More from Hawaii
Main Menu
Sunrise 06:59
Sunset 17:51
Sunrise 06:59
Sunset 17:51
Sorted by popularity:
Updated at 10:00 GMT
Sunrise 06:58
Sunset 17:50
Temp feels like:
25ºC (77 ºF)
Length of day:
10h 52m
Pressure:
30" (1018 hpa)
Visibility:
6 miles (10 km)
Wind speed:
5 km/h
Hawaii is the northern most island group in Polynesia, occupying an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. Hawaii is the only US state made up entirely of islands. Its pristine beaches, stunning scenery, and consistently pleasant weather has long put Hawaii on the map as a hugely popular holiday destination.
The entire region comprises of eight major islands and is famous for its hike worthy sculpted hills, fascinating coral reefs, fiery volcanoes and world class surf. Out of these eight islands, only six are open to tourism with each island featuring its own distinct personality and weather patterns.
Throughout the year Hawaii enjoys a warm tropical climate and is the only other US state, apart from Arizona, not to observe daylight savings.
The moment you step out of the plane, you will feel soft, humid winds no matter what time of the year you visit, offering a beautiful climate for visitors and locals alike.
Due to Trade Winds, originating from the East, Hawaii's temperature and humidity aren't as extreme as most tropical countries. This makes the region far more welcoming for those that are sensitive to extreme weather conditions.
Generally, Hawaii has only two seasons. The dry season is usually between May to October. The rainy season then occurs from October through to the following April. However, the weather can be very different between each island. If it is sunny in Honolulu, it's can be raining in Manoa Valley and vice versa.
Thanks to the position of the islands in the Pacific Ocean, rain does tends to hit the north and east sides of the islands, especially in the more elevated regions. This ensures the south and west sides receive fewer rainy days and have a much drier atmosphere.
The wettest months of the year are usually between November and March and can be subject to some flooding. However rainfall is usually very localised. This means that even if it is raining where you are, it is usually possible to move around the island and find some sunshine.
However, between June and November, there are times when the trade winds will stop and the wind direction will change. This can bring the threat of hurricanes to the islands. While there hasn't been a major hurricane in Hawaii for over 14 years, tropical cyclones can cause significant damage when they do arrive. It is therefore always wise to check the weather forecast before travelling, especially during this period.
Hawaii has also been prone to other natural disasters. In October 2004, a flash flood occurred in Manoa Valley soaking the grounds of the University of Hawaii. And in March 2006, major flash floods occurred after more than 30 days of non-stop rain. However, such events have been very scarce over recent years and should not deter travellers from visiting.
The sea is generally warm in Hawaii and very comfortable to swim in throughout the year. Though there is always a significant risk for anyone choosing to swim during hurricanes or very heavy rain. On average, sea water temperatures only ever fall to approximately 24°C in the cooler months, and can rise to an average of 27°C at the warmest times of the year.
The Hawaiian waters also boast legendary huge waves during its colder months when the Pacific storms drive ocean swells towards the islands. This makes Hawaii the perfect destination for surfers and extreme sport aficionados from all over the world.
Across the islands, Hawaii is renowned for its natural beauty. However, the higher you climb, the cooler the temperature gets. On mountains such as Kokee or Haleakala, a change in temperature can usually be felt with every 1000ft. This means it is possible to enjoy snow on the highest mountains, even when the temperature at sea level is nice and warm.
Dry Season
From May to October, temperatures are consistently dry and humid across Hawaii, especially on the southern side of the most popular island of Oahu in areas such as Honolulu and Waikiki.
Traditionally, those that want to enjoy the dry season without the peak summer sun will visit between April and May or September and October. However, for those that want to feel the peak summer heat, the highest levels of sun can be enjoyed between July, August and September.
As the region is located near the equator, sun exposure can be very high, especially during the dry season. Sunscreen is therefore advised, especially for those new to the island or to the strength of the tropical sun. However, the Trade Winds are especially prevalent during the summer months, ensuring there is usually a cool breeze to keep even the peak summer temperatures more comfortable.
During the dry season, Hawaii receives an average of more than 10 hours of sunshine every day offering average high temperatures reaching up to 29°C. And, as the name suggests, the dry season also experiences significantly less rain than the rest of the year.
Though there may be some drizzle in some area of Hawaii on most of the days during every month, this is usually limited to the highlands and the forest areas, with most of the rain falling at night. This typically leaves the beaches and lower areas, especially on the south and the west side of the islands, warm and dry all day long.
Wet Season
Though the wet season between November and April is also known as Hawaii's winter months, the drop in temperature is nothing to write home about.
On average, the temperature will only fall a few degrees when compared with the peak summer months. And even that is felt more at night time than during the day. This means that sunscreen and suitable sun protection are required in Hawaii all year round.
In the coldest month of the year, January, average daily temperatures still reach 23°C, with peak temperatures of 26°C. However this change in climate is just enough to influence the tidal patterns in the region, offering some of the best swells that can be found anywhere in the world.
For those that wish to see snow in Hawaii, it is possible to enjoy a significant covering on the highest mountains of Kea and Mauna Loa located on the Big Island during some of the winter months. Therefore it is wise to check the calculated averages, especially for those wishing to climb the major peaks.
Rain can become significant during the wet months, with November usually experiencing the most significant precipitation throughout the year. However, with most of the rain falling on the North and Easterly parts of the islands, there is still plenty of opportunity to enjoy some winter sun.
For those that want to enjoy a consistently beautiful climate in a luscious and exotic landscape, Hawaii is a beautiful place to go at any time of the year.