Hawaii Climate

Current Weather in Honolulu (Waikiki)

Now
72F
Windchill:
72F
Partly Cloudy

Location: Honolulu, HI, US
Wind: 18 mph NE
Humidity: 57%
Visibility: 0.1 mi
Pressure: 30.14 in rising
Sunrise: 6:03 am
Sunset: 6:53 pm
Tue
Hi: 81F
Low: 70F
AM Showers

Wed
Hi: 83F
Low: 70F
Few Showers

Pleasant Climate Year-Round
With its warm and gentle trade winds, mild temperatures and sunny skies, Hawaii is an ideal
vacation destination throughout the year. Generally speaking, the state of Hawaii is tropical, but
the temperature and climate can vary dramatically depending on where you are located on a
particular island. For example, on the Big Island of Hawaii, it is possible to hit the beach and go for
a swim and then drive up to the top of Mauna Kea and walk in snow in the same day. The Big
Island's majestic mountains, the tallest of which is Mauna Kea rising 13,796 feet (4,205 m), contain
a climatic range from the tropic to the sub-Arctic.
Seasons in the Islands
Most of Hawaii has only two seasons summer, from May to October,
and winter, from November to April. The early Hawaiians named them
kau, the warm season (when the sun is almost directly overhead and the
weather is warmer and drier and winds blow reliably from the northeast)
and ho'olio, the cooler season (when the sun is lower in the south, the
winds are more variable and there is more rainfall and cloud cover).
The average temperature in the Islands is about 80F (26.6C), dropping to about 75F (23.8C)
during the winter months with a 10F (5.5C) cool-down after the sun disappears. Summer highs
average about 85F (29.4C) and winter highs about 78F (25.5C). June and July are the driest
months for all islands. But even in Hawaii's winter months, rain and cloud cover are very
intermittent and you should get ample time in the sun.
Hawaii's longest and shortest days are about 13.5 and 11 hours respectively since it is located
relatively close to the Equator. The sun is directly overhead twice in the year, at the end of May
and in late July.
Hawaii Climate Zones
Hawaii boasts 11 of the 13 climate zones in the world, each with unique
ecosystems and weather characteristics. Factors such as elevation,
pressure variations, rainfall, wind and topography combine to create
distinctive locations throughout the islands. Climates you may encounter
in the Hawaiian Islands include the humid tropical zones, from sea level
to 450 feet (137 m), the arid and semi-arid zones, the warmest parts of
the islands, the temperate zones, at certain locations above 1,300 to
1,650 feet (400 to 500 m) and the Alpine zones, chilly areas above 10,500 feet (3,200 m).
Make sure you are prepared for cooler temperatures if you're going to be doing some mountain or
volcano climbing. Generally the rule of temperature decrease is about 3.5F for every 1,000-foot
increase (300 m) in elevation. Each of the Hawaiian islands is home to the four primary climates of
desert, tropical rainforest, temperate and tundra climates, so no matter where you stay, you'll
have the opportunity to experience the amazing natural diversity present here.
Time Zone
Hawaii has its own time zone, aptly referred to as Hawaiian Standard
Time. Hawaii does not observe daylight savings time, so the number of
hours the islands fall behind the continental U.S. varies. If you're talking
to people on the U.S. West Coast during daylight savings time (in the
summer), they will be 3 hours ahead and when daylight savings time is
not in effect (in the winter), 2 hours ahead. For the U.S. East Coast, the
difference is 6 hours and 5 hours respectively.
Windward & Leeward
Where you are on a Hawaiian island can actually make quite a difference
in the climate. The eastern facing side, or windward side (named after the
predominant trade winds that blow from the northeast), of each island is
usually the cooler, wetter and windier side while the western facing side,
the leeward side, is warmer and dryer.
Rainfall
Hawaii is one of the greenest places on Earth thanks to the life-giving
rains. Every day, it rains somewhere on the islands and it is common to
see light rainfall while the sun is shining brightly. The volcanic crater of
Mt. Waialeale on the island of Kauai receives an average of 486 inches
(12,344 mm) of precipitation a year and is one of the wettest places on
Earth. In contrast, there are a few spots in the islands that receive 6 or
fewer inches (152 mm) of rain per year. Hilo, on the Big Island of Hawaii,
is the wettest city in the U.S. with 130-200 inches (3,302-5,080 mm) of rainfall per year. Common
in the Islands is a gentle misting rain, referred to as kilihune in the Hawaiian language, and great
for cooling off.
Intense Sun
Hawaii's close proximity to the Equator means that the Islands stay nicely
warmed. On clear sky days, the sun can be especially intense, so it is a
good idea to wear a hat and apply sunscreen to avoid a sunburn. In fact,
Hawaii experiences only minor variations in incoming solar radiation
throughout the year. The Islands receive at least two-thirds as much solar
radiation between sunrise and sunset on a clear winter day as on a clear day in summer. And since
the air is usually very clear in Hawaii's atmosphere, almost three-fourths of the solar energy
penetrates to sea level on a clear day. If you accidentally end up with a sunburn, the local aloe
plant cut open and applied directly is a soothing remedy. If you don't have access to the fresh
plant, you can find soothing lotions in the local drugstores that may also contain aloe vera.
Storms
The Islands are prone to strong trade winds and an occasional tropical
storm. Hurricanes are relatively rare in Hawaii (the last major hurricane to
hit the Islands was hurricane Iniki in 1992). Hurricane season in Hawaii
runs from the beginning of June until the end of November. Much more
common than hurricanes are smaller tropical storms that bring heavy
swells and rains. Flash floods frequently occur during and after heavy rainfall and are more
common in the wet season.
Humidity
If you're visiting from a landlocked area, you'll feel the moisture in the air
immediately upon your arrival at the airport. Visitors from typically dry
areas, such as Colorado, may notice a replenished quality in their skin, or
that their hair may take longer to dry after a shower or ocean swim. The
Hawaiian Islands fair well with comfortably moderate humidity levels
diminished by cooling trade winds. On rare occasions when the trade winds are absent, humidity
can make the air feel a bit thick. Humidity may vary slightly on a daily basis, with an average of
63% humidity in Honolulu, and between varying climate zones and elevation.
Surf
Hawaii is a surfer's paradise, with some of the biggest waves and cleanest
barrels in the world. The North Shore of Oahu is home to the sport's most
popular pro contest, the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, held annually in
November and December. Check the daily surf reports to find out which
part of the island boasts the best waves. Generally speaking, the surf is highest in the winter
months on the north shores of all islands and in the summer months on the south shores. North
shore surf is bigger than south shore surf.
Ocean Temperature
Visitors to Hawaii are amazed at how warm the ocean water feels.
Depending on the time of year, the sea surface temperature surrounding
Hawaii's coasts may range from 73F (22.7C) in February and March to
80F in September and October (26.6C). Now that's a comfortable swim!
It takes time for the ocean to change its temperature between seasons. The warmest months in
Hawaii are not June and July when the sun is highest, but August and September. The coolest
month is not December when the sun is farthest south, but February and March. The reason is
because the ocean acts as a climate regulator and there is a seasonal lag in the ocean's
temperature that affects the air temperature as well.
The ocean's influence on air temperature can also be illustrated with the following example: Since
Hawaii is located more than 2,300 miles (3,700 km) from the nearest continent, air that reaches
the Islands spends enough time over the ocean to adjust its temperature. In the winter months,
Arctic air that reaches Hawaii is often warmed by as much as 100F (37.8C) during its passage over
the North Pacific Ocean.
Trade Winds
Hawaiian residents and visitors are grateful for these steady and cool
breezes brought from the northeast that sweep through the Islands at an
average of 12 miles (19.3 km) per hour. Trade winds are generally steady
during the summer months and weaker and inconsistent in winter.
Frequencies average 90% in the summer and 50% in the winter.
Kona Winds
In the winter months (between late October and April) Hawaii's weather is influenced by the
southerly winds of Kona storms or by the southwesterly winds that precede and the northerly
winds that follow cold fronts. These winds bring much needed rain to the
Islands.
Rainbows
Called anuenue in Hawaiian, rainbows are abundant in the Islands and
can be seen frequently accompanying light misting rain. It's not
uncommon to see two or more rainbows together.
Clouds
Thanks to the help of active sea breezes, the cloud cover in Hawaii does
not usually stay put for very long. Clouds tend to hang above the
mountains, drop rain and move on. If you notice it beginning to cloud up
over the mountains, don't worry. Chances are the clouds will stay right
there and won't move on to the coastlines. And if you happen to get
caught in a sudden downpour or light rain, look for a shelter and wait a
few minutes. It often times clears up quickly, especially on the leeward
coasts of the islands. Longer rainy periods are more common on the wetter windward coasts.
Hawaii's mild climate, beautiful scenery, warm ocean and gentle breezes make it the perfect
vacation destination.