Best Time of the Year to Visit the Hawaiian Islands
Booking a trip to Hawaii can be equally exciting and daunting! Visiting the Hawaiian Islands isn’t a cheap trip, so it is important you can make the most out of your experience! Not only do you need to narrow down which island to visit, but you also need to pick the right time of year to visit!
I’ve been going to the Hawaiian Islands every year for the past 25 years and luckily, I can say without a doubt there is no “bad time” to visit Hawaii. However, given that this is a rainforest climate, there are certainly seasons that work best.
Below I am going to outline the Best Time of The Year to Visit the Hawaiian Islands – based on weather, crowds, costs, and more!
Janaury
Hawaii is a beach-lovers dream destination to escape winter in the continental USA. The most crowded time of the year is December around the holidays, which bleeds into early-mid January. Expect decent prices and crowds at the beginning of the month!
The most commonly asked question about visiting Hawaii in January: “Is it too cold to swim in the water in January?” — Depends on who you ask, truthfully! Locals will be enjoying the refreshing water temperatures. It might take you a minute or two to get used to the “chillier” waters, but to answer the question – it is not too cold to swim in the ocean in Hawaii in January!
January is one of the best months to see humpback whales in Hawaii. They migrate down from Alaska in December and can often be spotted from January – March.
| Temperature | 80° / 66° |
| Rain Average | 4.6in (high) |
| Tourist Crowds | Moderate |
| Cost | $$$ |
February
The winds drop off in February (making it a great time for helicopter rides) but the currents certainly pick up in February (making it a great time for surfers).
Competition surfers from around the globe travel to Hawaii during February to take advantage of the high swells coming in from the Pacific Ocean. That said, it can be intimidating to go in the oceans if you’re a novice swimmer.
February is still a peak time to see Humpback whales here in Hawaii.
| Temperature | 81° / 66° |
| Rain Average | 3.5in (moderate) |
| Tourist Crowds | Low |
| Cost ($-$$$$) | $$ |
March
March is the final month where you are almost guaranteed to see Humpback whales offshore. March is also the final month of Hawaii’s rainy season.
Note: Prince Kuhio Day is on March 26th and is a state holiday. Celebrations may be held on the 26th or on a weekend around the 26th.
| Temperature | 82° / 68° |
| Rain Average | 3.6in (moderate) |
| Tourist Crowds | Moderate |
| Cost | $$ |
April
The weather begins to get noticeably warmer in Hawaii at the beginning of April. The evenings stay around 70 degrees, which means you can likely keep your sweaters at home!
Hawaii begins to blossom with beautiful arrays of flowers in April . Each island has one or more unique botanical gardens, and they are certainly a must see in April!
| Temperature | 83° / 70° |
| Rain Average | 3in (moderate) |
| Tourist Crowds | Moderate |
| Cost | $$$ |
May
May is a popular time in Hawaii to fully embrace any and all water activities. The water is officially warm and the large swells have started to calm – making this a perfect ocean day.
The first day of May is designated as Lei Day, which is a celebration of the Hawaiian lei and culture. You’ll find various Lei Day celebrations throughout all the Hawaiian Islands.
| Temperature | 85° / 71° |
| Rain Average | 2.5in (low) |
| Tourist Crowds | Moderate |
| Cost | $$ |
June
June brings hot, dry weather here in Hawaii with limited rainfall. Summer crowds have not yet arrived, so this time of year can be relatively peaceful.
King Kamehameha Day is celebrated as a state holiday throughout Hawaii on June 11th. You might find parades or other celebration in Hawaii on this day. You may also see that many shops and businesses are closed in honor of the holiday.
Note: Hurricane Season is between June 1 – November 30. While Hurricane’s typically only affect the Hawaiian Islands 2-3 times a year, it is always important to be mindful!
| Temperature | 85° / 72° |
| Rain Average | 1.8in (low) |
| Tourist Crowds | Low |
| Cost | $$$ |
July
Tourism crowds are in full swing in July & August here on the Hawaiian Islands. In fact, July is the number one most crowded month in Hawaii for toursits!
Many Americans from the continental US flock to Hawaii to enjoy a summer beach vacay! You’ll notice that hotel prices & airlines are higher during July & August. You’ll also notice that availability is scarce, so book early!
There are a lot of families visiting Hawaii in July (as school is out for the summer), so if you’re looking for an adult-only vacay, this isn’t the time to go!
| Temperature | 86° / 73° |
| Rain Average | 2.1in (low) |
| Tourist Crowds | High |
| Cost | $$$$ |
August
The peak travel season for Hawaii continues into August. Both the temperature and the crowd levels are at an all time high.
August is also turtle nesting season, which means you are likely to see sea turtles on the beaches in Hawaii!
Unfortunately, August is in the middle of Hurricane Season (June to November) which means there is a higher possibility for a hurricane.
| Temperature | 87° / 73° |
| Rain Average | 1.9in (low) |
| Tourist Crowds | High |
| Cost | $$$$ |
September
September is truly a perfect time to visit the Hawaiian Islands. Crowd levels have dropped, temperatures have dropped, and costs begin to decrease.
Underwater visibility is excellent so exploring the archipelago’s reefs and marine life is recommended.
| Temperature | 85° / 73° |
| Rain Average | 2.7in (low) |
| Tourist Crowds | Moderate |
| Cost | $$ |
October
October often has an end-of-the-season feel here in Hawaii, which is ideal for travelers who want to take advantage of lower prices without crowds. The temperatures are still warm and sunshine dominates, but there’s always the possibility of an early storm and some heavier seas.
| Temperature | 86° / 72° |
| Rain Average | 4.3in (moderate) |
| Tourist Crowds | Moderate |
| Cost | $$ |
November
November is often a less desirable time to visit Hawaii – but on the bright side this means that prices are much lower!
November is peak rainy season here in Hawaii so many tourists opt to avoid this month. If you decide to take advantage of the low rates, be sure to pack an umbrella, rain jacket, and rain boots… after all, you’re going to a rainforest climate during rainy season!
One positive thing to note about the rain on the islands – they’re often localized and short lived… meaning elsewhere on the island is more than likely sunny!
| Temperature | 84° / 70° |
| Rain Average | 4.8 (high) |
| Tourist Crowds | Low |
| Cost | $ |
December
Hawaii is a top destination for many in December as they want to celebrate the holidays in a warmer climate. Early December can be fairly slow in terms of tourist crowds, but by mid-late December, expect everything to be fully packed! In fact, December is the second highest month for tourism travel in Hawaii.
Hotel, car rentals, and airlines will be very expensive towards the end of December. Plan far in advance to secure the best rates and availability.
The Islands do have a festive feel for the holidays and you’ll see many Sand-men (instead of Snowmen) along the beaches. I personally celebrate Christmas each year in Hawaii and love waking up to a white SAND Christmas.
| Temperature | 82° / 67° |
| Rain Average | 4.9in (high) |
| Tourist Crowds | High |
| Cost | $$$$ |
Best Time to visit The Hawaiian Islands?
The most common answer to the question: The best time to visit the Hawaiian Islands is between April and September.
However, as you can tell, there are many variables that go into the equation for the “best time to visit Hawaii” so weigh your pros and cons and decide what is most important to you. For instance some people may prefer less crowds, while others may prefer the best weather!
In conclusion, there’s no ‘bad’ time to visit Hawaii. The islands are wonderful year-round … you just need to find the perfect time for YOU.
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Read more about my guides to the Hawaiian Islands below:
BIG ISLAND:
Big Island Master Guide
Kona, Hawaii City Guide
Hilo, Hawaii City Guide
Best Resorts on the Big Island
FREE Things To Do On The Big Island
Top 10 Beaches on Big Island
Best Waterfalls on the Big Island
Rainy Day Activities on the Big Island
20 Mistakes to Avoid in Hawaii
MAUI:
Ultimate Maui Guide
Thanks for the comparison. I’d love to see the whales, but not a fan of swimming in the colder temperatures. May mean that I need to make 2 trips.
Hawaii is my dream destination and this post is so informative.thanks for sharing..wish to visit soon
Hawaii was always my family’s go to holiday destination. I’ve lost count how many times I’ve been and we always went in May – May is a lovely time. One day we might deviate and go in another month!
Beautiful post! I’ve never been here yet, but its sure on my list. Your photos are very inspiring!
The rain total comparisons are very helpful! We visited in mid-October a few years ago and it was lovely. I look forward to going back soon!