A diverse mix of American and Polynesian influences, Hawaii is a destination unlike any other.
Most when they think of the United States, they don’t picture the rainforests, turquoise waters, rolling green hills and white sands of some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, but all of these and More awaits in the archipelago as the country’s 50th state.
These volcanic islands are located in the central part of the Pacific Ocean, just below the Tropic of Capricorn and more than 2,000 miles inland, which means they have different weather conditions than the rest of the country, with climate is mainly tropical; although there is some variation across the islands.
This means that Hawaii has only two distinct seasons; summer and winter. Average temperatures remain high even in winter, with average daytime temperatures as high as 25 degrees Celsius at sea level, but rainfall in one area can reach 11,000 mm. So when should you visit? Here’s everything you need to know.
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rainy season
Clouds gather over Honolulu
(Beautiful images/iStockphoto)
When? November to March
The rainy season coincides with ‘winter’ on the island. Rainfall levels vary considerably depending on the region, often depending on the humid trade winds that force the mountains to slope up – the area around Mount Waialeale, on Kauai, is one of the wettest places on Earth. land, with an average annual rainfall of about 11,430mm.
The heaviest storms occur during these months, and even relatively dry areas can receive more than half of the average rainfall for a day or so. In general, rainfall is lowest on the islands of Lanai and Molokai, but also very low on the leeward (part of the island away from the prevailing winds, in this case the west) of the Big Island, Oahu and Maui. Here, the average is between 250mm and 740mm per year. It is highest east of the Big Island and Maui, averaging between 6,400mm and 11,400mm, but the weather is very local. On average, the wettest months are November and December.
Dry season
(Beautiful pictures)
When? April to October
Although even winter has some warm temperatures, the ‘dry season’ (summer) brings warmer weather and less rainfall. With clear skies, light winds and high temperatures averaging 29 to 32 during these months, the archipelago is unlikely to get sweltering, instead offering perfect weather for sunbathing, swimming and exploring the diverse landscapes of the archipelago. July and August are the hottest months, when average temperatures can hover around 27 degrees Celsius and you’ll likely get around 11 hours of sunshine a day. Unsurprisingly, these months also draw the most visitors, although December is one of the busiest months on the island despite the weather.
Best time to go
While the weather isn’t optimal during the winter months, it’s still better than in much of the rest of the US, so winters in Hawaii can be hectic (and prices go up, too). The same holds true for the driest islands – Molokai and Lanai – because good weather in winter attracts large crowds from the mainland. The peak of summer is equally common and expensive, as well as hot and humid temperatures.
Instead, stick to months like April, May, June and September to find great weather, lower prices, and better accommodation options. June and September are best if you want to get the most out of exploring, as even the mountainous areas will be relatively dry. The average temperature during these months is around 26 degrees Celsius, while the average rainfall is low from 40 mm to 60 mm. You can also expect 10 to 11 hours of sunshine each day, providing ideal conditions whether you’re strolling the streets of Honolulu or lying on the white sands of Maui.
Kauai . Mountain Coast
(Beautiful images/iStockphoto)
January
Average temperature: 23C
Number of hours of sunshine in a day: 8 o’clock
Average monthly rainfall: 78mm
Relative humidity: 74 percent
February
Average temperature: 23C
Number of hours of sunshine in a day: 8 o’clock
Average monthly rainfall: 90 mm
Relative humidity: 64 percent
Steps are
Average temperature: 24C
Number of hours of sunshine in a day: 9 hours
Average monthly rainfall: 88 mm
Relative humidity: 69 percent
April
Average temperature: 24C
Number of hours of sunshine in a day: 9 hours
Average monthly rainfall: 52mm
Relative humidity: 67 percent
Maybe
Average temperature: 25C
Number of hours of sunshine in a day: 11 o’clock
Average monthly rainfall: 38mm
Relative humidity: 66 percent
June
Average temperature: 26C
Number of hours of sunshine in a day: 11 o’clock
Average monthly rainfall: 43mm
Relative humidity: 64 percent
July
Average temperature: 26C
Number of hours of sunshine in a day: 11 o’clock
Average monthly rainfall: 57mm
Relative humidity: 65 percent
August
Average temperature: 27C
Number of hours of sunshine in a day: 10 o’clock
Average monthly rainfall: 34mm
Relative humidity: 66 percent
September
Average temperature: 27C
Number of hours of sunshine in a day: 10 o’clock
Average monthly rainfall: 61mm
Relative humidity: 65 percent
October
Average temperature: 26C
Number of hours of sunshine in a day: 9 hours
Average monthly rainfall: 80mm
Relative humidity: 67 percent
November
Average temperature: 25C
Number of hours of sunshine in a day: 9 hours
Average monthly rainfall: 124mm
Relative humidity: 71 percent
December
Average temperature: 24C
Number of hours of sunshine in a day: 8 o’clock
Average monthly rainfall: 87mm
Relative humidity: 73 percent
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