Honolulu, Hawaii, boasts a tropical climate that attracts visitors year-round. The city enjoys a balance between warm temperatures and cooling trade winds, making it an ideal destination for those seeking pleasant weather.
From June to October, Honolulu experiences its hottest period, with average highs reaching up to 87°F in August.
During the cooler months from December to March, temperatures drop slightly, with daily highs below 81°F.
Rainfall is generally low, peaking during the wet season around February with an average of 1.42 inches.
The island’s weather conditions offer plenty of sunshine, averaging 3041 hours annually. This makes it perfect for outdoor activities like beach outings and hikes in nearby areas such as Kaneohe.
For more detailed climate information, explore this climate graph.
Average Temperature in Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu experiences warm weather all year. The temperature doesn’t vary much from season to season.
January is the coldest month with an average high of 79°F and an average low of 68°F.
From February to April, temperatures slowly rise. March sees daily highs around 80°F.
May through August are the warmest months. August, the hottest month, reaches an average high of 87°F and lows near 76°F.
September and October remain warm, with temperatures dropping slightly from the peak summer months.
November and December transition back to cooler weather. November’s temperatures are comparable to March, while December sees daily highs around 80°F.
It’s notable that nightly lows do not fall below 68°F, even in the coldest months. Conversely, summer nights rarely drop below 74°F.
| Month | Average High (°F) | Average Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 79 | 68 |
| February | 80 | 68 |
| March | 81 | 69 |
| April | 82 | 70 |
| May | 84 | 72 |
| June | 86 | 74 |
| July | 87 | 75 |
| August | 87 | 76 |
| September | 87 | 75 |
| October | 86 | 74 |
| November | 84 | 72 |
| December | 81 | 70 |
This table clearly shows the consistent warmth of Honolulu’s climate throughout the year. For more information on the specifics of temperature trends, visit relevant articles on temperature.
Average Precipitation in Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu, Hawaii experiences a range of precipitation patterns throughout the year, with modest rainfall and no snow.
Average Rainfall in Honolulu, Hawaii
Rainfall in Honolulu varies across the year. The city experiences about 17.1 inches of total precipitation annually.
The wettest month is typically December, with average rainfall reaching around 2.7 inches.
Rainfall gradually decreases from December to June. Meanwhile, February sees about 1.42 inches of rain, contributing to the typically wetter early months.
During summer, the rainfall tends to be significantly lower. For instance, July and August see less than an inch of rain each month. This pattern makes the summer season relatively dry.
The number of rainy days also varies, with Honolulu experiencing approximately 154 days of rain annually. However, these rainy days are often short and light, contributing to the overall mild climate of the city.
Average Snow in Honolulu, Hawaii
Snow is virtually nonexistent in Honolulu. The city’s tropical climate ensures that temperatures stay well above freezing throughout the year. Thus, there is no recorded snowfall in the city.
The temperature rarely drops below 67°F even during the coolest months. Snow and ice are uncommon in this region.
With the moderate climate and steady warm temperatures, the lack of snow in Honolulu is consistent with its status as a tropical coastal city. This makes it a favorable destination for those looking to avoid harsh winter conditions.
Average Sun in Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu enjoys a significant amount of sunshine throughout the year and experiences minimal seasonal variation. The city’s tropical climate ensures that residents and visitors can benefit from many sunny days.
Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy in Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu receives abundant daily solar energy due to its location near the equator. The average daily shortwave solar energy in Honolulu is approximately 5.8 kWh per square meter.
The amount of daylight varies slightly over the year. In December, days are shorter with about 10.8 hours of daylight, while June offers longer days with around 13.4 hours of daylight.
Honolulu benefits from an average of about 2760 hours of sunshine annually.
The sun rises around 6:00 AM and sets around 7:00 PM in the summer, giving plenty of daylight for activities. In winter, sunrise is around 7:00 AM and sunset is around 6:00 PM.
Average Humidity in Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu’s average humidity levels vary throughout the year. The city experiences a relatively mild and comfortable range of humidity.
In January, the most humid month, the average monthly relative humidity is around 73%.
August is the least humid month with an average of 64%.
The annual average humidity is approximately 68%.
Monthly Averages
| Month | Morning Humidity (7 AM) | Afternoon Humidity (1 PM) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 81% | 60% |
| August | 69% | 59% |
The dew point in Honolulu is usually around 65°F, which contributes to the city’s humid conditions.
Sea temperatures also affect the humidity levels. The water temperature in the Pacific Ocean around Honolulu ranges from 76°F to 81°F over the year.
For more detailed monthly averages, you can visit the Monthly Humidity Averages for Hawaii or the Average humidity in Honolulu. This information helps in understanding how humid it can feel throughout the year in Honolulu.
Average Wind in Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu experiences varying wind speeds throughout the year. The average wind speed generally ranges from 9 to 18 miles per hour.
The windiest month is August, with higher wind speeds noted during this time. In contrast, January sees the least wind on average. This variation contributes to the different weather conditions observed in the city.
| Month | Average Wind Speed (mph) |
|---|---|
| January | 9 |
| August | 18 |
Wind impacts daily life, affecting activities like surfing and sailing.
During August, the strong winds provide ideal conditions for windsurfing and kiteboarding. Conversely, the calmer winds in January make it a pleasant time for beachfront activities.
For more detailed articles on wind patterns, it can be helpful to read about wind.
The winds also play a role in temperature regulation. The breeze often makes the hot summer months more bearable by providing a cooling effect.
Average Air Quality in Honolulu, Hawaii
The air quality in Honolulu is generally good throughout the year.
According to IQAir, the Air Quality Index (AQI) for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has shown slight improvements from 2017 to 2020. The readings during these years were 4 μg/m³, 3.9 μg/m³, 3.6 μg/m³, and 3.8 μg/m³ respectively.
An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered good, and Honolulu often falls within this range. For example, AccuWeather offers real-time AQI, helping residents make healthier lifestyle decisions based on daily air quality.
Summary of Recent AQI Readings:
- 2017: 4 μg/m³
- 2018: 3.9 μg/m³
- 2019: 3.6 μg/m³
- 2020: 3.8 μg/m³
Other pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide (NOâ‚‚) and sulfur dioxide (SOâ‚‚), are also monitored. The AQI for these pollutants tends to be very low, indicating minimal pollution.
For instance, the Real-time Air Quality Index Visual Map shows that Honolulu’s SOâ‚‚ AQI is often 0.
Residents and visitors can easily track the air quality using local resources like AQICN.org, which provides real-time data. This ensures that people are informed about daily fluctuations and can plan their outdoor activities accordingly.
Topography of Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu is located on the island of O‘ahu, south of the Tropic of Cancer. The city lies at about 21.3 degrees north latitude and 157.9 degrees west longitude.
The city’s topography is diverse, merging natural landscapes with urban development.
Honolulu’s elevation varies from sea level along its coastline to around 4,000 feet in the nearby Ko’olau mountains.
The city is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the south, offering scenic views and beaches.
You can find several valleys and ridges shaped by volcanic activity in the region.
Honolulu’s mountains, such as the Diamond Head crater, are iconic parts of the landscape, contributing to the area’s unique topography.
Extreme Weather Events that Occur in Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu experiences various extreme weather events, often driven by its tropical savanna climate. These events, including tropical storms, heavy rainfall, and droughts, can impact the region significantly.
Tropical Storms and Hurricanes
While not frequent, tropical storms and hurricanes do occur. These storms bring strong winds and heavy rains, posing threats to life and property.
For instance, a notable storm in December 2021 caused major flooding and power outages.
Heavy Rainfall and Flooding
Honolulu can experience heavy rainfall, especially during the wet season from November to March.
Intense rains can lead to flash flooding, threatening homes and infrastructure.
In May 2024, an unusual storm brought significant rainfall and flooding.
Record Rainfall:
- December 2021: Significant rainfall caused life-threatening flooding
Snow in Higher Elevations
Snowfall is rare but happens occasionally on higher elevations like Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. This is unusual for a tropical location and can affect local weather patterns.
Example:
- May 2024: Snowfall observed on mountain peaks
Droughts
During the dry season from April to October, Honolulu can experience drought conditions.
Rising temperatures and lower rainfall can leave the landscape dry.
This increases the risk of wildfires, which can create their own weather patterns.
Best Time of the Year to Visit Honolulu, Hawaii
The best time to visit Honolulu, Hawaii, depends on what you’re looking for in your trip. Each season offers unique experiences, from mild weather in spring to warm days during the summer.
What is Honolulu, Hawaii Like in Spring
Spring in Honolulu spans from March to May. During these months, temperatures range from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit.
The weather is pleasant, and beaches are less crowded compared to the peak tourist season.
Rainfall is minimal, making it a great time for outdoor activities like hiking and swimming.
Hotel prices are generally lower in spring.
This period is considered one of the best times of year to visit Honolulu because of the comfortable weather and reduced number of tourists.
Events such as the Honolulu Festival in March also draw visitors.
What is Honolulu, Hawaii Like in Summer
Summer in Honolulu lasts from June to August. This is the hottest period, with temperatures often reaching the high 80s Fahrenheit.
Beaches during summer are bustling with tourists, making it perfect for social activities and beach sports.
Summer months see the least rainfall, ideal for sunbathing and water activities like surfing.
However, the increased demand can drive up hotel prices and make popular attractions crowded.
Despite these challenges, the consistent sunny weather makes summer a favorite time for many visitors.
What is Honolulu, Hawaii Like in Fall
Fall covers September to November in Honolulu. This season features temperatures from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit.
The weather is warm and less humid than summer.
This period is another great time to visit Honolulu due to fewer tourists and lower accommodation costs.
Rainfall starts to increase in late fall, but it remains manageable for outdoor activities.
The Aloha Festivals in September add cultural value to your visit. Fall is perfect for those who enjoy a quieter experience with mild weather.
What is Honolulu, Hawaii Like in Winter
Winter in Honolulu extends from December to February.
Temperatures are slightly cooler, ranging from the low 70s to the low 80s Fahrenheit.
This season experiences the highest rainfall, but most showers are short and followed by sunshine.
Winter is Honolulu’s peak tourist season, driven by visitors escaping colder climates.
This results in high travel costs and crowded attractions.
Despite this, winter remains popular for holiday festivities and events like Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations on the beach.