What Is The Average Temperature In Hawaii?

With its famously sunny weather and stunning beaches, Hawaii is known as a tropical paradise. If you’ve wondered what Hawaii’s weather and average temperatures are really like, you’ve come to the right place.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The average year-round high temperature in Hawaii is between 78°F and 88°F, while lows range from 65°F to 75°F. Temperatures are fairly consistent and mild throughout the year.

In this in-depth guide, we will provide a comprehensive overview of Hawaii’s average temperatures. We’ll explore the climate across different Hawaiian islands and seasons. You’ll learn key factors that influence Hawaii’s pleasant weather as we break down temperature ranges month-by-month and discuss temperature variation across the islands.

Hawaii’s Year-Round Tropical Climate

Pleasant Temperatures Year-Round

Hawaii is known for its consistently warm and pleasant weather all year long. The average daily high temperatures in Hawaii range from the mid-70s Fahrenheit in the “winter” months to the mid-80s Fahrenheit in the “summer” months.

The average low temperatures only vary by about 10 degrees throughout the year, ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-70s (allowing for comfortable sleeping conditions year-round).

Unlike most places, Hawaii does not experience extreme heat or cold at any point. The ocean moderates the air temperature, keeping conditions relatively stable. The record high temperature ever observed in Hawaii is only 100°F, compared to extremes well over 110°F seen in many mainland destinations.

Overnight lows seldom drop below 60°F, even at higher elevations. So while the mainland United States shivers through winter and sweats through summer, Hawaii maintains spring-like temperatures all year long.

Low Seasonal Variation

In addition to the consistently warm temperatures, Hawaii also does not have four distinct seasons like the mainland United States. The variation between the warmest and coolest months is quite small. For example, in Honolulu, average highs range from 80°F in the winter to 87°F in the summer – only a 7 degree difference!

The small seasonal differences in temperature means that any time is an ideal time to visit Hawaii. No matter what month you choose, you’ll be greeted with warm tropical weather perfect for beach days and outdoor exploration.

Influence of Trade Winds

The consistent temperatures in Hawaii are heavily influenced by the trade winds. These prevailing winds blow from the northeast, circulating air across the islands. The trades help moderate the heat by keeping conditions relatively breezy.

The strength and direction of these winds shift seasonally:

• Winter – Strongest trade winds
• Spring – Weaker winds allow greater daytime heating
• Summer – Winds weaken further and shift more to the southeast
• Fall – Trade winds begin to strengthen again

These patterns create subtle seasonal differences, but the variance stays limited across Hawaii’s tropical marine climate. Regardless of shifts in wind and rainfall, the temperatures remain reliably pleasant all year long.

From winter through summer, Hawaii sees endless sunny days with averages highs in the 80s.

Average Temperatures in Hawaii by Month and Season

Winter (December to February)

The winter months of December through February bring slightly cooler yet still pleasant weather to Hawaii. During Hawaii’s winter, high temperatures typically range from 78°F to 83°F with the mercury rarely dipping below 65°F, even at night. The coolest months tend to be January and February.

However, cool is a relative term in the Aloha State! Hawaii enjoys warm beach weather year-round without extreme heat or bitter cold.

Spring (March to May)

As spring arrives in March, temperatures begin to climb higher while humidity levels also rise. April and May highs reach into the mid 80s Fahrenheit across most Hawaiian Islands. During the dry spring season, trade winds blow steadily, keeping things cooler along windward coasts.

Springtime heat intensifies moving into summer.

Summer (June to August)

The summer months of June through August are hot and humid in Hawaii. Average high temperatures range from 86°F to 88°F at lower elevations. However, it often feels hotter than the thermometer shows thanks to muggy tropical humidity.

During the summer, temperatures frequently reach into the 90s Fahrenheit. The hottest areas tend to be leeward coasts sheltered from cooling trade winds. For relief from the heat, head to higher elevations where it remains cooler.

Fall (September to November)

Pleasant early fall weather arrives in September with slightly cooler temperatures, less humidity, and continued sunny skies. October brings equally nice weather, with highs in the mid 80s Fahrenheit. By November, temperatures drop a few more degrees.

However, Hawaii’s fall season remains warm and dry overall. Cooling trade winds keep shoreline regions comfortable. While fall is rainier than summer, Hawaii still sees more sunny days than rainy days.

Comparing Average Temperatures Across the Hawaiian Islands

The Big Island of Hawaii

The Big Island, also known as Hawai’i Island, has a very diverse climate due to its size and elevation ranges. On average, coastal areas have highs around 80°F year-round, while mountain peaks see average highs in the 50s.

Kailua-Kona on the leeward side has an average high of 82°F in August and 75°F in January. Hilo on the windward side is cooler and rainier, with an average high of 81°F in August and 75°F in February. Volcanoes National Park is much cooler at higher elevations, with average highs of only 64°F in August and 58°F in February.

Maui

The island of Maui also has varying climates depending on location, but overall it is warm and sunny. The main tourist areas of west and south Maui have very comfortable weather, with average highs of 86°F in the summer and 79°F in the winter months.

The popular town of Kihei has typical daily high temperatures around 85°F year-round. The summit of Haleakala volcano in east Maui has much cooler weather, with summer temperatures similar to winter lows at other lower elevations areas on the island. So visitors can choose their preferred climate!

Oahu

Oahu has very consistent warm temperatures throughout the year, thanks to its location in the heart of the island chain. There is little fluctuation in average temperatures from summer to winter. Honolulu sees highs averaging 88°F in August and 80°F in February.

The famous North Shore has very similar temperatures, while remaining slightly cooler in the winter months. Overall Oahu offers stunning beaches and ocean temperatures hovering in the 78°F range year-round.

Kauai

The lovely island of Kauai experiences warmer summer months on average than during the winter and spring. Lihue on the east coast records average highs around 87°F from June to October, compared to 82°F in February. The mountain peaks of Kauai are significantly cooler than sea level areas.

Up in Koke’e state park near the stunning Waimea Canyon, temperatures seldom rise out of the 60s Fahrenheit.

What Factors Influence Hawaii’s Ideal Temperatures?

Hawaii is known for its consistently pleasant temperatures all year round. Several natural factors contribute to the island chain’s tropical yet mild climate.

Tropical location and latitude

The Hawaiian Islands are situated in the tropics, specifically between 18-28 degrees north latitude. This tropical latitude means Hawaii receives intense sunlight and solar radiation year-round, leading to a warm climate.

Consistent trade winds

The Hawaiian Islands are impacted by northeasterly trade winds blowing consistently. These winds moderate the temperatures by keeping conditions cooler than what such a low latitude location would otherwise experience. The winds blow over 90% of days per year on average.

Surrounding oceans

Being an isolated island chain in the vast Pacific Ocean, Hawaii’s climate is profoundly influenced by surrounding seas. The ocean cools the islands during the day and warms them at night. Water also absorbs solar radiation, preventing Hawaii from getting as hot as its latitude may otherwise dictate.

Diverse landscapes and microclimates

Despite Hawaii’s small land area, the mountainous islands boast diverse climates and microclimates ranging from tropical to polar on the highest peaks. The northeast sides of islands get more rain while southwest areas are drier. High elevations see lower temperatures than coastal locations.

Conclusion

To summarize, Hawaii enjoys warm tropical temperatures all year long. Average highs range from 78°F to 88°F across the islands, while average low temperatures are between 65°F and 75°F.

The Hawaiian climate sees minimal seasonal variation in temperature due to its low-latitude, island location in the Pacific Ocean. Cool and consistent northeasterly trade winds also moderate the heat.

While temperatures can vary slightly across different islands and regions, Hawaii offers beach-friendly weather ideal for relaxation and recreation no matter when you choose to visit.

Sharing is caring!