What Is The Weather Like In Hawaii In March?

With sunny skies, warm temperatures, and picture-perfect beaches, Hawaii is an alluring vacation destination any time of year. If you’re considering a March getaway to the Hawaiian Islands, you probably want to know what kind of weather to expect during your stay.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: March is one of the driest and sunniest months in Hawaii with very comfortable daytime temperatures typically between 75°F and 85°F. You can expect mostly sunny days with occasional brief afternoon rain showers.

Daily Temperatures and Weather Patterns

Average Temperatures

Hawaii enjoys warm and consistent temperatures in March, with average highs ranging from 79°F on the Big Island’s Hilo side to 85°F on Maui and Oahu (perfect beach weather!). Low temperatures at night average around 66-70°F across the islands.

While the weather stays balmy into the evening, be sure to pack light layers for cooler nights.

Typical Rainfall

The islands do get more rain in March than the rest of the year, though showers tend to pass quickly. Expect anywhere from 5-7 rainy days spread throughout the month, mostly in the form of brief afternoon showers that give way to sunshine.

Hilo sees the highest rainfall at about 11 inches for the month.

Winds

Trade winds typically blow from the northeast, ranging from 10-25 mph on average. The wind keeps things feeling comfortable on hot afternoons. Windward sides of the islands see more cloud coverage. Leeward areas like the Kona Coast on Hawaii Island stay drier and sunnier.

Sunshine Hours

Expect abundant sunshine in March despite the increase in clouds and rain compared to the summer. Oahu enjoys close to 10 hours of daylight, while the southernmost island Hawaii sees a bit less at around 9 1⁄2 hours on average. The long days let visitors fit plenty of sightseeing into their trip!

Ocean Conditions

The Pacific Ocean stays warm for swimming and snorkeling. Larger waves hit north facing shores, making them better for surfing. Calmer waters abound on southern and western beaches. With soothing trade winds and temps in the upper 70s, March serves up stellar beach weather across Hawaii’s islands!

Weather Differences Among the Islands

Oahu

Oahu has a pretty consistent climate year-round, with average highs around 80°F in March. However, the windward side tends to be a bit rainier and cloudier than the leeward side. The famous North Shore beaches see larger waves during the winter surf season from October to April, making March a great time to catch some awesome waves or watch the pros surf!

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Maui

Maui has varying microclimates, with the coasts generally sunnier than the interior. In March, average highs reach into the low 80s. Haleakala often has cold weather and even freezing temperatures at its summit (brrr! 🥶), while the western side around Kaanapali and Lahaina is warm and sunny most days.

The famous Road to Hana on the lush, tropical east side sees more rainfall.

Big Island

The Big Island’s size means lots of regional weather variation. The Kona and Kohala coasts tend to be hot and dry, with highs in the mid 80s in March. Hilo and the windward side are the rainiest parts of the island.

Volcanoes National Park experiences chilly weather at higher elevations and even snow during winter months! 😲 Mauna Kea summit often has freezing temperatures and snowfall.

Kauai

Known as the “Garden Isle” for its lush greenery, Kauai sees more rain on the interior mountain areas, especially Mt. Waialeale, one of the rainiest spots on Earth. In March, the Poipu area on the sunny south shore has ideal beach weather, with highs in the lower 80s.

The north shore around Hanalei Bay is lovely but tends to be a bit rainier. Temperatures don’t vary too drastically around the island.

Best Places for Good Weather

When it comes to the best places to visit in Hawaii for pleasant weather in March, there are a few superb options. The Hawaiian Islands experience warm tropical temperatures year-round thanks to their location in the heart of the Pacific Ocean.

However, the weather can vary across the islands at different elevations and sides of the islands.

West and South Shores of Maui

The southwest coastline of Maui around the towns of Kihei and Lahaina boasts some of the most consistently ideal weather in Hawaii during March and the rest of the year. These resort areas face away from the northeasterly trade winds and feature very little rain.

Daily highs reach into the low 80s Fahrenheit with plenty of sunshine by the beaches.

West Side of the Big Island

The Kona and Kohala Coasts on the Big Island also benefit from year-round hot weather and clear skies because of a rain shadow effect. These areas average less than 3 inches of rain in March with high temperatures in the 80s.

Visitors can enjoy lounging on golden sand beaches under palm trees or exploring lava fields.

Waikiki Beach on Oahu

No list of the best weather destinations in Hawaii is complete without the world-famous Waikiki Beach on the south shore of Oahu. Protected by offshore islands, Waikiki experiences some of the driest conditions in Hawaii.

The average high temperature here in March is a blissful 84°F with plenty of gorgeous sunny days for the beach.

As these statistics show, visitors can expect hot and mainly dry conditions along the west and south shores of Hawaii’s islands in March. Pack light, breathable clothing and plenty of sun protection!

For more information on weather patterns in Hawaii, check out sites like GoHawaii.com, NOAA, and National Weather Service.

Events and Activities

The sunny spring weather makes March an ideal time to enjoy outdoor adventures and take part in beloved Hawaiian traditions. With whale watching, hiking, stargazing and plenty of beach time, there are activities to delight everyone.

Outdoor Adventures

The comfortable daytime temperatures in the 70s or 80s make March perfect for kayaking, sailing, surfing, snorkeling, paddleboarding and other watersports. On land, visitors can go horseback riding, zip lining, ATV riding or take helicopter tours to see Hawaii’s stunning scenery from above.

Beach Time

March brings warmer ocean temperatures, making it pleasant to swim, snorkel or just relax on Hawaii’s famous soft, golden sand beaches. With smaller crowds than the busy winter months, visitors can easily find a peaceful spot to soak up the sunshine.

Popular beaches include Waikiki, Ko Olina, Hanauma Bay and more.

Hiking

March is a great time to explore Hawaii’s diverse landscapes on foot. From easy coastal trails to challenging volcano hikes, options exist for all abilities. Can’t-miss treks include the road to Hana with over 50 bridges to cross, Diamond Head Crater near Waikiki, and Kilauea Iki trail across volcanic rock from a 1959 eruption.

Stargazing

The long nights and minimal rain in March create ideal conditions for stargazing on Hawaii’s islands. Away from city lights, visitors can gaze upon spectacular starry skies and even catch meteor showers like the Virginids.

Multiple companies offer evening volcano tours combining hiking and stargazing for a magical experience.

Whale Watching

From December to April, thousands of gentle humpback whales migrate to Hawaii’s warm waters to mate and birth calves. March sits right in the peak viewing season, when spouting, breaching whales can be spotted from shore or on special whale watching cruises departing daily from Maui and Oahu.

What to Pack

When packing for a March vacation in Hawaii, the key is layers and lightweight, breathable clothing. March falls in Hawaii’s winter season, though temperatures remain warm compared to most mainland destinations. You’ll want to be prepared for balmy sunny days along with the occasional rain shower.

Tops

Pack an assortment of short- and long-sleeved shirts in lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen. Temperatures in March typically range from highs around 80°F during the daytime to lows near 65°F in the evenings, so short sleeves may be fine during the day but long sleeves provide more coverage from the evening chill.

• T-shirts and tank tops
• Lightweight button-down shirts
• Breathable long sleeve shirts
• A light sweater or cardigan

Bottoms

In terms of bottoms, shorts and flowy dresses or skirts work well for Hawaiian getaways. I’d also recommend packing at least one pair of lightweight pants in case of a cool, rainy day.

• Shorts – jean shorts, casual shorts, or athletic shorts for hiking
• Skirts and dresses – choose airy fabrics like cotton or rayon
• Light pants – jeans, khakis, joggers, etc.
• Swimsuit – you’ll definitely want one of these!

Shoes

As Hawaii is very casual and laidback, footwear tends to lean toward sandals, water shoes, and slip-ons. If you plan to do a bit of hiking, packing a pair of athletic sneakers is wise as well.

• Sandals – ‘flip flop’ style or something more supportive for walking
• Water/beach shoes – to protect feet around rocky/reef areas
• Casual slip-on shoes like Vans or Toms
• Hiking shoes – sneakers/runners with good traction and support

Accessories

Don’t forget the finishing touches!

• Lightweight hat – protecting from both sun and rain showers
• Travel umbrella – pops open easily if caught in an unexpected downpour
• Beach gear – towel, small cooler, waterproof phone pouch
• Reusable water bottle – cut down on waste from single-use plastics
• Small backpack or crossbody bag

Conclusion

With warm ocean waters, refreshing trade winds, and plenty of sunshine, March is an ideal time to soak up Hawaii’s spectacular natural beauty. The comfortable weather encourages ample opportunities to relax on golden sand beaches, embark on scenic hikes, marvel at sea life, or simply unwind beside your resort pool with a fruity cocktail in hand.

If a rejuvenating early spring escape full of swimming, snorkeling, surfing, or sightseeing sounds enticing, start finalizing your Hawaiian getaway. The islands will welcome you with sunny skies, balmy breezes, and aloha spirit.

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