Best Time to Visit Hawaii for Weather & Deals

Key takeaways

• There is no bad time to visit Hawaiʻi weather-wise, but there are times that are best to visit to avoid tons of other tourists. 
• Traveling during Hawaiʻi’s shoulder seasons typically means lower prices and fewer crowds. 
• You’ll often find the best deals to Hawaiʻi about 1–3 months ahead of a domestic trip, during what we call the Goldilocks Window. 
• With the Going app and Premium or Elite membership, you can get alerts right to your phone as soon as prices to Hawaiʻi drop. 

Best time to visit Hawaiʻi: An overview

Hawaiʻi famously has good weather year-round, meaning there’s not really a bad time to visit. There are, though, certain times of the year when more visitors flock to the islands, meaning more crowded beaches and higher prices. 

That happens during the summer months (June through August), winter holidays (December through early January), and spring break season (March to early April). If you travel outside of those times you’ll likely still have good weather for most of your trip, while also avoiding expensive flights and hotels. 

So when is the best time to visit Hawaiʻi? We like visiting from mid-April to early June or mid-September to early December. 

What makes Hawaiʻi a year-round destination?

Hawaiʻi has sunny days most of the year. Even during the rainy season in Hawaiʻi, showers are short and localized. Temperatures range from the low 70s to high 80s, with little variation throughout the year. Sure, it’s slightly hotter in the summer (think high 80s vs low 80s), but temperature changes are not that dramatic. No matter when you visit, you’re likely to have good weather for most of your trip. 

That said, there are some activities that are better in certain seasons. Avid surfers like visiting in the winter for big swells, while those who want to snorkel in calm waters prefer the summer. Hiking is also slightly easier in the summer, when trails are dry. The best time to travel to Hawaiʻi to avoid crowds is during the spring and fall, which are typically less busy than the summer and winter. 

Key factors to consider: weather, crowds, and costs

Hawaiʻi is known for sunny skies and warm weather, and that’s pretty consistent year-round. During the rainy season, from November to March, you can expect showers on the northeastern side of the islands, typically in the afternoons. Hurricane season technically runs from June to November, but hurricanes are rare in Hawaiʻi.

That said, far-away arctic storms push waves to Hawaiʻi’s shores, making them large and excellent for surfing in the winter. The best time of the year to visit Hawaiʻi for beginner surfers and those hoping for calm beach days or snorkeling is during the summer, when waves are more beginner-friendly. 

Hiking is also easier in the summer, when trails are dry. It is possible to hike year-round, but some trails might be muddy. In some cases, trails can be closed if they’re too slippery or have recently experienced mudslides. 

If you’re hoping to spot a whale, visit during the winter. From December to April, thousands of humpback whales migrate past Hawaiʻi. During the rest of the year, you’re unlikely to see a whale. 

If you want to avoid crowds and find lower prices on tours, accommodations, and hotels, try visiting during Hawaiʻi’s shoulder seasons. Those fall just before and after the busy seasons, so fall and spring. Look for flights from mid-April to early June or from mid-September to early December. 

Planning a Hawaiian getaway? Let the Going app do the hard work—real-time flight deals straight to your phone!

Hawaiʻi’s seasons explained: Weather guide

Hawaiʻi is a temperate destination, with sunshine almost all year and little variation in daytime temperatures. No matter when you visit, you’re likely to have temperatures at least above 70ºF and below 90ºF. 

While Hawaiʻi does have a rainy season, precipitation can happen all year and is usually short and very localized. Because the weather doesn’t change dramatically, some people like to plan trips around the busy or slow seasons. 

Hawaiʻi is busiest during the winter holidays, spring break, and summers, when people generally have time off school and work. So when is the best time to go to Hawaiʻi? Let’s dive in.

Winter (December–February): cool breezes and whale watching

Winter is one of the busiest times to visit Hawaiʻi, thanks to mild weather and whale watching opportunities. In the winter, daytime temperatures range from 75–80ºF, while nighttime temperatures are around 65–70ºF. While some might find it a little chilly to swim, the not-too-hot daytime temperatures make it a great time to hike. This is technically the rainy season, but showers are typically limited to the afternoons and won’t usually derail your trip. 

Winter is also the time when thousands of humpback whales migrate past Hawaiʻi, drawing lots of tourists. It’s also when many Americans travel over the holidays or for a tropical winter escape, so expect higher flight and hotel prices. Needless to say, winter is not the best time to fly to Hawaiʻi if you’re looking for a deal. 

Spring (March–May): pleasant weather and blooming flora

Temperatures in the spring are a little warmer, stretching into the low 80s during the day and low 70s at night. There is still some rain, especially on the northeastern side of the islands. Spring is a great time to visit to see flowers in bloom across the islands. Spring break can be busy and expensive, but if you’re traveling a little earlier or later in the season you can find excellent deals. Botanical gardens, scenic drives, and hiking are all ideal during this time of year. 

Summer (June–August): warm beaches and family travel

Summer is the hottest month in Hawaiʻi. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s and nighttime temperatures are in the low 70s. It’s almost always sunny (Hawaiʻi is actually fairly sunny year-round), and hot temperatures make it the perfect beach destination. Technically, summer is part of hurricane season, but Hawaiʻi rarely sees hurricanes. 

Summer is also one of Hawaiʻi’s peak tourist periods, as most people have time off school and work. That means hotels, tours, and flights can be expensive. 

Fall (September–November): quiet escapes and great deals

Fall is shoulder season and the ideal time to visit Hawaii. The summer crowds have gone and the December crowds haven’t yet arrived. Temperatures are still in the 80s during the day and low 70s at night, and there’s barely any rainfall. This is a good time to visit for budget travelers—and to have quiet beaches to yourself. 

Best months to visit Hawaiʻi for specific activities

There’s lots to do in Hawaiʻi, from whale watching to surfing, hiking, hanging out on the beach, or visiting museums. While there’s not really a bad time for going to the beach or visiting indoor attractions and restaurants, there are best times for some other activities. 

Whale watching must be done in the winter, during the humpback whale migration, for example. You can snorkel at any time, but you’re more likely to see fish and have calm waters during the summer. On the other hand, if you’re after big waves, winter is the best time to visit Hawaiʻi. You can hike anytime of year, but trails are driest during the summer. 

Whale watching

December to April is whale watching season in Hawaiʻi, and Maui has an especially high rate of whale sightings. During this period, thousands of humpback whales migrate past the islands. Calm waters and pleasant weather make it a good time to take a whale watching tour. 

Tours can range from $50–$200 per person, depending on the day, type of tour (group or private), and how far ahead you book. 

Surfing

November to March is the best time to visit for experienced surfers. North Oahu sees huge waves during this time, thanks to winter storms from the Arctic that send waves to the islands. These swells draw professionals and amateurs alike. 

If you’re a beginner, consider visiting during the summer, when waves are calm in places such as Waikiki Beach. Like other activities, surfing lessons can be more expensive during busy seasons, like summer or winter break. 

Snorkeling and diving

While winter is the best time for surfing, summer is the best time for snorkeling and diving. That’s because the water is calmer during this time, making it easier to swim and see wildlife. 

Hanauma Bay in Oahu and Molokini Crater off of Maui are some of the most popular dive locations in Hawaiʻi, though it’s possible to snorkel from most beaches. You’ll see lots of fish, including the official state fish—the reef triggerfish—sea turtles, and sometimes even manta rays. Guided tours range from $100–$200 per person depending on the time of year and length of the tour. 

Hiking and exploring

April to October, when Hawaiʻi is driest and trails are more accessible, is the best time for hiking. Diamond Head on Oahu is one of the most popular hikes in Hawaiʻi, along with the Na Pali Coast on Kauai, and Haleakalā on Maui. 

If you go during September and October, toward the end of the dry season, it will also be slightly cooler. That said, it is still possible to hike in the winter, but be prepared for muddy trails and possible closures. 

Cheapest time to travel to Hawaiʻi

The cheapest time to travel to Hawaiʻi is during the fall, before the holiday crowds arrive. Spring (outside of spring break) is another good time to visit for deals. Hawaiʻi is a year-round destination, so if you can visit outside of peak times you’ll save money while also getting good weather. 

Low-cost months for flights and accommodation

Flights and accommodation are typically cheapest during Hawaiʻi’s shoulder seasons, the periods just before and after high seasons. Mid-April to mid-June and September to early December are the best times to fly to Hawaiʻi.  

If you want more information on how to save on your trip, check out our guides on how to find cheap flights and how to find cheap hotels.

Saving money during Hawaiʻi’s off-peak seasons

Booking during shoulder seasons, the periods just before and after peak season, is a good way to save on a trip to Hawaiʻi. Hawaiʻi has a few busy periods, so you have to be strategic. 

The islands get busy during summer, winter holidays, and spring break season, which can change each year. Generally, booking from mid-April, when most spring break travel is over, to mid-June before the summer crowds arrive, is a good time to travel. Similarly, September to early December is generally a good time to visit for fewer crowds and lower prices. 

Try booking during the Goldilocks Window, our term for the period not too far ahead and not too close to your departure date. Think 1–3 months ahead for a domestic trip. 

You can also sign up for a Going Premium or Elite membership to get real-time flight alerts delivered to your inbox! 

​​Worst time to visit Hawaiʻi: What to avoid

There’s no truly bad time to visit Hawaiʻi, but there are times when travel will be less pleasant, depending on your priorities. 

Hurricane season

Hurricane season runs from June to November, with the highest risk for hurricanes in September and October. That said, hurricanes are relatively rare in Hawaiʻi. The most recent strong hurricane to hit Hawaiʻi was a Category 4 hurricane in 1992. Since 1842, there have only been 11 tropical systems (like tropical depressions and tropical storms) that have hit Hawaiʻi, compared to more than 100 off of North Carolina. 

You’ll likely get more rain during this period, so beware that trails can be muddy and beach days might be ruined. Even still, it often only rains for a couple of hours. 

Peak tourist times

Peak tourist times in Hawaiʻi include December (except for the first week) through early January, when people take winter holiday breaks; summer, when kids are out of school and families can travel; and during spring break, which can vary by school but is generally in March and early April. If crowds are not your thing, these are the worst times to visit Hawaiʻi. 

The best times to visit to avoid large crowds are during the shoulder seasons right before and after these busy periods, like mid-April to mid-June and September to November.  

Make the most of your Hawaiʻi adventure

Planning your trip to Hawaiʻi doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. You can save big on flights and accommodations by timing your bookings right, staying flexible with your travel dates, and exploring the Goldilocks Window. Whether you’re looking to surf, hike, go whale-watching, or relax on the beach, Hawaiʻi has something for everyone. 

Let Going take the guesswork out of planning—download the app and get a membership today to unlock unbeatable deals and make your Hawaiʻi getaway unforgettable.