Tropical storms and hurricanes are rare in Hawaiian waters, but they tend to reach the closest islands. The daily temperature indicator may almost reach its maximum, up to 89°F in the shade and 73°F at night. Water in the ocean warms up to 79°F. You can expect one or two rainy days during the whole month.
Weather in Hawaii in September
The weather in early autumn is exactly the same as in summer. The temperature in the Hawaiian Islands ranges from 89°F during the day to 69°F at night. The water is likely to warm up to 80°F.
Hawaii Weather in October
Hawaii weather in October is very mild and almost rainless. The average daily air temperature over the islands will be 84°F and 68°F at night. There is a chance of 1-2 rainy days per month, which will result in up to 30 mm of precipitation. The water temperature begins to decrease and may warm up to 79°F.
Weather in Hawaii in November
November is a transitional period between the two seasons – summer and winter, and the temperature indicators stay almost unchanged. The first winter storms are likely to attack the north and northwest of the country from the second half of the month. Air and water temperatures are gradually decreasing. The seawater temperature is around 77°F. The air warms up to 80°F during the day and up to 68°F at night. Temperatures in Kauai can reach 85°F for the high and 64-75°F for the low.
Hawaii Weather in December
The first month of winter often hits Hawaii with cold fronts bringing rain and occasionally gusty winds. Nevertheless, December boasts warm and sunny days as well. The ocean water temperature remains at 77°F. The air may warm up to 79°F during the day and up to 66°F at night. Rains are rare.
Weather Patterns on Hawaii’s Four Main Islands
Kauai Weather
This Garden Isle boasts lush landscapes and offers so many things to see. While it is considered the wettest place, it’s not quite like that. The island has a good balance of dry weather and showers. And as in many tropical geographies, rains don’t last long. The level of precipitation is usually higher on the north shore than on the south coast.
Oahu Weather
Contrary to Kauai, Oahu has the driest climate in the Hawaiian Islands. Bad weather and rains are rare here. Temperatures at the Gathering Places fluctuate between 80-90°F. This is also true for the Honolulu area and Waikiki. Similar to other main Hawaiian islands, rains here are short-lived.
Maui Weather
Maui or the Valley Isle is ideal when it comes to weather. The highest temperatures are 80-88°F, and the lowest is 62-70°F. South Shore, Kihei, Wailea, Kahului, and Makena have drier weather and a lot of sunshine.
The Big Island Weather
The weather on The Big Island of Hawaii is full of surprises because it is home to 11 out of 13 diverse climate zones. The coastal area is typically warm and sunny. If you happen to be in the Volcano or Waimea areas, take warm clothes because it can be very cool there. Stay away from the Hilo side of the island if you hate rain. Instead, you can find refuge in the Kailua-Kona part of the island. In Hilo, yearly temperatures reach 80-84°F for the high and 65-80°F for the low. The Kailua/Kona area has higher temperatures throughout the year 82-88°F and 67-74°F, respectively.
Hawaii Weather Bottom Line
You have just learned about general patterns in Hawaii weather, but you need to keep in mind that Hawaii is an archipelago of tropical islands with varied topography and climate. This general picture of Hawaii weather is helpful, yet always make sure to check the local weather forecast for the area you are going to visit.