Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, has a tropical savanna climate with warm temperatures year-round and two distinct seasons: a dry summer (May to October) and a wetter winter (November to April). The city sits on the leeward side of the Koolau Range, which blocks most rain clouds, keeping Waikiki and downtown relatively dry while the windward side receives heavy rainfall. Daily highs range from 27°C to 31°C (81°F to 88°F) and ocean temperatures stay between 24°C and 27°C (75°F to 81°F) all year.
Honolulu Weather by Month: Temperatures, Rainfall and Sunshine
Honolulu’s weather varies more by location than by month. Waikiki averages 430mm (17 inches) of rain annually, while the hills behind the city can see 3,000mm (120 inches). The trade winds blow from the northeast at 15 to 30 km/h most days, keeping humidity comfortable. Here’s what to expect each month.
January
Average high: 27°C (80°F), low: 19°C (66°F). Rainfall: 59mm (2.3 inches) over 9 rainy days. Ocean temperature: 24°C (76°F). Sunshine: 7 hours per day. January is one of the cooler months but still warm by most standards. The north shore of Oahu gets massive winter swells, drawing the world’s top surfers to Pipeline and Waimea Bay for the Vans Triple Crown. Whale watching peaks this month as humpbacks migrate to Hawaii’s warm waters to calve. High surf warnings can close north-facing beaches to swimming.
February
Average high: 27°C (80°F), low: 19°C (66°F). Rainfall: 51mm (2.0 inches) over 8 rainy days. Ocean temperature: 24°C (76°F). Sunshine: 7 hours. Similar to January, with slightly less rain. The last month of peak whale-watching season. Trade winds can be gusty, and occasional Kona winds (southerly) bring humid, hazy conditions for 2 to 3 days at a time. Surf remains big on the north and west shores, while Waikiki stays calm for swimming.
March
Average high: 27°C (81°F), low: 20°C (68°F). Rainfall: 56mm (2.2 inches) over 8 rainy days. Ocean temperature: 24°C (76°F). Sunshine: 8 hours. Transition month. Winter swells begin to taper off on the north shore, and the weather stabilizes. Days are noticeably longer, with sunrise around 6:40 AM and sunset near 6:40 PM. Spring break crowds start arriving mid-month, increasing hotel rates.
April
Average high: 28°C (83°F), low: 21°C (69°F). Rainfall: 33mm (1.3 inches) over 7 rainy days. Ocean temperature: 25°C (77°F). Sunshine: 8 hours. Rainfall drops significantly as the dry season begins. This is one of the best months to visit: warm but not hot, lower humidity, and smaller crowds than summer. The north shore surf drops to manageable levels, opening those beaches to swimming again.
May
Average high: 29°C (85°F), low: 22°C (71°F). Rainfall: 25mm (1.0 inch) over 6 rainy days. Ocean temperature: 25°C (78°F). Sunshine: 9 hours. The start of summer. Days are warm and mostly dry, with passing trade-wind showers that last 10 to 15 minutes. Lei Day (May 1) kicks off a month of cultural celebrations. Memorial Day weekend marks the start of peak summer tourism.
June
Average high: 30°C (87°F), low: 23°C (73°F). Rainfall: 10mm (0.4 inches) over 5 rainy days. Ocean temperature: 26°C (79°F). Sunshine: 9 hours. The driest month of the year in Honolulu. South shore surf picks up with summer swells, good for beginner surfers at Waikiki. The water is warm enough for extended swimming without a rash guard. King Kamehameha Day (June 11) features floral parades across the islands. UV index reaches 11 to 12 (extreme) , sunscreen is non-negotiable.
July
Average high: 31°C (88°F), low: 23°C (74°F). Rainfall: 15mm (0.6 inches) over 7 rainy days. Ocean temperature: 26°C (80°F). Sunshine: 10 hours. The warmest month, with 10 hours of daily sunshine. Humidity increases slightly but the trade winds keep it bearable. Hurricane season in the Central Pacific runs June through November, with peak activity in July and August, though direct hits on Oahu are rare (the last major one was Hurricane Iniki in 1992, which hit Kauai). Afternoon clouds build over the mountains but rarely reach Waikiki.
August
Average high: 31°C (88°F), low: 24°C (75°F). Rainfall: 14mm (0.5 inches) over 6 rainy days. Ocean temperature: 27°C (80°F). Sunshine: 10 hours. Nearly identical to July, with peak ocean temperatures making it ideal for snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. The trade winds sometimes weaken in August, making afternoons feel hotter. This is high season for Japanese tourism during Obon, so hotels and flights are at their most expensive.
September
Average high: 31°C (88°F), low: 23°C (74°F). Rainfall: 20mm (0.8 inches) over 6 rainy days. Ocean temperature: 27°C (81°F). Sunshine: 9 hours. The warmest ocean temperatures of the year and still very dry. September is the peak of the Central Pacific hurricane season, so check forecasts before booking nonrefundable activities. After Labor Day, crowds thin and hotel rates drop 15 to 25 percent, making it one of the best value months.
October
Average high: 30°C (86°F), low: 23°C (73°F). Rainfall: 38mm (1.5 inches) over 8 rainy days. Ocean temperature: 27°C (80°F). Sunshine: 8 hours. The transition month back to the wet season. Rain becomes more frequent but mostly falls at night or in the mountains. October still sees plenty of beach days, and the smaller crowds make it a favorite for return visitors. The Aloha Festivals floral parade happens in Waikiki.
November
Average high: 29°C (84°F), low: 22°C (71°F). Rainfall: 56mm (2.2 inches) over 9 rainy days. Ocean temperature: 26°C (79°F). Sunshine: 7 hours. The wet season starts in earnest, though it is more showery than persistent rain. The north shore winter swells begin arriving, bringing big-wave surfing competitions. Thanksgiving week is one of the busiest travel periods of the year with elevated airfares.
December
Average high: 27°C (81°F), low: 20°C (68°F). Rainfall: 64mm (2.5 inches) over 9 rainy days. Ocean temperature: 25°C (77°F). Sunshine: 6 hours. The wettest and cloudiest month, but temperatures still average 27°C. Christmas and New Year’s are the single most expensive period to visit Honolulu , book hotels 6+ months ahead. The Honolulu City Lights display at Honolulu Hale runs from early December through January 1. Surf is at its peak on the north shore, with the Billabong Pipe Masters and Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational (if waves exceed 12 meters / 40 feet).
Honolulu Climate at a Glance
| Month | High (°C/°F) | Low (°C/°F) | Rain (mm) | Rain Days | Ocean (°C) | Sun (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 27 / 80 | 19 / 66 | 59 | 9 | 24 | 7 |
| Feb | 27 / 80 | 19 / 66 | 51 | 8 | 24 | 7 |
| Mar | 27 / 81 | 20 / 68 | 56 | 8 | 24 | 8 |
| Apr | 28 / 83 | 21 / 69 | 33 | 7 | 25 | 8 |
| May | 29 / 85 | 22 / 71 | 25 | 6 | 25 | 9 |
| Jun | 30 / 87 | 23 / 73 | 10 | 5 | 26 | 9 |
| Jul | 31 / 88 | 23 / 74 | 15 | 7 | 26 | 10 |
| Aug | 31 / 88 | 24 / 75 | 14 | 6 | 27 | 10 |
| Sep | 31 / 88 | 23 / 74 | 20 | 6 | 27 | 9 |
| Oct | 30 / 86 | 23 / 73 | 38 | 8 | 27 | 8 |
| Nov | 29 / 84 | 22 / 71 | 56 | 9 | 26 | 7 |
| Dec | 27 / 81 | 20 / 68 | 64 | 9 | 25 | 6 |
For more on planning your trip to Honolulu, see our best time to visit guide, things to do in Honolulu, annual events and festivals, neighborhood-by-neighborhood guide, where to stay by area and budget, practical travel tips, and complete Honolulu travel guide.
Data source: NOAA / National Weather Service Honolulu, 30-year averages (1991-2020). Rainfall measured at Honolulu International Airport (HNL). Mountain and windward locations receive 5 to 10 times more precipitation.
