Whether you are looking for the best time to clock in some sun and surf, or wondering when whale watching season begins, you’ve come to the right place. Hawaii offers different things to travellers year-round, and we’ve got them covered.
Weather and climate
The temperature in Hawaii varies little throughout the year. On the hottest days in summer, temperatures can jump to a high around 30 degrees Celsius[AB1] (86 F). Most days in winter stay comfortable with a high of 26 degrees Celsius (79 F). On the coldest days, temperatures can dip slightly, to around 20 degrees Celsius (68 F).
Although the weather remains fairly consistent each season, micro-climates can be found on the islands in Hawaii. On Big Island, you can go from trekking across the snow on the summits of volcanoes in parkas to visiting the beaches in boardshorts, all in one day. With its diverse geology, rainforests and valleys can experience tropical heat and rain, while canyons can be as dry and arid as deserts.
Temperature and weather in Hawaii are heavily influenced by trade winds. Each island has a windward and leeward side. The windward side of the island faces the wind and tends to have cooler, wetter climates with higher humidity. Leeward sides of islands are blocked from the wind and are usually drier and hotter.
High Seasons and busy times
With near-perfect weather year-round, Hawaii is where the world comes to escape the rain, cold, and snow. Crowds flock to the islands’ beaches from December to March. This is the peak season. Some parts of the islands are slightly more crowded than usual, and hotels are at higher capacity.
The last week of April to early May is the “Golden Week” holiday period in Japan. Several statutory holidays fall within this week in the country. Most Japanese tourists pick Oahu as their destination of choice and the island can become busier around this time, too.
In general, airfare and hotel prices are higher than average during the high season, along with winter and summer holidays. But prices and occupancy spikes in July, too, considered to be the busiest month in Hawaii all year.
Shoulder seasons and off seasons
Shoulder seasons and off seasons are between late spring and late fall. Crowds start to taper off by mid-April on most islands. From mid-April to early June, and September to mid-December, most islands in Hawaii experience fewer crowds.
Travel deals, flights, and hotel packages pop up as the high season ends in April. The weather is near perfect in both Spring and Fall, with fewer temperature fluctuations and less rain. Flowers and vegetation bloom in the Spring and the weather is usually balmy. The Fall months have the smallest crowds as temperatures are cooler, but rain picks up sharply in November.
Winter getaways
Winter might get busy in Hawaii, but there are plenty of reasons to go during these months. For one, temperatures are mild and warm across the islands. The sun is also less harsh. Winter months are perfect for whale watching, to surf big waves, and the world-renowned surfing competitions.
On some islands, snow can pile up on volcanic summits like Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, which can be perfect for photo opportunities or snowboarding after a day’s lounging on warm beaches.
Book the Best Time Visit Hawaii
Talk to a Flight Centre travel agent who can recommend the best time of year for you to visit Hawaii Oahu. Call us at 1 877 967 52302, connect with us online or visit us in-store. Let’s get you to the sun, sand and surf of Hawaii.
Weather in November
Here is the breakdown, based on peak season, our Canadian winter months.
Q: What is the weather in Hawaii in November?
A: December is one of the wettest months in Hawaii, with an average of 9 centimetres of rain. Overall, the average temperature is around 24 degrees Celsius (75 F) with a high of 26 degrees Celsius (79 F) and a low of 21 degrees Celsius (34 F).
Weather in December
Q: What is the weather in Hawaii in December?
A: December is one of the wettest months in Hawaii, with an average of 9 centimetres (3.5 inches) of rain. Overall, the average temperature is around 24 degrees Celsius, with a high of 26 degrees Celsius (79 F) and a low of 21 degrees Celsius (70 F).
Weather in January
Q: What is the weather in Hawaii in January?
A: The average temperature in January is around 23 degrees Celsius (74 F), with a high of 26 degrees Celsius (79 F) and a low of 20 degrees Celsius (68 F). The average rainfall is around 8 centimetres (3 inches.)
