There's really no bad time to visit Hawaii. The islands are warm and sunny all year, with perfect conditions for beaches, hiking, and snorkeling. But prices, crowds, surf, and wildlife all change through the year. Here is the best time to visit Hawaii, depending on your budget and what you want to do.
Hawaii Travel Seasons at a Glance
- High season: Mid-December to March, plus June to August.
- Shoulder season: April to May, and September to early December.
- Best for whale watching: December to April, peaking from January to March.
- Best for big-wave surfing: November to February on north shores.
- Best for calm seas and snorkeling: May to September.
Hawaii Weather by Season
Hawaii has two main seasons. Summer (May to October) is warmer and drier, with highs of around 85 to 90 °F (29 to 32 °C). Winter (November to April) is a little cooler and wetter, with highs of around 78 to 82 °F (26 to 28 °C). Rain is usually short and local. The windward (northeast) sides of each island are greener and wetter, while the leeward (southwest) sides, such as Waikiki, Kaanapali, and Kona, are sunnier. Hurricane season runs from June to November, but direct hits are rare.
Most Popular Times to Visit Hawaii
Mid-December to March and June to August. Winter visitors come to escape the cold back home, and families visit during the summer and Christmas school holidays. Expect higher prices for flights, hotels, and rental cars, and busier beaches. Book well ahead, especially for Christmas and New Year.
Best Time for Lower Prices and Fewer Crowds
April to May and September to early December (avoiding Thanksgiving week). The weather is excellent, the crowds thin out, and you'll often find better deals on flights, accommodation, and activities. For many travelers, these shoulder months are the best time to visit Hawaii.
Best Time for Surfing
November to February for big waves; summer for beginners. Winter swells bring huge waves to the north shores, especially Oahu's North Shore, where pro surfers compete in events such as the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. The waves can reach 30 to 40 feet, so watch from the beach. Beginners should head to gentle breaks such as Waikiki, which are good all year and best in summer, when south shores get the swell.
Best Time for Whale Watching
December to April. Thousands of humpback whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii's warm waters every winter to mate and give birth. The best place to see them is the channel between Maui, Lanai, and Molokai, part of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Peak season is January to March, when you can often spot whales from the shore.
Best Time for Snorkeling and Hiking
May to September. Calmer seas and drier weather make summer ideal for snorkeling, boat trips to the Na Pali Coast, and hiking trails that can be muddy in winter.
When to Avoid Hawaii
There's no bad time, but if you want to avoid the highest prices and crowds, skip the weeks around Christmas and New Year, spring break in March, and the peak summer holidays in July.
Tips for Planning Your Hawaii Trip
- Book reservations early for Haleakalā sunrise, Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, and Ha'ena State Park.
- Pack for every climate. Mountain summits can be near freezing. See our Hawaii packing list.
- Stay connected. Check surf reports, weather, and reservations on the go. An egoViet USA eSIM works in Hawaii. Compare options in our guide to SIM cards and eSIMs for USA travel.
Plan the rest of your trip with our Hawaii travel guide.
FAQs: Best Time to Visit Hawaii
What is the best month to visit Hawaii?
April, May, September, and October offer great weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices.
What is the cheapest time to go to Hawaii?
The shoulder seasons, April to May and September to early December, excluding Thanksgiving, usually have the best deals.
When can you see whales in Hawaii?
Humpback whales visit from December to April, with the peak from January to March, especially off Maui.
Does it rain a lot in Hawaii?
Showers are common, especially in winter and on the windward sides of the islands, but they are usually short.