The best times of year to visit Hawai‘i for sun, surf, & more

The best overall time to visit Hawai‘i: weather, crowds, & other fundamentals

The good news is that Hawai‘i is definitely a year-round place to spend a vacation. Unlike some high-profile travel destinations—such as Death Valley in the heat of summer, or Thailand during monsoon season—there really is no “terrible” time of year here in terms of weather, overcrowding, or sightseeing.

That said, there are certainly some elements to think about, depending on your travel goals and availability. 

What’s the best season to visit Hawai‘i?

Typical of tropical locales, Hawai‘i experiences 2 main seasons: the drier summer or high-sun season (which Native Hawaiians traditionally called kau), from about May through October, and the wetter winter or low-sun season (known as ho‘oilo), November through April. There really aren't much in the way of transitional spring or fall seasons in between.

Though summer is a bit warmer than winter, temperatures don’t vary much between the 2 seasons, with a difference of less than 10 degrees Fahrenheit between average annual highs and lows across most of the islands. You can generally expect daily highs in the 70s and 80s in the coastal and low-elevation zones throughout the year, with nighttime lows usually only about 10 degrees or so below daytime highs.

The bigger seasonal difference is moisture. Because the northeastern trade winds are steadier in summer, that season tends to see more predictable weather. This is often called the “dry season,” though brief trade-wind showers and heavier higher-elevation windward rainfall are frequent on the islands' northeastern slopes.

In winter, the trades become weaker and periodically stop. When this occurs, stormier weather from passing cold fronts or the so-called “Kona lows” may blow in from other directions. This is the “rainy season,” with winter storms accounting for much of the precipitation that the dry leeward coasts and slopes of Hawai‘i receive.

But while winter is the stormier stretch of the year, the weather remains idyllic, all things considered. Rainy and blustery systems don’t usually last more than a day or 2, so it’s not too likely your winter getaway to Hawai‘i will be spoiled by inclement weather. (A silver lining when it rains: Hawai‘i's famous rainbows.) Much of the time, you’ll be able to bask in tropical sunshine and warmth. Winter in Hawai‘i can feel like bliss.

It’s worth noting that hurricane season in Hawai‘i falls between July and November. While it has happened, it’s rare for hurricanes and tropical storms to make landfall in Hawai‘i or pass close by the Islands. Distant cyclones bringing moderately strong winds, waves, and rainfall is more common. 

The best times to visit Hawai‘i for specific activities

From spouting, tail-slapping, and breaching whales to hanging 10, here are some other signature Hawaiian draws that could determine when you want to set your sights on the islands.

The best time for whale watching

Hawai‘i ranks among the finest places on Earth for whale watching. That reputation mainly rests on the yearly congregation of humpback whales—some 12,000 strong—in Hawaiian waters. If you’re keen on seeing this show, you’ll want to schedule your Hawaiian vacation for winter.

These North Pacific humpbacks summer mostly off Alaska and British Columbia, and beeline for the Hawaiian Islands to breed and calve in the wintertime. They’re mainly found in Hawai‘i's coastal waters and channels from November until May, with the all-out best time to whale-watch—from the many shore-based vantages or aboard whale-watching cruises—generally from January to March. 

There’s always the chance of seeing a whale of one kind or another (especially dolphins and other toothed whales) outside of the winter season, mind you.

The best time to learn to surf

Hawai‘i is equally legendary as a global surfing hot spot. For pro surfers, winter is when surfing here reaches epic status. That’s when northerly swells generated by far-off winter storms and powerful low-pressure centers produce monster waves on the north shores. 

If you’re looking to learn how to surf, however, those monster waves aren’t what you want to tangle with. Instead, mild, beginner-friendly surfable breaks can generally be found on the main Hawaiian Islands any time of year, which besides their elite-surfing cred are also excellent for learning the ropes. 

Conditions can vary depending on local weather, sea conditions, and distant storm tracks, but generally in wintertime (November to April) newbies can find safe waves along Hawai‘i’s southern beaches. Options for “educational” surf breaks typically expand in summer when swells are smaller. The bigger ones, though still manageable, often come from the south at that time of year. 

The best time for spotting sea turtles

A number of species of sea turtles, none more iconic than the honu (the green sea turtle), feed and nest in Hawaiian waters. You can see these endearing, mild-mannered marine reptiles any time of year—while snorkeling, for example, or simply beachgoing—but summer is typically the best season. The turtles tend to avoid the bigger waves on exposed beaches in winter, something to consider if honu-watching is high on your priority list.

Green, hawksbill and, to a lesser extent, olive ridley turtles nest on Hawaiian beaches, mainly from April through September, sometimes beyond. (It’s important both to keep a safe distance—at least 15 feet—from the sea turtles and avoid blocking their access to or from the ocean, in order to protect these endangered species. Touching sea turtles is illegal.) Take care especially not to disturb nesting sea turtles: Give them plenty of room, and avoid shining bright lights on or toward beaches at night, which can disorient the animals.