The ideal time to visit Hawaii for pleasant weather, fewer tourists, great deals, and more

Planning a trip to Hawaii? That’s totally understandable — it’s a fantastic destination.

Unless you're snagging a last-minute flight deal (which can happen), you’ll want to strategize your travel to coincide with the best times for your dream getaway.

Whether you’re after sunny, dry weather, the perfect whale watching season, or the most affordable hotel rates, this is your ultimate guide to planning an unforgettable Hawaiian vacation.

The prime time to visit Hawaii for ideal weather conditions

Typically, the most favorable weather in Hawaii occurs in June, July, and September. During these months, visitors can look forward to minimal rainfall and warmer ocean temperatures.

However, Hawaii doesn’t experience true four seasons, and it enjoys pleasant weather throughout the year. So, if June, July, or September aren’t feasible for your trip, don’t worry — there’s really no bad time to visit. I just returned from a trip in mid-November, and the weather was fantastic; it was warm enough for swimming without being overly hot in the sun.

Hawaii boasts a tropical climate, with temperatures generally ranging from 83 to 88 degrees year-round.

It’s important to check local weather conditions, as some areas of the Islands receive more rain than others, depending on whether you’re on the windward or leeward sides of each island.

For example, Kauai experiences significantly more rain on its northern side compared to the southern side (which does result in some stunning rainbows). Even if rain is in the forecast, it usually falls in brief bursts and doesn’t linger for long.

Optimal times to visit Hawaii for fewer crowds

The high tourism season in Hawaii generally kicks off around mid-December and lasts until late March or mid-April, depending on when spring break occurs across major regions in the U.S.

The less crowded season runs from mid-April to mid-June, when most schools are on summer break, and then again from September until the holiday rush begins. This shoulder season is an excellent time to visit; the large crowds dissipate, prices drop, and you can enjoy more space on the beach. Even in popular areas like Honolulu, you’ll find more room to relax after Labor Day and before Thanksgiving.

July and August, while not the peak season for Hawaii, still attract a fair number of visitors and are particularly favored by families on vacation.

Most affordable months to visit Hawaii

Traveling to Hawaii is typically most expensive during peak season, so if you're looking to save, consider waiting for the off-peak or shoulder seasons.

Hawaii’s shoulder seasons occur from late March to early May and from September until Thanksgiving. However, keep in mind that spring break and early September can still attract high traffic and increased prices, so check carefully before booking.

Historical data from the travel booking platform Skyscanner indicates that airfare peaks during winter, especially in January, when average long-haul flight costs can soar above $1,400.

Conversely, prices can drop significantly during shoulder seasons or periods surrounding peak times, like late November and early March. This past September, we observed a fare war with one-way tickets to Hawaii dropping as low as $62, particularly for travelers from the western U.S. Be sure to monitor TPG deal alerts, where we frequently highlight sales to Hawaii.

Based on historical trends, January tends to be the most expensive month for accommodations in Honolulu, while April is the cheapest. Analysts advise booking as early as possible to secure the best rates during the off-season. Many travelers are now booking as close as a week before their trip, so the best deals are often found when you plan well in advance.

Naturally, you might enjoy greater flexibility when you redeem your points and miles — though hotel award rates can also fluctuate with peak and off-peak seasons. Additionally, the availability of award flights is often closely linked to demand.

Optimal times to visit Hawaii for surfing

Only four islands in the Hawaiian archipelago are ideal for year-round surfing: Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. When and where you choose to surf will depend largely on your skill level.

The waves tend to follow a fairly predictable pattern. For instance, in the winter, surfers can catch significant swells along an island's north coast, while the south coast remains calmer. In the summer, this situation reverses.

For advanced surfers, the winter season, known as ho'oilo, from mid-November to early February, is the prime time to catch major wave competitions on Oahu's North Shore, famously referred to as the 'Seven Mile Miracle.'

On the Big Island, surf lovers should head to La'aloa Bay and Honoli'i Beach Park for some great waves.

Beginner surfers should focus on the southern shores during winter. In Maui, Kaanapali, Lahaina, and Kihei offer perfect, manageable waves for those just starting out.

The optimal season for whale watching in Hawaii.

The prime season for whale watching.

Whales travel in pods of about 1,000 to Hawaii from late December through early April, making Maui and the Kohala Coast on the Big Island two of the top locations worldwide to see these magnificent creatures. Occasionally, you might spot whales as early as November, giving you a chance to catch them during the shoulder season.

The ideal time to observe turtles.

If you're keen on seeing Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu), you can find them in abundance year-round in Maui, the Big Island, Kauai, and Oahu. Ho'okipa Beach in Maui is renowned as a top location for turtle sightings.

For the best chances of seeing sea turtles, plan your visit during the summer nesting season. You might even spot them lounging on hotel properties. I had a close encounter with turtles during my stay at the Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island, where they often gather in the hotel's lagoon.

Numerous vendors offer turtle snorkeling excursions, and I've had great experiences on two different snorkeling trips in Hawaii.

However, a word of caution: please maintain a distance of at least ten feet from the turtles and avoid touching them. Human contact can transmit bacteria, potentially leading to starvation for these creatures. Keep in mind that green sea turtles are classified as an endangered species.

Hawaii is home to five of the world's seven sea turtle species, with green sea turtles being the most prevalent.

Best times to visit Hawaii for events.

Events in summer.

Every July, during the third weekend, guests can participate in the Prince Lot Hula Festival, the largest non-competitive hula celebration in Hawaii.

Events in fall.

The Hawaii Food & Wine Festival attracts food enthusiasts with a diverse range of dinners, parties, cooking classes, and more, scheduled for October and November 2024 across three islands: Hawaii, Maui, and Oahu.

In September, visitors can enjoy the Aloha Festivals in Waikiki, which showcase arts and crafts, food stalls, and live performances, highlighted by a vibrant floral parade.

Events in winter.

This season is ideal for surfing competitions, including the renowned Vans Triple Crown held on Oahu's North Shore.

Events in spring.

Planning a trip to Hawaii in spring? Don’t miss the Honolulu Festival in March or the annual Lantern Floating Festival on Memorial Day at Ala Moana Beach Park in Honolulu.

What is the least favorable time to visit Hawaii?

This question is a bit of a trick, as there's really no bad time to visit Hawaii. The weather is generally warm and sunny throughout the year. Even during rain, it usually lasts only a few minutes.

That said, some locals argue that December is the least favorable month due to larger crowds, higher costs, and a greater likelihood of rain. Nevertheless, I would gladly take Hawaii's weather over a Northeast winter any day.