The Unique Hawaii Climate
Since the Hawaii climate is pretty consistent throughout the year with only minor temperature changes, you can travel there any time of the year. While the humidity is pretty high, the constant tropical breezes keep the conditions pretty comfortable throughout the year. During the day you will be comfortable in a T-shirt or an Aloha shirt and a pair of sandals. Once the sun sets you will probably want to wear a light jacket since the temperatures can fall around ten degrees.
The mountains provide a range climate zones and differences in the weather at various elevations due to their shielding effect. The very distinctive micro climates are common in the interior valleys, mountains and beaches of Hawaii. Due to the warm surface temperatures of the ocean and Hawaii’s position at the edge of a tropical zone, Hawaii has only two seasons. Both the winter season and the summer season are warm, one with a bit more rainfall.
Hawaii Climate During Summer
If you visit Hawaii between April and November, you can expect warm and dry conditions. The average temperature during the summer season ranges from 75to 88. During these months the northeastern trades wind bring most of the rainfall to the leeward side of the islands. These rains bring a welcome relief from the normally hot and dry weather.
Where you are on the islands will depend how warm it is on any given day. For example, on the side sheltered from the wind i.e., the west and southern sides, temperatures are usually hot and dry. The east and north windward sides, which get the wind’s full force, are generally cooler and moister. So, if you want wet, humid, tropical jungle-type weather, go windward. For a more arid, sunbaked climate and go leeward.
The Hawaii Climate of Winter
During the months of December through March the temperatures are normally a little cooler. The average temperature is usually between 68-80 F. In Hawaii the winter months are considered the rainy season, with the heaviest down pours between October and April. During these months storms are common, but they usually pass through rather quickly with little incident. There will likely be more days that are cloudy which may interfere with you sunbathing, but it rarely rains for more than three consecutive days.
If you enjoy surfing you will probably want to visit during the winter since this is the surf season. If you are planning on doing some whale watching you will have the best chance of spotting these magnificent creatures from January to March.
The Mountains Influence the Hawaii Climate
In Kauai, you will find Mt. Waialele, which is the wettest area on the planet. This area receives an amazing 38 feet or 420 inches of rainfall annually. Just a few short miles away, Waimea Canyon is dry as can be and has been nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”. On the Big Island of Hawaii you will find Hilo, which receives at least 180 inches of rain each year. Hilo is one of the wettest cities in the country, but just 60 miles away you can find Puako which receives less than 6 inches of rain annually. If you want to discover some of the natural beauty that can be found in the higher elevations like Mauna Kea, be sure to wear clothing that is appropriate for cooler temperatures. The temperatures will drop by about 3.5 degrees for each 1,000 feet above sea level.
Watching the sunrise from the summit at Mt. Haleakala is an experience that shouldn’t be missed. While it is a great idea, be sure that you have bundled up with gloves and a scarf as the temperature can be as low as 30 F! Also, keep in mind that at such high elevations, there is less protection from the sun. Be sure to apply sunscreen liberally, and bring sunglasses and a hat. In the mountains the climate can change from summer to winter in just a few hours so you need to go well prepared. This special Hawaii climate makes it possible for you to ski on Mauna Kea in winter and sun bathe on the Kona Coast, on the best beaches in Hawaii all on the same day.
