Hawaii is beautiful and warm all year long, but knowing when to visit makes all the difference. While temperatures stay in the low 80s during winter and high 80s in summer, small changes in rain, surf, and crowds determine the perfect time for your trip. This guide gives you month-by-month weather data, rainy season dates, summer heat details, and answers to the most common questions about Hawaii weather.
Quick Answer: Hawaii Weather Essentials
Best time to visit Oahu for weather: April, May, September, and early October — shoulder months with great weather, fewer crowds, and better prices.
- Summer in Hawaii: May through October (dry season)
- Rainy season in Hawaii: November through April (wettest months: December–January)
- Hawaii summer temperatures: 85–89°F (29–32°C), hottest in August
- Is Hawaii hot year-round? Yes: 78–80°F in winter, 85–89°F in summer; ocean temps 75–80°F year-round
Hawaii Weather at a Glance
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Rain Days | Ocean Temp | Crowds | Price Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 80°F | 65°F | 105mm | 7 | 75°F | High | High |
| February | 80°F | 65°F | 76mm | 6 | 75°F | Medium | High |
| March | 81°F | 66°F | 63mm | 5 | 76°F | Medium | Medium |
| April | 83°F | 68°F | 38mm | 4 | 77°F | Low | Low |
| May | 84°F | 70°F | 25mm | 3 | 77°F | Low–Medium | Low |
| June | 86°F | 72°F | 15mm | 2 | 78°F | High | High |
| July | 88°F | 73°F | 15mm | 2 | 79°F | High | High |
| August | 89°F | 74°F | 18mm | 2 | 80°F | High | High |
| September | 88°F | 73°F | 20mm | 2 | 80°F | Medium | Medium |
| October | 86°F | 72°F | 35mm | 3 | 79°F | Medium | Medium |
| November | 83°F | 70°F | 65mm | 5 | 77°F | Medium–High | Medium |
| December | 80°F | 67°F | 101mm | 7 | 76°F | High | High |
Data Source: NOAA Climate.gov, Hawaii Tourism Authority
Oahu stays warm year-round, with summer (May–October) being drier and hotter. Waikiki Beach on the south shore is sunnier than the north and east shores because northeast trade winds blow moisture away from the area.
Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Ben Ono
Is Hawaii Hot Year-Round?
Yes, Hawaii is hot year-round in tropical terms, but it's mild compared to mainland heatwaves. Winter highs reach 78–80°F (26–27°C), which feels comfortable, not hot. Summer highs climb to 85–89°F (29–32°C), with August being the hottest month.
Ocean temperatures stay swimmable all year: 75°F in February and 80°F in September. Nighttime lows hover in the low 70s regardless of season, so you won't need heavy layers.
Compared to U.S. mainland summer heatwaves that exceed 100°F, Hawaii's warmth is gentle and tropical. Trade winds keep humidity bearable, making it feel cooler than the thermometer reads.
When Is Summer in Hawaii?
Summer in Hawaii runs from May through October and overlaps with the dry season. This is when you'll see the least rain and most sunshine across Oahu.
- August is the hottest month with an average high of 89°F (32°C)
- May and September are shoulder months — excellent weather with fewer crowds and lower prices
- June through August is peak tourist season due to school vacations, meaning higher hotel rates and busier beaches
Summer is ideal for hiking the Koolau Range, lounging on Waikiki Beach, and catching beginner-friendly 3–5 foot swells right outside your hotel. Rainfall is minimal (15–20mm per month), and occasional showers quickly give way to warm sun and vibrant rainbows.
Hawaii Weather in July
July is peak summer on Oahu and one of the sunniest, driest months of the year. If you're searching for "Hawaii weather July," here's exactly what to expect:
| Metric | July 2026 Average |
|---|---|
| High temperature | 88–89°F (31–32°C) |
| Low temperature | 72–74°F (22–23°C) |
| Rainfall | ~15mm (1–2 rain days) |
| Ocean temperature | 79–80°F (26–27°C) |
| Crowds | High (summer vacation) |
| Hotel prices | Peak season rates |
July Highlights:
✓ One of the sunniest, driest months — ideal for beach days and sunbathing
✓ Waikiki surfing: 3–5 foot swells, perfect for beginners and your hotel's front-door waves
✓ Hiking: Trails are dry — Diamond Head, Koolau Range, and Lanikai Pillboxes are in great condition
✓ North Shore: Calm waters — excellent for snorkeling (unlike winter's massive surf)
✓ Events: Summer luaus, festivals, and outdoor activities are in full swing
Two important notes for July travelers:
- July is peak tourist season — book your Waikiki Resort Hotel room early
- UV index is extreme (10–11) — reef-safe sunscreen is essential
Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / John Hook
What Is the Rainy Season in Hawaii?
The rainy season in Hawaii runs from November through April, with December and January being the wettest months. However, "wettest" is relative — even in peak winter, Oahu is much drier than most of the U.S. mainland.
| Month | Avg Rainfall | Rain Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | 101mm | 7 | Wettest month, but brief showers |
| January | 105mm | 7 | Peak rainy season |
| February | 76mm | 6 | 開始 tapering off |
| March | 63mm | 5 | Less rain, still wet season |
| April | 38mm | 4 | Transition to dry season |
Key facts about Hawaii's rainy season:
- Rain usually comes as brief afternoon showers that clear within an hour
- You'll still get plenty of sunshine — Hawaii averages 271 sunny days per year
- Waikiki's December rainfall (101mm) is 13x less than Seattle's (1,386mm in December)
- Winter is best for big-wave surfing on Oahu's North Shore (16–50 foot swells)
Even at its wettest, Hawaii is warmer and drier than almost anywhere else in the U.S. during winter. Most travelers don't even notice the rain unless they're hiking in the Koolau Range. Here are some of the best things to do in Hawaii when it rains.
Hurricane Season in Hawaii (2026 Update)
Hurricane season in Hawaii runs from June through November, with peak activity in July, August, and September.
What you need to know:
- Direct hurricane hits on Oahu are extremely rare
- The last major hurricane to make landfall was Hurricane Lane in 2018 (not the 1990s as older sources claim)
- 2026 outlook: NOAA predicts an above-normal hurricane season for the Central Pacific
- Even during hurricane season, most days are sunny and beautiful — hurricanes are rare events, not weekly occurrences
Impact on your trip:
- Rare adverse weather may trigger flight delays or hotel evacuations
- Travel insurance is recommended for peace of mind
- Don't let hurricane season scare you — 99% of days are unaffected
Best Time to Visit Oahu by Activity
Your ideal visit depends on what you want to experience:
| Activity | Best Time | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Beach days & sunbathing | April–October | Minimal rain, most sunshine |
| Hiking (Koolau, Diamond Head) | May–September | Dry trails, less mud |
| Waikiki surfing (beginner) | Summer (May–Oct) | 3–5 ft swells, gentle waves |
| North Shore surfing (pro) | Winter (Nov–Mar) | 16–50 ft swells, big-wave season |
| Whale watching | January–March | Peak humpback whale season |
| Snorkeling (North Shore) | Summer (May–Oct) | Calm waters, clear visibility |
| Budget travel | April–May, August–November | Lower hotel rates, fewer crowds |
| Festivals & events | Year-round | Lei Day (May), Aloha Festivals (Aug–Sep) |
Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaii Weather
- How hot does Hawaii get in the summer? Hawaii summer highs reach 85–89°F (29–32°C), with August being the hottest month at 89°F average. Nighttime lows stay comfortable in the low 70s.
- What is the rainy season in Hawaii? The rainy season is November through April, with January and December being the wettest months. Rain typically falls as brief showers, not all-day storms.
- When is summer in Hawaii? Summer in Hawaii runs May through October, with the dry season overlapping. August is the hottest month.
- Is Hawaii hot year-round? Yes. Winter highs are 78–80°F, summer highs are 85–89°F. Ocean temperatures range 75–80°F year-round, making it tropical all year.
- What is the best month to visit Oahu for weather? April, May, September, and early October offer the best balance of warm, dry weather, fewer crowds, and better prices.
- Does it rain all day in Hawaii during rainy season? No. Rain usually comes as brief afternoon showers that clear within an hour. You'll still get plenty of sunshine even in the wettest months.
- Are hurricanes common in Hawaii? No. Direct hurricane hits are extremely rare. The last major hurricane was Hurricane Lane in 2018. Most hurricane season days are sunny and beautiful.
Waikiki Resort Hotel Welcomes You Year-Round
No matter when you visit Oahu, the friendly team at the Waikiki Resort Hotel is ready to welcome you with our trademark hospitality — and help with finding sunscreen or an umbrella as the weather requires.
Located in the heart of Waikiki right across the street from world-famous Waikiki Beach, our hotel puts you in the middle of the action and is your gateway to all of Oahu's beautiful sights and sounds.
Ready to book your 2026 Hawaii trip? Check our latest special offers here!