What Is The Weather Like In Maui, Hawaii?

Maui is one of the most popular Hawaiian islands for visitors thanks to its stunning beaches, epic surf, lush rainforests, and near-perfect weather. If you’re wondering what the weather is typically like on this paradise island, you’ve come to the right place.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Maui enjoys warm tropical weather year-round with average highs in the 80s Fahrenheit. The weather varies mildly across seasons with slightly rainier winters and hotter, drier summers.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll give you a detailed breakdown of Maui’s weather and what to expect during your visit in terms of temperatures, rainfall, humidity, sunrise/sunset times, ocean conditions, and even advice on the best times of year to visit.

Maui’s Year-Round Tropical Climate

Temperatures

Blessed with a tropical climate, Maui enjoys warm temperatures year-round. Daily highs range from 78°F in the winter months to 88°F in the summer and fall. Low temperatures typically only drop to around 65°F, even in January and February.

With average sea surface temperatures hovering between 74-80°F, you can comfortably enjoy the islands stunning beaches at any time of year.

Rainfall

The old Hawaiian proverb “uchinanchu” says that there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad preparation. There’s truth in that, but know that Maui has a slightly rainier winter than summer. The lush, green valleys and waterfalls are fed by average rainfall of 15 inches from December to March annually.

The drier summer and fall still see a respectable 7 inches monthly. Sudden rain showers do occur, but typically pass as fast as they came. Locals continue their beach activities unbothered carrying on with the expression “lucky you live Hawaii” to bemused visitors.

Humidity

With the islands located in the middle of Pacific Ocean, humidity levels remain quite consistent in the 60-90% range year-round. It adds to the wonderfully tropical feel. At higher elevations on Haleakala volcano and Upcountry Maui, humidity drops providing cool relief from the lower coastal areas.

The low humidity is why these central valley areas are ideal for farming vegetables and fragrant flowers.

Sunrise and Sunset

Lying among the most western Hawaiian islands puts Maui in an optimal location to experience unforgettable sunrises and sunsets nearly every evening. Depending on the time of year, sunrise is typically between 6:20am to 6:50am, with the sun rising directly out of the ocean horizon on the eastern shores.

Sunset ranges from around 5:40pm in June with the longest days, to just after 6:30pm in the winter with earlier nightfall. Sunrises and sunsets are popular with locals and visitors to admire the incredible mix of colours with a picturesque ocean backdrop.

There’s no better place to watch than from the sand or with an oceanfront sunset dinner.

Weather Differences Across Seasons

Winter (November to April)

Maui’s winter, spanning November to April, brings cooler temperatures, higher rainfall, and higher surf. Average highs reach into the low 80s Fahrenheit, while nighttime lows drop to the mid 60s. Maui’s famous trade winds blow consistently from the northeast, keeping conditions comfortable.

However, winter storms can bring heavy rain, especially to windward areas like Hana. Cool, wet weather also produces lush, green scenery across the Valley Isle.

Spring (May to June)

As Maui moves into spring from May to June, temperatures climb higher while rain decreases. Brighter skies emerge and flowery scenes spring to life. Average high temperatures increase into the mid 80s, while lows rise to around 70 Fahrenheit.

Lighter trade winds still provide a cooling breeze during warm afternoons. Surf sizes still run 4 to 6 feet on North Shore and West Shore spots in spring. While afternoon showers are still possible in spring, rainfall totals significantly decrease from winter levels.

Summer (July to September)

Summer is considered Maui’s dry season, spanning July through September. Skies are typically sunny with little rainfall. As a result, some leeward areas become quite dry and dormant during summer months. However, temperatures remain hot all summer long in Maui.

Highs hover in the upper 80s on most days, sometimes reaching the low 90s in peak heat. Humidity also rises, creating muggy conditions at times. Nighttime low temperatures hold in the low to mid 70s throughout summer. Light trade winds provide a cooling respite from the heat.

The summer season also brings the calmest surf of the year to Maui shores.

Fall (October)

As fall arrives in October, Maui transitions back toward winter weather patterns. Temperatures cool off slightly with increased cloudiness and rainfall. Average highs fall to the mid 80s again, while low temps decrease to around 70 Fahrenheit once more.

The trade winds regain strength, creating breezier conditions. Surf starts to pick up across North Shore spots as the first winter swells arrive. While fall brings less rain than winter, an increase over summer is the norm. October sunrises and sunsets showcase brilliant displays on Haleakala in fall.

Yearly Weather Averages in Maui

Maui is known for its generally warm and sunny weather all year round. However, there are some variations in temperature, rainfall, and weather patterns depending on the time of year.

Winter Months (December to February)

The winter months in Maui bring slightly cooler temperatures, moderate rainfall, and increased winds. Daytime highs average around 80°F with nighttime lows in the mid 60s. Rainfall averages 4-5 inches per month during the winter, so light rain showers are not uncommon.

Large winter swells bring good surfing conditions, especially on the north shores of the island. Whale watching season also peaks during these months as humpback whales migrate to Maui’s warm waters to mate and give birth.

Spring Months (March to May)

As spring arrives, temperatures begin rising into the mid 80s Fahrenheit while nighttime lows hold steady in the 60s. Rainfall decreases to 2-3 inches per month, making for pleasant weather ideal for exploring the island.

The winds tend to calm down compared to the blustery winter months. Ocean conditions become calmer as well, bringing good visibility for snorkeling and diving.

Summer Months (June to August)

Summer is when Maui experiences its warmest and sunniest weather. Daily high temperatures range from 85-90°F while lows stay around 70°F even at night. With barely any rain, averaging less than an inch per month, sunny skies prevail.

The ocean waters warm up considerably, reaching 80°F making it perfect for swimming and water activities. Surfing conditions diminish, but snorkeling and scuba diving thrives thanks to the high visibility.

Fall Months (September to November)

Early fall brings a gradual drop in temperatures and slower trade winds. Highs reach the mid 80s and lows around 65-70°F. The chance of rain picks up to 2-3 inches per month, but mostly in passing showers.

Ocean conditions change as swells pick up. It’s the end of hurricane season in the Pacific, but large south swells can still occur.

Humpback whales start arriving back to Maui at the start of whale season in early November. The green sea turtles are also more active during this time around the island.

Best Times to Visit Maui

Maui is an incredible island to visit year-round, but certain times of year provide better weather conditions for certain activities. Here’s an overview of the best times to visit Maui depending on what you want to experience:

Winter (December to February)

Winter brings bigger waves and rainier weather to Maui. It’s a great time for:

• Surfing and windsurfing – with waves up to 50 feet high!
• Whale watching – over 10,000 humpback whales migrate to Maui’s warm waters
• Getting travel deals – fewer tourists visit during the winter

Spring (March to May)

As the rainy season winds down, spring offers comfortable temperatures and beautiful flowers in bloom. It’s an ideal time for:

• Hiking and biking – drier weather provides excellent trail conditions
• Snorkeling and scuba diving – calm oceans reveal incredible sea life
• Experiencing local culture – the annual East Maui Taro Festival happens in April

Summer (June to August)

Maui sees very little rain in the summer and temperatures hover around 85°F. Some of the best summer activities include:

• Beachgoing – warmer waters and skies make summer perfect for sunbathing and swimming
• Outdoor concerts and events – Maui hosts free music festivals and craft fairs
• Sunrise at Haleakala – arrive early to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the volcano

Fall (September to November)

With fewer crowds and lower rates after peak tourism season, fall is a wonderful time for:

• Hotel and airfare deals – prices drop significantly after Labor Day weekend
• Road to Hana driving tour – stopping to take photos of lush rainforests and waterfalls
• Hawaiian cultural events – including the Aloha Festivals celebrating local traditions

No matter when you choose to visit, Maui offers incredible natural scenery, delicious cuisine, and the warm aloha spirit year-round. Just come prepared for the weather conditions during your preferred travel season. The island has an abundance of activities and sights ready for you to explore.

Ocean and Surf Conditions

The ocean and surf conditions in Maui are world-renowned for being some of the best for surfing. The island’s location in the middle of the Pacific exposes it to consistent swells and winds that produce excellent waves for surfers of all levels.

Wave Quality and Consistency

Maui enjoys surfable waves 300 days a year on average. The island’s famous north shore boasts some of the most consistent quality waves in Hawaii during the winter from October through April when swells originating from storms in the northern Pacific produce wave faces up to 30 feet high or more at spots like Jaws (Peahi) and Honolua Bay.

The south and west shores also see quality surf during the summer when southern hemisphere storms send swell up from New Zealand.

Beginner-Friendly Beaches

In addition to world-class waves for experienced surfers, Maui also has a number of beginner-friendly surf spots. Beaches like Ukumehame Beach Park West, Cove Park, and Charley Young Beach in Kihei offer smaller, gentler waves perfect for those just learning how to surf.

Lessons and board rentals are readily available at these spots.

Wind and Wave Forecasts

Knowing the wind and wave conditions before heading into the water is key for having an enjoyable and safe surf session. Maui has a network of wave buoys and coastal weather stations that provide real-time conditions.

Surfers use sites like Surfline and Magicseaweed to check the forecasts for their favorite spots before paddling out.

As this table shows, Maui truly does offer epic waves for every level of surfer from beginner to expert. With balmy water temperatures in the mid 70s°F throughout the year, there is no bad time to grab your board and catch some waves in Maui!

Conclusion

We hope this detailed guide gives you a good idea of what to expect weather-wise for your upcoming Maui vacation. The island enjoys warm tropical weather year-round, with slightly cooler and rainier conditions in winter months.

For hot and sunny weather ideal for the beach and watersports, visit during summer or early fall.

No matter when you decide to visit, you’re almost guaranteed to have mostly pleasant beach weather during your Maui escape. Just be sure to check forecasts and prepare for occasional tropical downpours by packing light rain jackets and waterproof bags for electronics.

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