Best Time to Visit Hawaii (By Month + Island)
Not all months in Hawaii are created equal. Here's when to book your trip to avoid crowds, save money, and catch the best weather.
Planning a trip to Hawaii? Timing is everything. Whether you're dreaming of sunny beach days, epic surf sessions, or snorkeling alongside sea turtles, knowing the best time to visit can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll break down Hawaii’s climate by season, highlight the cheapest times to fly and book hotels, and let you know when to catch Hawaii’s best natural events — all island by island.
☀️ Hawaii’s Weather: Dry Season vs. Wet Season
Hawaii has a tropical climate, which means it doesn’t experience four seasons in the traditional sense. Instead, the islands have two main seasons:
Dry Season (April – October)
Warm and sunny most of the time
Best for beach vacations and outdoor adventures
Temperatures typically range from 75–88°F (24–31°C)
Ideal for snorkeling, hiking, and island hopping
Wet Season (November – March)
More rain, especially in the north and east regions of each island
Still warm, with temperatures from 70–82°F (21–28°C)
Rain is usually brief and localized, often in the evenings or early mornings
Best for surfing on the North Shore
Note: Even in the wet season, Hawaii gets plenty of sunshine. Just pack a light rain jacket and you’re good.
✈️ Cheapest Times to Visit Hawaii
If you're traveling on a budget, when you book matters as much as where you stay.
Cheapest Months for Flights & Hotels:
Late January to early March – After the holidays, prices drop significantly
May – Great weather and fewer crowds before summer
September to mid-November – Post-summer lull means better deals
Avoid:
Christmas, New Year’s, and Spring Break – These are peak travel times with high prices and heavy crowds
Pro Tip:
Use Google Flights or Hopper to set alerts and track flight deals to your preferred island. Flying mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) is often cheaper than weekends.
🏄 Best Times for Outdoor Activities
Whether you’re a surfer, a wildlife lover, or just want to enjoy crystal-clear water, here’s the best time to go based on what you want to do:
Surfing:
Big waves on the North Shore: November – February (Oahu's North Shore is world-famous)
Beginner-friendly surf: Summer months on south-facing beaches like Waikiki
Whale Watching:
Best time: December – April
You’ll spot humpback whales off Maui, Big Island, and Kauai
Snorkeling & Diving:
Best visibility: May – September
Calmer waters and less rain make for ideal conditions
🏝️ Best Times to Visit Each Island
Each island has its own microclimate and vibe, so here’s a quick breakdown by island:
Oahu:
Best time: May or September
Avoid: December if you want to skip the crowds
Maui:
Best time: April – early June and September – November
Whale season (Dec – April) is magical, especially in Lahaina and Kihei
Big Island:
Best time: May – October
Kona side is generally drier year-round
Kauai:
Best time: April – June or September – November
Known as the "Garden Isle," it gets more rain — so dry season is ideal
✅ Quick Recap: Best Time to Visit Hawaii
GoalBest TimeCheapest flights & hotelsJan–Mar, May, Sept–NovSurfing big wavesNov–FebWhale watchingDec–AprSnorkeling & clear waterMay–SeptAvoiding crowdsMay, Sept–NovBest overall weatherApril–October
🌺 Final Tips
Always book early for the best deals, especially for summer and holiday months
Weather can vary by region — for example, Hilo (Big Island) is wetter than Kona
Consider travel insurance, especially during wet season or if visiting in hurricane season (June–Nov)
Whether you want to hike to waterfalls, sip Mai Tais on the beach, or surf the world’s most famous waves, timing your trip right ensures Hawaii is everything you dreamed of — and more.
