Hawaii Weather by Month

What is the weather like in Hawaii?

The weather in Hawaii is consistent enough to make the island chain a year-round destination. Its location in the Pacific Ocean means its islands have just two seasons a year. Summer, known in Hawaii as kau, spans the months of May to October and sees average daytime temperatures of 85°F. The winter (or ho’oilo) then runs from the start of November until the end of April, with daytime temperatures just a little lower on average at 78°F.

If you’re taking advantage of Hawaii’s clear skies to go stargazing, it’s worth noting that nighttime temperatures are generally ten degrees Fahrenheit below their daytime counterparts. Temperatures also fall around 3.5°F for every 1000 feet of altitude climbed, so anyone looking to hike to the rims of Hawaii’s famed volcanoes will want to be aware of this. Snowfall is also common during the winter months at higher altitudes, limiting hiking opportunities.

More important to the climate in Hawaii than whether its summer or winter are the diverse array of landscapes which make the islands such a fascinating destination for travelers. They mean a wide array of climatic differences too, from snowdrifts sitting atop volcanic craters to the humidity of lowland rainforest.

The driest months of the year are from April to October, coinciding with the Hawaiian summer, making them the obvious choice for beachside vacations, though you’ll then have to contend with peak season crowds and prices.

If you’re flexible (for example, you don’t have children in school), rain rarely affects vacation plans during the rest of the year to any great extent, making these months a good alternative. What’s more, the mix of landscapes makes weather very localized. This in turn almost ensures better weather elsewhere along the coast of the islands. The risk of tropical cyclones in Hawaii is low.