Destination
When should you visit Honolulu?
Honolulu is warm all year, with trade winds most days and only small temperature changes. Winter brings a few more showers, big surf on the North Shore and humpback whales offshore, along with the highest prices. September and October are warm, dry and quieter. Here is how all twelve months compare for weather, crowds, prices and events.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
My recommendation
September–October
September and October are warm and mostly dry, the sea is at its warmest, and the summer crowds have gone home. Prices are lower than in winter or midsummer.
Best for whales
January–March
Humpback whales are in Hawaiian waters from about December to April.
Best for big surf
December–February
The North Shore's famous winter waves are best watched from the beach.
Best value
April–May & September–October
Lower rates between the busy seasons.
Driest
June
One of the driest months, with steady trade winds.
September scores
Plan around
What to know before you book
- Winter high season
- The most visitors and the highest prices, especially over the holidays.
- Summer family season
- School holidays fill Waikiki and push prices up again.
- Hurricane season
- Direct hits are rare, but check forecasts if a storm is tracking toward Hawaii.
Mid-December–March
June–August
June–November
Honolulu travel tip
Do Diamond Head right after it opens, before the heat and the tour buses, and book your entry slot ahead. Then spend the afternoon on a quieter beach away from Waikiki and come back for sunset.
Month by month
All twelve months, at a glance
Tap any month for full scores, temperatures and planning notes.
- Temperature
- 19–27°C
- Warm, with passing showers and cooler evenings.
- Crowds
- High
- High season.
- Prices
- $$$$
- Peak rates.
Book a whale-watching trip early in your stay in case of rough seas.
- Whale watching
- Surf watching
- Temperature
- 20–27°C
- Warm, with some showers.
- Crowds
- High
- High season.
- Prices
- $$$$
- Peak rates.
Watch from the coast near Diamond Head or Makapuʻu on clear mornings.
- Whale watching
- Beach
- Temperature
- 20–27°C
- Warm, with the wettest month of the year by rainfall.
- Crowds
- Moderate–High
- Busy with spring break.
- Prices
- $$$
- High rates.
Book Diamond Head entry slots ahead.
- Whale watching
- Families
- Temperature
- 21–28°C
- Warm and drier, with steady trade winds.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Quieter after spring break.
- Prices
- $$$
- Shoulder-season value.
Hike early, before midday heat.
- Beach
- Hiking
- Temperature
- 22–29°C
- Warm, sunny and dry.
- Crowds
- Low–Moderate
- Quiet.
- Prices
- $$
- Good value.
Go to Hanauma Bay early; reservations are required.
- Beach
- Snorkeling
- Temperature
- 23–31°C
- Warm, dry and breezy.
- Crowds
- Moderate–High
- Busier with school holidays.
- Prices
- $$$
- Rates rise for summer.
Book Waikiki stays early for summer.
- Beach
- Culture
- Temperature
- 24–31°C
- Warm and dry, with trade winds.
- Crowds
- High
- High season with families.
- Prices
- $$$$
- Summer peak rates.
Try beaches on the windward side for space.
- Families
- Beach
- Temperature
- 24–32°C
- Warm and dry, the warmest month.
- Crowds
- Moderate–High
- Busy early, easing late in the month.
- Prices
- $$$
- Rates ease late in the month.
Late August is calmer than early August.
- Beach
- Snorkeling
- Temperature
- 24–31°C
- Warm and mostly dry.
- Crowds
- Low–Moderate
- One of the quietest months.
- Prices
- $$
- Good value.
Look up the Aloha Festivals events during your dates.
- Beach
- Culture
- Temperature
- 23–31°C
- Warm, with a few more showers.
- Crowds
- Low–Moderate
- Quiet.
- Prices
- $$
- Good value.
Hike Diamond Head at opening time.
- Beach
- Hiking
- Temperature
- 22–29°C
- Warm, with more frequent showers.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Prices
- $$$
- Mid-range rates.
Check North Shore surf forecasts before swimming there.
- Beach
- Food
- Temperature
- 21–28°C
- Warm, with showers.
- Crowds
- Very High
- Very busy over the holidays.
- Prices
- $$$$
- The highest rates of the year.
Travel in early December for lower prices.
- Holidays
- Events
Climate
Honolulu weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Precipitation | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 27°C / 81°F | 19°C / 66°F | 47 mm | 8 |
| February | 27°C / 81°F | 20°C / 68°F | 49 mm | 8 |
| March | 27°C / 81°F | 20°C / 68°F | 60 mm | 9 |
| April | 28°C / 82°F | 21°C / 70°F | 20 mm | 8 |
| May | 29°C / 84°F | 22°C / 72°F | 21 mm | 6 |
| June | 31°C / 88°F | 23°C / 73°F | 13 mm | 6 |
| July | 31°C / 88°F | 24°C / 75°F | 13 mm | 7 |
| August | 32°C / 90°F | 24°C / 75°F | 21 mm | 6 |
| September | 31°C / 88°F | 24°C / 75°F | 22 mm | 7 |
| October | 31°C / 88°F | 23°C / 73°F | 38 mm | 8 |
| November | 29°C / 84°F | 22°C / 72°F | 57 mm | 9 |
| December | 28°C / 82°F | 21°C / 70°F | 55 mm | 9 |
Climate data: NOAA (Honolulu International Airport, 1991–2020). Temperatures are averages of daily highs and lows.
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FAQ
Planning a trip to Honolulu
What is the best month to visit Honolulu?
September and October have warm, dry weather and fewer visitors than winter or summer.
When can you see whales in Honolulu?
Humpback whales visit Hawaii from about December to April, with the most sightings from January to March.