Is Winter a Good Time to Go to Hawaii?
Posted on Tue, Oct 20, 2009 by Sheila
I sometimes see and hear people asking if Winter is a good or bad time to go to Hawaii. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit Hawaii in all four seasons and each season is great – even Winter. Here are three excellent reasons why Winter is a definitely a good time to visit Hawaii.
1. Hawaii’s Winter Weather is Wonderfully Warm
Hawaii can be a great Winter escape, especially if you live in a cold climate. I’ve been to Hawaii in the chilliest Winter months of January and February and thoroughly enjoyed the warm Hawaiian sun. So, what sort of temperatures can you expect? Let’s take Waikiki and Honolulu as good, centrally located example and examine their January weather averages. Per Weather.com, Waikiki’s average daily high temperature in January is 80ºF. Just imagine what a respite that would be from the freezing cold of North America. I can tell you from experience, it rocks!
Now, Waikiki’s January evenings will get a bit “chillier”, that is if you want to call 66ÂşF “chilly”. When you’re knee-deep in snow, 66ÂşF is almost unimaginably, sweltering hot.
If there is a “downside” to Hawaii’s Winter weather, it’s that the islands tend to receive more rain during the Winter. Typically, spurts of rain burst in and burst out in Hawaii, it would be unusual to experience two or three of solid rain. Just think of this increased chance of rain as increasing your rainbow viewing opportunities. Hawaii has many micro-climates and some areas receive significantly less quantities of rain. So, if you are headed to Hawaii in the Winter, be sure and see my recommendations on where to stay in Hawaii to avoid rain. You may not be able to avoid it altogether, but you will certainly minimizes your chances.
2. The Big Waves Visit in Winter
Hawaii’s Winter brings monster waves. What do I mean by monster waves? I mean waves that are 20-feet and higher. Oahu’s North Shore is the place to see these giant waves and watch the expert and professional surfers carve their way through these massive forces. If you time your visit right, you may even get to watch the world’s most prestigious surfing competitions, Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. Two of my favorite big wave watching spots are the Banzai Pipeline at Ehukai Beach and Waimea Beach.
3. Hawaii Offers Outstanding Humpback Whale Watching in Winter
Each Winter, between four to six thousand humpback whales migrate to Hawaii’s protected waters to mate and give birth. It’s virtually impossible not to be amazed when you see a 40-ton whale leap out of the water and create a giant splash. Even the sight of a whale’s tail or exhalation might make your heart skip a beat. The months of January, February and March are the peak months for humpback whale watching, though you will likely see them in November, December, and April as well. Maui, Lanai, and the Big Island are my two favorite islands for observing humpback whales.
So, let’s recap. In the Winter, you’ll have the chance of soaking in some warm tropical weather while observing incredible waves and humpback whales. Wouldn’t you agree that Winter is a great time to go to Hawaii?
Have you been to Hawaii in the Winter? What was your experience? Did you bask in the sun while your hometown was freezing cold?
ENJOYED THIS POST? SUBSCRIBE BY RSS OR EMAIL AND GET FREE DAILY UPDATES!
| 
Email This
| 
Print This
Did a last minute trip to Waikiki for our good friends wedding last January.. We have also been in July and August. We felt the difference in temperature…especially in the water…but coming from Toronto…Hawaii was beautifully warm in January.. But much cooler than in the summer… It was perfect weather for the wedding though! Not to hot!
The waves were crazy fun in January and we had lots of fun watching the suffers! Regardless, Hawaii is an excellent vacation idea any time if the year..
[Reply]
sheila Reply:
October 21st, 2009 at 8:29 pm
Thanks, Melanie, for your comment. I bet Hawaii was a very welcome relief from the cold Toronto weather!
[Reply]
I remember coming to Hawaii on December 24, 1980 from a freezing cold winter in Idaho. Even though it was about 80 degrees, I went to the beach every day for 2 weeks upon my arrival to thaw out from the cold Idaho winter. I have lived in Hawaii ever since.
I agree with your other reader, anytime is a great time to visit Hawaii.
[Reply]
sheila Reply:
October 21st, 2009 at 8:32 pm
Chris – when you visited in 1980 did you know you were going to move to Hawaii then? What are Idaho winters like?
[Reply]
Last February in Maui was our first winter visit, and I’d write a tale of woe about how cold Chicago is during that time, but Toronto has me beat.
The whales definitely make the trip totally worth while, and we’re thinking of making a week in February part of our annual routine because of those guys.
This past February, I guess it was a little colder than usual, at least according to our friends that live there. It was funny talking to them and hearing them say how cold the 50s were at night. That’s good sleepin’ weather.
The one thing we missed out on, though, was the after dinner strolls on the beach. Walking along the waterfront at night was just too cold for that time of year, but somehow we managed to pull through.
[Reply]
sheila Reply:
October 21st, 2009 at 8:36 pm
Kris – I’ve been to Kaanapali in early January and never reached for a jacket or sweater. We were there just this past April and I needed a jacket a couple of nights. I guess, in Winter, you never know what your going to get. BUT, it’s a darn sight better that those FRIGID Chicago winters that I remember.
[Reply]
Hi Sheila, the place in Idaho where I went to college was so cold and windy that if you walked outside at night for about an hour and if you left your ears unprotected, they would probably snap off if some one pulled them hard enough.
I think I decided to live in Hawaii for a long time the minute I got off the plane back in 1980. The friendly people and the warm air filled with the scent of Hawaiian flowers did it for me.
[Reply]
We have been almost all of the months and stayed on all of the Islands. They are great any time. We are from Ottawa. What about Molokii. We are going there this January for three weeks respit from winter in Canada’s capital. We may not go home!!!
[Reply]
sheila Reply:
October 23rd, 2009 at 5:53 pm
Hi Steve – Thanks for sharing your winter in Hawaii experiences. Three weeks in Hawaii in January….wow! I hope you have a fantastic time!
[Reply]
I would love to visit Hawaii between November and February, especially to watch the surfers on the North Shore.
Has anyone here seen The Blue Crush which was shot in Hawaii? I love that film. If you haven’t, I highly recommend it. Apart from impressive surfing, you’ll see the beautiful surroundings of Hawaii, a sweet love story, a little teenage trouble, and the beauty of following one’s dream.
[Reply]