10 Best Months To Travel to Hawaii (and Why)

The Hawaiian Islands are a popular travel destination for people from all over the world. But with so many islands to choose from and a limited time to visit, it can be hard to decide when is the best time to go.

The best months to visit Hawaii include April, March, and September. However, this depends on what you want to get out of your trip. If you want to avoid the peak travel season, it’s best to go in March or April. If you want the warmest weather, travel in July or August.

There are so many fun things to do and see in Hawaii, but when exactly should you go? And what are the best places to visit at different times of the year? We’ve answered these questions in this detailed guide about the best months to travel to Hawaii.

1. April

April is one of the best times to visit Hawaii because the weather is hot and dry, and you’re more likely to get cheaper deals on hotels and flights. There won’t be as many tourists around the islands in April because it’s not a popular travel month, so it’s an excellent time to visit if you want to avoid large crowds.

Generally, temperatures are between the 70s and 80s °F (low 20s to high 20s °C). So if you want warm weather but would prefer to avoid the extreme heat of later months, consider booking a trip for April!

Although April is mostly dry, you can expect some light rainfall (nothing too disruptive). But for the most part, the skies will be blue, and you can enjoy the weather by visiting different attractions or lounging around a pool or on the beach. You can also participate in the widest variety of water activities during April because the weather is so idyllic.

There is no specific way to account for the cost of hotels and flights during April as they can vary from year to year. Plus, prices will largely depend on where you’re flying from. However, you can expect flights and accommodation to be pleasantly cheaper than they would be in other months, such as December or January, when more tourists visit the islands.

2. March

March is another excellent month to visit Hawaii. The weather is warm, and there will be a lot to do around the islands because it comes at the end of the peak tourism season (which starts in December).

However, you should be aware that March generally experiences more rainfall than other months. For example, Honolulu averages 1.89 inches (48 mm) of rainfall in March. So, make sure to pack the appropriate rain gear if you’re visiting Hawaii in March.

Still, it’s not nearly as rainy as other months, including December (the rainiest month in Hawaii). If you don’t mind the possibility of light rainfall and are looking for an exciting month to visit Hawaii, you should consider March.

Prices may be slightly higher than in April because of a higher number of tourists, but you’re still likely to get good deals (especially if you book flights in advance). March also offers the perfect weather to visit the beach and participate in outdoor activities, including snorkeling and hiking.

Finally, March is a popular month for travel to Hawaii due to spring break. It can be a pretty busy month on the islands due to local festivals like the Honolulu Festival and Kona Brewers Festival. Don’t be surprised by huge crowds during these events.

To sum up, March is a great month to visit if you don’t want it to be too quiet but also don’t want it to be crazy busy with tourists. March will give you the perfect balance!

3. September

Another excellent month to visit Hawaii is September, especially if you’re looking for cheaper deals after the peak summer months. You’ll notice the crowds are smaller in September because summer is over, so it’s an excellent month to go if you want a quieter experience.

And since it’s a quieter month, prices also tend to be lower; this includes the cost of flights and accommodation. There are also many festivals to enjoy across the islands during the month. For example, you can enjoy the Okinawan Festival and the Annual Waikiki Hoolaulea if you visit Oahu in September.

If you’re wondering what the weather is like in September, you’ll be happy to learn that it’s hot and humid, perfect weather for the beach! However, you can also expect some rainfall during the month. Thankfully, the rain is minimal and shouldn’t cause you any trouble. You can still enjoy your activities when it rains in September!

4. May

If you want to enjoy hot weather and small crowds, May is another month to consider when visiting Hawaii. The peak summer season doesn’t kick in until June, so you’ll be getting in before the prices rise and larger crowds appear. If that sounds like something you’d like, consider visiting the islands in May!

Daily temperatures in May can reach 85°F (29.44°C), and nighttime temperatures are slightly higher than in earlier months (including April). It’s also an excellent month to visit Hawaii if you want to avoid rainfall because the rainfall levels are much lower than in some other months (particularly the winter months). You can still expect an odd shower now and then, but nothing dramatic.

There are also plenty of festivals and activities during May. For example, you can enjoy festivals like Hilo Lei Day Festival and the Annual Farm Festival by Hāmākua Harvest on the Big Island. And since May is a quieter month, you won’t be overwhelmed by too many tourists at festivals and other activities.

5. June

If you want to experience Hawaii as the larger crowds arrive, June is a good month. It’s not the busiest month in the summer, but it will start getting busy at this time. Therefore, the price of flights and hotels can rise. Still, it’s generally cheaper to go in June than July.

If one of the most important things to you is dry weather, June would be an excellent time to visit Hawaii because it’s often the driest month of the year. You can bask in the sun all day long in June because the sun will be shining and the weather will be hot; just remember to protect your skin and drink plenty of water throughout the day!

There are many fun events and festivals across the Hawaiian islands in June. An example is the State Fare that takes place each year. At this festival, you can enjoy games, food, and other entertaining activities (including a petting zoo), so it’s perfect for the whole family.

There will be a little more hustle and bustle across the islands in June, so it’s an exciting time to visit.

6. August

August is the warmest month in Hawaii, making it a popular summer vacation destination. The rains are few, and the days are long, making it ideal for honeymoons or a romantic getaway.

However, hurricane season runs from August to September, so check the weather forecast before booking your trip. Volcanoes and mountains make up most of the landscape in Hawaii, so there are plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploration. And at night, the calm waters make for a perfect stroll under the stars.

There are also tons of significant events on the islands in August, from the Maui Arts and Cultural Festival to the Hawaii food and wine festival. And, of course, there’s always the Aloha Festival, which is a celebration of Hawaiian culture that happens on all of the islands. Plus, August is the month when humpback whales come to Hawaii to mate and give birth, so it’s a great time to go whale watching.

If you’re looking for recommendations on which islands to visit, we suggest Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. Each island has its unique flavor, and you’re sure to find something you’ll love on each one. As for activities, we recommend trying out Stand-Up Paddleboarding, hiking to one of the many waterfalls, or taking a surf lesson.

7. July

If you’re looking for a beach vacation with some cultural activities, Hawaii in July is the perfect destination. The temperatures in July are high, but the short rain bursts cool things down and make for perfect beach strolls.

The Prince Lot Hula Competition is a must-see, and there are plenty of other activities to keep you busy. Other activities you can do in Hawaii include:

Take a surf lesson.

Explore a volcano.
Hike a waterfall.
Go snorkeling.

Visit a farmer’s market.
Watch the sunset from a beach.

If you’re considering visiting Hawaii in July, we recommend checking out the island of Oahu. Oahu is the most populous island in Hawaii and is home to some of the best beaches in the world. There are also several great activities to keep you busy here, like hiking to the top of Diamond Head or exploring the Waikiki Beach area.

However, beware that prices are often higher in July because it’s a busy tourism month. Plus, crowds are also bigger, so if you want to visit during a quiet time, July may not be the best choice. In particular, the 4th July weekend will be highly expensive.

8. October

October is a good month to visit Hawaii if you want to enjoy lower prices and smaller crowds. During this time, the summer peak is long over, and the winter peak is around the corner. And although October is a cold month in many places, it’s hot in Hawaii!

If you visit in October, you’ll be able to enjoy the dry weather before the wetter season kicks in. And although temperatures aren’t as hot as in summer, they’re unlikely to be lower than 75°F (24°C).

Like other months, there are festivals to enjoy across the islands in October, including the annual Food and Wine Festival. The Food and Wine Festival occurs across different islands and lasts for days, so you can enjoy it in different parts of Hawaii. You can expect smaller crowds at festivals in October since it’s one of the quietest months to visit.

9. November

November is another month that’s quiet in Hawaii, so you can consider visiting during this time if you’re looking for a more tranquil experience. However, you should avoid visiting during the Thanksgiving period. Crowds increase during this time, and as a result, prices tend to increase, too.

Even though November is a quiet month, the weather is pleasant enough to enjoy many outdoor activities, including going to the beach and hiking. Even though there’s more rainfall in November compared to other months, the weather remains hot every day.

If you want to visit Hawaii during winter, November is the best month because it starts to get busier from December onwards.

10. February

February is popular among tourists, as it’s typically sunny and warm. However, it can be a bit rainy and cold on odd days, so pack appropriate clothing.

If you’re looking to sunbathe, February is an excellent time. And if you’re into water sports, the waves are usually calm this month. Plus, there are often fewer crowds at the beaches in February.

Visiting Hawaii in February is a great way to enjoy the calm beaches and beautiful weather. The best island to visit in February is Maui, known for its stunning scenery and relaxed atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a more active vacation, Kauai is also a great option, as it offers plenty of hiking and outdoor activities.

When planning your trip, be sure to check out our guide to preparing for your trip to Hawaii.

Why Should You Avoid December and January?

December and January are generally considered the worst months to visit Hawaii. The weather is unpredictable and can be quite rainy, and the crowds are large because of the holidays.

Plus, airfare and hotel prices are at their peak during this time. If you can, try to visit during the shoulder season (September-October or January-March), when the weather is more stable and prices are lower.

Sources

Sea Paradise: What to Know About Whale Season