CLIMATE OF

THE
HAWAIIAN
VICTOR MARTIN
ISLANDS

How People Think Of

Hawaii

Brief Information of
Hawaii

50th State of the United States of America

Admitted to the Union in 1959

Nicknamed the Aloha State and Paradise of

the Pacific

2014 Population of 1,419,561

Capital (and largest city) is Honolulu

Area of 10,931 square miles

Slightly smaller than Maryland, which has

12,405 square miles

Has 8 climate zones

Maryland only has 2 climate zones

Have You Ever Wonder

Why Hawaii Is So
Popular?
Hawaii is generally warm all year

Hawaii is 1,465 miles from the equator and

mainly

However, the archipelago experiences many

different climates due to altitude of the various
mountain formations there.

Because of this, many resorts are located here,

and Hawaii is one of the leading economic
centers of the Pacific Ocean and Oceania

What is Climate?

Climate is the weather conditions prevailing in

an area in general or over a long period of time

There are many different types of climates

found around the world

They are usually distinguished by the annual

temperatures and precipitation of a specific
region.

Climate Zones of Hawaii

Hawaii has 4 out of the 5 major climate

zones in the world

Tropical Climate

Dry Climate

Moderate Climate

Polar Climate

Only Exception is the Continental Climate

Found in the mountainous regions of Maryland

Sub-Climate Zones of
Hawaii

Hawaii has 9 out of the 13 sub-climate zones in the world

Tropical Zone

Tropical Wet

Tropical Wet and Dry

Dry Zone

Arid

Semi-Arid

Moderate Zone

Mediterranean

Humid Subtropical

Marine West Coast

Polar Zone

Highlands

Tundra

Climates of the World

Why Hawaii Has So Many

Climates

Factors such as elevation, pressure variations,

rainfall, wind and topography combine to create
distinctive locations throughout the islands.

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

The western facing side, the leeward side, is

warmer and dryer.

Tropical Climate

In this climate

All months have average temperatures greater than

64 F

Annual Precipitation is greater than 60 inches

There are two sub-zones in this climate, which are

based on the seasonal distribution of rainfall

Tropical Wet

No dry season

Sufficient moisture

Average precipitation ranges from 80 inches to 200

inches

Tropical Wet and Dry

Distinct dry season

Average precipitation ranges from 60 inches to 80 inches

Tropical Wet Climate

Tropical Wet and Dry

Climate

Dry Climate

In this climate

The annual evaporation exceeds annual precipitation

There are two sub-zones in this climate, which are based on

the dominant vegetation types: steppe and desert

Arid (Desert)

True desert climate

Evaporation rates are at least twice as high as the

precipitation

Little to no vegetation

Average precipitation ranges from 0 inches to 10 inches

Semi-Arid (Steppe)

Grassland climate receives more precipitation than desert

climates

Dominant vegetation type is grass, cacti, and shrubs

Average precipitation ranges from 10 inches to 20 inches

Arid Climate

Semi-Arid Climate

Moderate Climate

In this climate

Average temperatures for the coldest months are usually

around 64 F

There are three main subdivisions

Mediterranean (Warm, Dry Summers)

Warm to hot, dry summers and mild to cool winters

Average precipitation ranges from 20 inches to 30 inches

Humid Subtropical (Continuously wet)

Hot, usually humid summers and mild to cool winters

Average precipitation ranges from 40 inches to 60 inches

Marine West Coast (Cool, Dry Summers)

Warm (but not hot) summers and cool (but not cold) winters

Average precipitation ranges from 30 inches to 40 inches

Mediterranean Climate

Humid Subtropical Climate

Marine West Coast Climate

Polar Climate

In this climate

Generally characterized by average temperatures below 50 F

during every month of the year

There are two main subdivisions

Highlands

Cool to cold temperatures depending on the altitude

Found in mountains and high plateaus

Climate changes rapidly on mountains, becoming colder the higher

the altitude gets

Tundra

Generally treeless regions that are found on Earths north and south
poles and on mountains

Permanently frozen soil that reach to depths of hundreds of meters

with average temperatures between 32 F and 50 F

Usually cold and windy

Rainfall is scant

Highlands Climate

Tundra Climate

In Conclusion

Hawaii is very unique in many ways

At such a small area, in the middle of the ocean the

island group experiences different sorts of climates

These climates are

Tropical

Temperate or Moderate

Arid

Polar

Because of this, Hawaii has some of the most

diverse climates in the world

If you ever plan a trip to Hawaii, dont just stay at

your hotel or resort. Explore the regions Hawaii has
to offer

What You Have Learned

Hawaiis climate zones

Windward and Leeward sides of landmasses