In 2019, nearly 10.5 million visitors went to the islands of Hawaii. And who could blame them? With its aloha spirit, gorgeous scenery, exciting activities, and stunning beaches, it’s on just about everyone’s bucket list!
Are you thinking about going to the Aloha State but aren’t sure what month would be best?
The best time to visit Hawaii depends on what you’re looking for out of your trip. There are great things about these islands at every time of year, but what you want to do and how you want to spend your time will dictate the best time for you.
Let’s take a look at when you should take your Hawaii vacation.
The Best Time to Visit Hawaii For Good Weather
There are basically two seasons in Hawaii.
The summer season roughly goes from May to October. During this time, it is generally humid and warm in the water is typically calm.
The winter season runs from November to April. The temperature will be a little cooler, the weather will be a little wetter, and the oceans more active.
In general, the south and west sides of the islands are typically sunnier and drier than the north and east sides, which are lusher.
When to Go to Hawaii If You Want to Avoid Tourists
Hawaii is amazing, but that’s not a secret. What that means is that during certain times of the year, certain parts of Hawaii can become very crowded with tourists. The idea of being on beaches with hundreds of others makes your skin crawl, you might want to schedule your trip around avoiding the crowds.
The best month to avoid crowds in the spring is May. You’ll want to make sure that you steer clear of Golden Week, though, which is a Japanese holiday that brings a lot of tourists to the island. This happens sometime in late April or early May.
If you’re taking a trip in the fall, aim for November to avoid the crowds. However, don’t go on Thanksgiving weekend when a lot of people are taking a vacation. September and October are also reasonably quiet months on the islands.
Are you a music lover? Check out the best venues in Hawaii here!
How to Visit Hawaii and Avoid Hurricanes
If the idea of getting mixed up in the middle of a hurricane bothers you, you’ll want to learn when the hurricane season is. June to November is officially hurricane season, but the season peaks in the months of July and August.
Hurricanes are generally rare in Hawaii, but they do get their fair share of tropical storms that can lead to damage and flooding.
Visiting Hawaii to Ski? The Best Time to Go
As odd as it sounds, you can go skiing on the Big Island on Mauna Kea if the conditions are right. If it’s your dream to ski in Hawaii, the most reliable months will be February and March. However, it’s important to know that there’s no guarantee there will be enough snow, and Mauna Kea doesn’t have ski lifts.
The Best Time to Have a Wedding in Hawaii
Who doesn’t want to get married in Hawaii? If you’re going to have a destination wedding, the best months would be any time between April and October. This is the dry season, which means you’re less likely to get rained out.
The sunniest and driest month in Hawaii, statistically, is June. However, the rates will be more expensive during this time. April, May, September, and October will have cheaper rates while still being in the dry season.
When to Take a Trip to Hawaii to See Whales
Humpback whales are just like us: they head south for the winter! If you love the idea of whale-watching, the best time of year is in February and March. This is right after their calves are born.
When to Go on a Hawaiian Vacation If You’re a Surfer
Winter is definitely the time to go to Hawaii if you’re an experienced surfer. November, December, and January have the best and biggest waves. This is particularly true on the north shore of Oahu, famous for its impressive surfing conditions.
You can also find big waves on the north and west shores of Maui during the winter.
If you’re not an expert surfer and you’re in Hawaii during the winter, stick to the south sides of the islands. In the summer, in general, the waves will be much more friendly to beginners.
The Best Time to Go on a Honeymoon
The best time to take a honeymoon trip to Hawaii depends on what you are looking for. If you are on a budget, you will find the best deals in April, September, October, November. If the most important thing is that you experience dry, sunny weather, then you’ll want to visit in June, July, or August.
Do you and your sweet have your hearts set on a specific activity, such as surfing or whale watching? If so, let the best times for those activities guide your timeline.
When Are You Going to Take Your Hawaiian Vacation?
Hawaii is a truly incredible place that everyone should visit at least once in their lives. Whether it’s your honeymoon, your 50th anniversary, or you simply need to spend some time on the beach, your Hawaiian vacation won’t disappoint.
Depending on what you want out of your vacation, there might be a better and a worse time for you to take your trip. We hope this guide can help you find the perfect time of year for you to embark on your trip to Hawaii.
Did you find this article about the best time to visit Hawaii interesting? If so, be sure to check out the rest of our blog for more fascinating and informative content!
