Destination
When should you visit Maui?
Maui is warm all year, with beaches, snorkeling, the Road to Hana and sunrise on Haleakalā. Winter is whale season, but also the wettest and busiest time. Spring and fall are drier, calmer and better value. The figures below are for Kahului; the west and south coasts are usually drier and sunnier. Here is how every month compares.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
My recommendation
May
Dry, sunny and quiet, with calm water and lower prices than winter or summer.
Best for whales
January–March
Peak humpback season, mid-February to mid-March.
Best value
September–October
Dry, warm and quiet.
Best for snorkeling
June
Calm south shore waters.
Best for holidays
December
The first whales and festive weeks.
May scores
Plan around
What to know before you book
- Winter crowds
- Whale season and holidays push up prices.
- Rain
- The wettest months, mostly on the north and east sides.
- Haleakalā sunrise
- Needs an advance reservation for each car.
December–March
November–March
All year
Maui travel tip
Stay on the south or west coast, around Wailea, Kihei or Kaanapali, for the sunniest weather. Book the Haleakalā sunrise reservation on Recreation.gov, up to 60 days ahead. Drive the Road to Hana early on a weekday and snorkel Molokini in the morning, before the wind.
Month by month
All twelve months, at a glance
Tap any month for full scores, temperatures and planning notes.
- Temperature
- 18–28°C
- Warm, around 28°C, with showers.
- Crowds
- High
- Busy.
- Prices
- $$$$$
- High rates.
Take a whale-watching boat from Ma'alaea Harbor.
- Whale watching
- Beaches
- Temperature
- 18–28°C
- Warm, around 28°C, with showers.
- Crowds
- High
- Busy.
- Prices
- $$$$$
- High rates.
You can often see whales from the shore at Wailea.
- Whale watching
- Beaches
- Temperature
- 18–28°C
- Warm, around 28°C.
- Crowds
- High
- Busy.
- Prices
- $$$$$
- High rates.
Book cars early, they sell out.
- Whale watching
- Beaches
- Temperature
- 19–29°C
- Warm, around 29°C, drier.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Prices
- $$$
- Moderate rates.
Snorkel Molokini early, before the wind.
- Beaches
- Snorkeling
- Temperature
- 20–30°C
- Warm, around 30°C, dry.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Quieter.
- Prices
- $$$
- Lower rates.
Book the Haleakalā sunrise reservation up to 60 days ahead.
- Beaches
- Hiking
- Temperature
- 21–31°C
- Hot, around 31°C, very dry.
- Crowds
- Moderate-High
- Busy late in the month.
- Prices
- $$$$
- Higher rates.
Drive the Road to Hana on a weekday, start early.
- Snorkeling
- Beaches
- Temperature
- 22–32°C
- Hot, around 32°C.
- Crowds
- High
- Busy.
- Prices
- $$$$$
- High rates.
Haleakalā is cold at sunrise. Bring a jacket.
- Snorkeling
- Families
- Temperature
- 22–32°C
- Hot, around 32°C.
- Crowds
- Moderate-High
- Busy early in the month.
- Prices
- $$$$
- High rates.
The south and west coasts are driest.
- Snorkeling
- Beaches
- Temperature
- 22–32°C
- Hot, around 32°C, dry.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Quiet.
- Prices
- $$$
- Lower rates.
A great month for good hotel deals.
- Beaches
- Snorkeling
- Temperature
- 21–32°C
- Hot, around 32°C.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Quiet.
- Prices
- $$$
- Lower rates.
Hike the Waihe'e Ridge Trail in the morning.
- Beaches
- Hiking
- Temperature
- 20–30°C
- Warm, around 30°C, wetter.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Moderate, busy at Thanksgiving.
- Prices
- $$$
- Moderate rates.
Big winter waves on the north shore are for watching only.
- Beaches
- Hiking
- Temperature
- 19–28°C
- Warm, around 28°C, with showers.
- Crowds
- High
- Very busy over the holidays.
- Prices
- $$$$$
- Peak rates.
Book holiday stays a year ahead.
- Whale watching
- Holidays
Climate
Maui weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Precipitation | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28°C / 82°F | 18°C / 64°F | 61 mm | 8 |
| February | 28°C / 82°F | 18°C / 64°F | 51 mm | 9 |
| March | 28°C / 82°F | 18°C / 64°F | 67 mm | 10 |
| April | 29°C / 84°F | 19°C / 66°F | 34 mm | 9 |
| May | 30°C / 86°F | 20°C / 68°F | 18 mm | 6 |
| June | 31°C / 88°F | 21°C / 70°F | 4 mm | 5 |
| July | 32°C / 90°F | 22°C / 72°F | 13 mm | 8 |
| August | 32°C / 90°F | 22°C / 72°F | 13 mm | 7 |
| September | 32°C / 90°F | 22°C / 72°F | 11 mm | 5 |
| October | 32°C / 90°F | 21°C / 70°F | 21 mm | 7 |
| November | 30°C / 86°F | 20°C / 68°F | 46 mm | 9 |
| December | 29°C / 84°F | 19°C / 66°F | 71 mm | 10 |
Climate data: NOAA (Kahului Airport, 1991–2020). Temperatures are averages of daily highs and lows.
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FAQ
Planning a trip to Maui
What is the best month to visit Maui?
May, with dry, sunny weather and fewer people. September and October are close behind.
When is whale season in Maui?
Roughly December to April, with the peak from January to March.