What Is The Weather Like In Hawaii In July?

With pleasant temperatures, sunny skies, and picturesque beaches, Hawaii is an idyllic summer destination. If you’re planning a July getaway to the Aloha State, you likely want to know what weather to expect.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: July is one of the warmest, driest, and sunniest months in Hawaii with average highs of 87°F on the Big Island.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Hawaii’s climate in July including temperature, rainfall, humidity, sunrise/sunset times, wave heights, and tips on what to pack.

Overview of Hawaii’s Weather

Typical Temperatures

In July, Hawaii enjoys warm summer temperatures, with highs ranging from 80-90°F depending on location. Along the coasts, summer heat is tempered by cooling trade winds blowing in off the Pacific Ocean. High elevations experience cooler temperatures in the 60s and 70s°F.

Overnight lows typically remain very comfortable in the 60s and 70s°F across the islands. With abundant sunshine, July is a fantastic time to visit Hawaii to enjoy the balmy weather at scenic beaches and attractions.

Rainfall

July falls within Hawaii’s summer dry season when rainfall is at a minimum compared to the winter wet season. However, the islands do still receive some rainfall even in midsummer. Showers tend to be brief but heavy. Windward areas on the northeast sides of the islands see the most rain.

For example, Hilo on Hawaii Island receives 5-7 inches in July, while leeward Kona only gets around 1 inch. Overall, expect some passing showers but plenty of sunny weather too during your Hawaii vacation.

Humidity

With the tropical location surrounded by ocean and fairly warm temperatures year-round, Hawaii stays relatively humid. In July, average relative humidity ranges from 60-80% across the islands. It may feel a bit muggy at times, but sea breezes typically prevent it from feeling overly oppressive.

The humidity keeps nights fairly comfortable instead of cold. Pack light, breathable clothing that dries quickly after getting damp from a passing shower or sweat.

Sunrise/Sunset

One enjoyable aspect of Hawaii’s location is the consistency of daylight hours and sunrise/sunset times throughout the year. In July, the sun rises around 5:50am and sets around 7:10pm, providing about 13 hours of daylight. This allows plenty of time to enjoy outdoor activities during your vacation.

The reliability also makes it easy to plan your days without worrying about significant seasonal variation.

Hawaii’s Regions and Microclimates

Oahu

Oahu features a variety of microclimates thanks to the island’s mountain ranges and location in the middle of the Pacific. The weather on Oahu in July is warm with highs around 87°F and lows of 75°F on average. However, temperatures can vary significantly between windward and leeward areas.

The windward side receives more rainfall while the leeward side is typically sunnier and drier. Famous spots like Waikiki Beach and Honolulu see average highs of 88°F and humidity around 63%. Get ready for bright sunny days perfect for hitting the beaches!

Maui

The Valley Isle has ideal summer weather! You can expect hot and mostly dry conditions across Maui in July. Average high temps are 85-90°F depending on the region with Kahului reaching 89°F. Thanks to Maui’s stunning landscapes with the West Maui Mountains shielding parts of the island, you’ll find slightly cooler weather on the northwest side.

Meanwhile, popular spots like Wailea see crystal clear skies about 70% of the time. With over 240 sunny days per year on average, there’s no bad time to visit Maui. Just don’t forget your sunscreen!

Kauai

July is right in the middle of Kauai’s summer season featuring warm weather and a mix of sunshine and scattered showers. Average high temperatures remain very comfortable around 85°F across the Garden Isle while overnight lows dip to the low 70s.

Kauai does tend to see more rainfall than the other Hawaiian Islands. You can expect anywhere from half an inch to over 2 inches of rain depending on the region. Parts of the island like Hanalei and the Napali Coast experience frequent passing showers while Poipu stays mild and drier.

But with plenty of rainbows, waterfalls, and tropical greenery, Kauai is breathtaking any time of year!

Big Island

Spanning various climate zones from tropical rainforests to snow-capped peaks, the Big Island boasts incredibly diverse summer weather. In July, popular destinations like Kailua-Kona on the drier leeward side have typical highs around 88°F while drops in temperature into the 60s occur at higher elevations like on Mauna Kea.

The eastern Hilo side receives more rain with averages around 5 inches for the month. While mountain thunderstorms bring occasional heavy downpours which clear up quickly, you can enjoy mostly sunny beach days across west and south facing shores.

Thanks to its size, you can always find your perfect spot on Hawaii’s largest island!

Ocean and Beach Conditions

Water Temperature

The average ocean water temperature around Hawaii in July is 78-82°F (25-28°C), with the warmest temperatures typically found on the west and south shores of the islands. This balmy water makes swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities very enjoyable.

The tropical location means the water stays warm and comfortable year-round.

Here are the average sea surface temperatures in July at a few popular Hawaii beaches:

Wave Height

In July, average wave heights around the Hawaiian Islands are in the 2-6 foot range. The islands block most of the large swells generated in the North Pacific winter, making summer waves smaller and more gentle.

However, waves on north facing shores can still reach 10+ feet at times when northern swells make it around the islands. The calmest waters are typically found on south and west facing beaches that are protected from northerly swells.

Beach Hazards

While the weather is mostly gorgeous in Hawaii during July, visitors should still be aware of certain beach hazards:

• Powerful waves and rip currents on some north and east facing shores
• Coral reefs and rocky coastlines can cause cuts and scrapes
• Jellyfish and tiny man-of-war sometimes appear nearshore
• High UV index requires diligent sun protection to prevent burns

Obeying warning signs, swimming only at lifeguarded beaches, wearing reef-safe sunscreen, and being aware of daily conditions will help ensure beachgoers stay safe while having fun in the Hawaiian sunshine.

More information on current Hawaii ocean conditions can be found at sites like HawaiiBeachSafety.com and NOAA’s Honolulu forecast office.

What to Pack

Clothing

When packing for Hawaii in July, light and breezy clothing is key. Temperatures typically range from the mid 70s to the mid 80s Fahrenheit, with warmer weather on the leeward sides of the islands. Bring lightweight, breathable fabrics like linen, rayon, or loose cotton that will keep you cool and comfortable in the tropical climate.

Be sure to pack at least one light jacket or cardigan for the evenings, when temperatures can drop into the low 70s. It’s also wise to bring a hat and UV-protective clothing to shield yourself from the strong Hawaiian sun.

Other clothing essentials include:

• Swimsuits
• Cover-ups and beach wraps
• Water shoes or sandals
• Hiking shoes or sneakers if planning outdoor activities
• A nice outfit if dining at upscale restaurants or attending lū‘au

Beach Gear

No trip to Hawaii is complete without ample time at the beach. Be sure to pack gear to enhance your beach days and ocean adventures like:

• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hat or visor
• Beach towel
• Small cooler and water bottles
• Snorkel gear
• Waterproof phone pouch
• Inflatable floats or pool noodles
• Sand-proof beach bag or backpack

If planning ocean activities beyond sunbathing and swimming, you may need other specialized gear like surfboards, stand up paddleboards, kayaks, or diving equipment (which can often be rented as well).

Other Essentials

Round out your Hawaii packing list with these useful items:

• Lightweight, quick-dry towels
• First aid kit
• Aloha wear like Hawaiian shirts or dresses
• Toiletries like reef-safe sunscreen, after-sun lotion, and bug spray
• Camera/GoPro
• Portable phone charger or extra batteries
• Travel documents like passport, visa, insurance paperwork
• Medications, prescriptions, motion sickness tablets

Packing appropriately for Hawaii in July ensures you’ll stay cool while fully embracing the island life. With breathable, lightweight essentials and beach gear in tow, you’ll be set for a balmy Hawaiian adventure![1]

Conclusion

With warm ocean waters, mostly sunny skies, and fewer crowds than the winter high season, July is arguably one of the best times to visit paradise. Just be prepared for the occasional summer shower by packing a light rain jacket and keeping tabs on the forecast during your Hawaiian escape.

We hope this guide gave you a comprehensive overview on what to expect for weather if traveling to the islands in July. Now you can plan your wardrobe, activities, and prepare knowing what is typical this time of year. Have a wonderful trip to Hawaii!

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