| Hawaii Climate Facts You Should KNow

Hawaii Climate Facts You Should KNow

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.

The Hawaii Climate of Summer

Between the months of April and November the climate is drier and warmer with the average temperature ranging from 75-88. In the summertime the north east trade winds bring most of the rainfall to the islands leeward side, which brings a welcome relief from the hot and dry weather.

The temperatures you will experience will be directly related to where you are on the islands. If you are on the sides that are sheltered from the winds, the southern and western sides, you will experiences hot and dry conditions. If you are on the windward sides, north or east, you will receive the full force of the winds and experience moister and color conditions. Go windward for tropical conditions and leeward for an arid climate.

The Hawaii Climate of Winter

From December to March it is just a little bit cooler, with temperatures between 68-80 F. Winter is considered the rainy season. The heaviest rains come between October and April (the hoo’ilo season). Though storms may be common, they usually pass through the islands quickly and without incident. There are more cloudy days to spoil your sunbathing, but it seldom rains more than 3 days in a row in one spot.

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.

Hawaii Climate is Greatly Influenced by the Mountains

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.

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