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The Best & Worst Times to Visit Hawaii (Updated for 2024)

The Best & Worst Times to Visit Hawaii (Updated for 2024)

What's the best time to visit Hawaii?

The best time to visit Hawaii is typically from April to October when the weather is warm and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 71°F to 88°F. During these months, you’ll have more chances of enjoying sunny days and witnessing the beautiful blooming flowers across the islands.

To avoid the rainier periods, it’s best to steer clear of March and November. But regardless, Hawaii generally maintains temperatures below 90°F year-round and when showers do happen, they’re typically over in less than 20 minutes.

Thinking about taking a trip to tropical Hawaii soon? The time you plan your trip can make or break your plans for a warm, sunny getaway.

Find the best time to visit Hawaii for great weather, affordable airfare, and lower-priced accommodations – plus the worst months to plan your visit – in our quick, informative guide!

But before we dive into the best time to visit Hawaii, let’s break down the main seasons:

  • Main Season (High Season): Ideal weather and vibrant cultural events draw larger crowds and higher prices.
  • Shoulder Season: Pleasant weather and relaxed budgets come with slightly increased rainfall and potential business closures.
  • Off Season: Lowest prices and serene solitude bring abundant rainfall and reduced flight options.
  • Whale Watching: December-March transforms into prime whale watching season, but be prepared for potential cancellations and closures.

The Overall Best Time to Visit Hawaii in 2024

Pictured during the best time to visit Hawaii, the famous Waikiki Beach is pictured with a blue sky and hotels in the background

HONOLULU, HI -12 DEC 2018- View of the landmark Waikiki Beach, famous for its surfers and tall hotel buildings, located in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii/EQRoy/Shutterstock

The best time to visit Hawaii is anytime during April through October. You’ll get to take advantage of warm temperatures, little rain, and the opportunity to spot budding springtime flowers and emerging foliage all around the islands. 

Since March and November are tied for Hawaii’s rainiest months, planning your visit in between these wet periods will give you the best chance of sunny, clear skies. In April, you can expect temperature ranges from 71°F to 84°F.

Planning your visit during May through October (Hawaii’s “summer” months) will be a bit warmer, with average temps hitting anywhere from 84°F to 88°F. It’s rare for temperatures to surpass 90°F in Hawaii, year-round.

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Cheapest Time to Visit Hawaii

People on spring break on Kapalua during the overall cheapest time to visit Hawaii

Kapalua, Hawaii – February 19th 2022 : Tourists relaxing on the beach of Kapalua Bay on West Maui, Hawaii, during Spring Break/Alexandre.ROSA/Shutterstock

The cheapest time to fly to Hawaii is during the months of February and March. Flights are more affordable during February and March, which are near the end of Hawaii’s mild “winter” season.

Your chances for excellent weather are a little diminished during February and March, but that doesn’t mean it’ll be a torrential downpour for your entire stay. 

Hawaii in February is temperate and mild, with temperatures around 63°F to 79°F. Since December and January are popular months to visit for “snowbirds” seeking warmth or a tropical place to spend the holidays, the less-busy February is one of the cheapest times to fly to the Hawaiian islands. 

In March, daily temperatures pick up a bit, ranging from 64°F to 83°F. Flights are still relatively cheap during March, which marks the tail end of Hawaii’s winter season. 

With the ease of checking flight and accommodation prices online today, it’s possible to find great deals on Hawaiian vacations and packages beyond February and March. We’ll talk more about finding great Hawaii vacation deals in just a bit. 

In any case, if affordability is a big deal to you, don’t plan your visit during December. It has the highest airfare and accommodation prices of the year.

Least Busy Time to Visit Hawaii

Neat view of a deserted Makena Beach under a blue sky with fluffy clouds overhead during the least busy time to visit Hawaii

Tropicdreams/Shutterstock

The least busy times to visit Hawaii are during April, May, and early June with another dip in visitors between September and early December.

With most kids in school during these periods, you’ll run into fewer vacationing families and less crowded conditions throughout Hawaii.

Exceptions are common school break periods, when the number of visitors takes a sharp increase. This includes Spring Break (late March to early April) and Thanksgiving Break (last week of November) especially. 

Here’s a look at the average temperatures and weather for these less-busy times:

  • April: 71°F to 84°F
  • May: 73°F to 84°F
  • June*: 74°F to 87°F
  • September*: 76°F to 89°F
  • October*: 75°F to 84°F
  • November*: 69°F to 82°F
  • December: 64°F to 81°F

*Hawaii’s hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th each year. Keep this in mind when planning your visit – it’s one of the reasons these months are less busy for tourism to the Hawaiian islands. 

Worst Time to Visit Hawaii

Crowded Waikiki beach pictured in front of tall hotels on Oahu during the worst time to visit Hawaii

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. December 27, 2021. Crowded Waikiki Beach as quarantine restrictions are dropped and tourism resumes in the Hawaiian Islands/Theodore Trimmer/Shutterstock

If you’re trying to avoid crowds and higher prices, August, December, and January are the worst times to visit Hawaii.

August is the most popular summer month for Hawaiian vacations, leading to fewer deals on flights and accommodations during this time. There’s another sharp increase in visitors during mid-December through January due to the holidays and many people taking time off from work or school.

More demand for flights, rental cars, and hotels drives the prices up during this period, meaning you’ll end up paying a lot more for your Hawaii stay. 

If you’re trying to avoid rainy, unseasonably cool weather, March and November are the worst times to visit Hawaii.

The weather on the Hawaiian islands is always relatively moderate and rarely dips below 64°F, but you’re in for lots of rain and cloudy skies if you visit during March or November. 

Hawaii by Month: Climate & Activities

Ancient tiki sculpture pictured looking over a reflecting pool during the best time to visit Hawaii

Fominayaphoto/Shutterstock

Hawaii experiences relatively consistent temperatures throughout the year due to its tropical climate, but here’s a breakdown of its climate and activities by month:

January

Winter temperatures in Hawaii range from 18 to 26°C (64-79°F). January is ideal for whale watching on Maui, exploring the North Shore of Oahu for big wave surfing, and attending cultural events.

February

Similar to January, February maintains mild temperatures between 18 to 26°C (64-79°F). Visitors can enjoy the beaches of Waikiki on Oahu, go snorkeling in Molokini Crater, and experience the Chinese New Year celebrations.

March

As spring arrives in March, temperatures in Hawaii range from 18 to 26°C (64-79°F). March is perfect for hiking in the Waimea Canyon on Kauai, exploring the volcanic landscapes of the Big Island, and attending the Honolulu Festival.

April

Spring temperatures in Hawaii range from 18 to 26°C (64-79°F). It’s an ideal time for exploring Haleakalā National Park on Maui, attending the Merrie Monarch Festival on the Big Island, and enjoying blooming flowers.

May

May sees temperatures ranging from 20 to 28°C (68-82°F). It’s a great month for enjoying the Road to Hana on Maui, exploring the historic sites of Pearl Harbor, and participating in Lei Day festivities.

June

Summer arrives with temperatures between 21 to 29°C (70-84°F). June offers opportunities for surfing on the North Shore of Oahu, hiking to the summit of Mauna Kea on the Big Island, and experiencing the King Kamehameha Day Parade.

July

July maintains warm temperatures from 22 to 30°C (72-86°F). It’s a popular month for exploring the Seattle Space Needle, attending outdoor concerts at the Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, and enjoying Independence Day festivities.

August

Temperatures in August range from 22 to 30°C (72-86°F). It’s an excellent time for water activities like kayaking in Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island, hiking the Napali Coast on Kauai, and enjoying cultural events.

September

As fall begins, temperatures range from 22 to 30°C (72-86°F). September offers a pleasant transition, with opportunities for exploring the Waikoloa Petroglyph Preserve on the Big Island, attending the Maui County Fair, and enjoying the beaches.

October

October sees temperatures ranging from 22 to 30°C (72-86°F). It’s a great month for snorkeling in Molokai’s pristine waters, hiking the Lanikai Pillbox Trail on Oahu, and participating in Halloween events.

November

Fall temperatures range from 21 to 29°C (70-84°F). November is perfect for exploring the Garden of the Gods on Lanai, attending the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing on the North Shore of Oahu, and enjoying Thanksgiving festivities.

December

Winter returns with temperatures ranging from 20 to 28°C (68-82°F). December brings opportunities for holiday celebrations, exploring the historic sites on Maui, and enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Things to Consider

Woman walking along the Kalalau Trail on the Na Pali Coast during the best time to visit Hawaii

Colton Stiffler/Shutterstock

When you factor in average temperatures, the busy season, and rainfall, it might seem like planning the perfect Hawaiian vacation is really difficult. But the reality is that Hawaii boasts moderate, comfortable temperatures and weather year-round.

It’s hard to go wrong when you’re going to Hawaii! Even the most crowded months will provide you with an enjoyable stay – that’s why so many flock to the islands during these times. 

If you want to plan the best Hawaiian vacay, keep these seasoned traveler tips in mind:

  • Book your flight early. Airlines reserve their lowest Hawaii ticket prices for those who book early. As the trip date nears, flight prices only increase. There are exceptions – airlines dropping ticket prices last minute to fill seats on flights, for example – but these last-minute discounts aren’t reliable and fill quickly during popular travel times. 
  • Travel mid-week for the best prices. Flying out and back home on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday will net you cheaper flights and hotel accommodations than Friday through Monday (when most people travel). 
  • Pick the right island for the best prices. With 8 large islands and hundreds of smaller islands making up Hawaii, it’s important to choose the right island to visit if you want an affordable stay. Oahu tends to be the cheapest due to more direct flights there and plenty of hotel availability. With more availability, prices are driven down, even during busier months. 
  • Consider camping out. For a budget-friendly trip that will get you closer to nature and expose you to more of Hawaii’s natural beauty and charm, consider camping out! Campsites are cheaper to book than hotels and condos. As long as you plan your visit outside of the rainy season (November through March), camping is one of the best ways to experience Hawaii. 
  • Avoid island-hopping. It’s tempting to make your way across Hawaii, visiting all the islands you can on your first visit. But island-hopping means pricey inter-island flights and ferries that will make your trip more expensive. Booking longer stays at your hotel, condo, or campsite, as well as longer car rental periods, will net you cheaper prices than breaking your stay into smaller chunks as you try to experience all the Hawaiian islands.

So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Hawaii?

👍 Best Time to VisitApril-October
💲 Cheapest Time to VisitFebruary-March
🗓️ Least Busy Time to VisitApril- June & September-December
👎 Worst Time to VisitAugust, December, January

So there you have it — our take on when to go to Hawaii. You can scratch Hawaii off your bucket list without breaking the bank when you keep these travel tips in mind. While a trip to Hawaii is never “cheap,” you’ll find that there are tons of ways to maximize your fun while keeping to a budget. 

Whether you travel seeking the best weather and tropical scenery (April-October), the cheapest stay (February-March), or the fewest crowds (April-early June and September-early December), you’re going to have a great time in Hawaii. 

Check out an other-worldly black sand beach, spend the day swimming with dolphins or spotting whales, and take a hike to experience Hawaii’s tropical environment and unique foliage.

Don’t forget your obligatory lei, fruity drink, and traditional Hawaiian cuisine – poi, poke, and maybe a serving of Spam and eggs – to really make your Hawaiian getaway perfect. Happy travels!