No, Hawaii does not have a traditional four-season climate. It is considered a tropical climate due to its hot, humid and sunny weather throughout the year. The Hawaiian islands experience very little variation in temperature, with temperatures staying within 2 to 5 degrees Celsius across the year.
Average temperatures range from around 18 degrees Celsius in the cooler months, to 26 degrees Celsius in the warmer months. Hawaii does not have extended periods of cold weather, so there are no true winter, spring, summer, or fall seasons in the traditional sense.
However, locals and visitors may recognize unofficial ‘seasons’ based on the major events, activities and conditions of the time. For example, local schools usually start in August, which many refer to as ‘back-to-school’ season.
Alternatively, the winter months tend to bring bigger waves, making them a prime time of year for surfers to visit Hawaii.
When did it last snow in Hawaii?
Most regions of Hawaii have not seen snow for the last several decades; the last recorded snow to fall on the islands was on December 30th, 2016. On this particular day, snow fell in the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on the island of Hawaii, while rain and graupel (a form of soft hail) fell on the island of Maui.
This was the first recorded snowfall of such proportion to occur in Hawaii since news of a winter storm in 1975 was reported. The 2016 event was recorded by the National Weather Service in Honolulu, as well as by observatory staff on Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.
How much snow does Hawaii get in a year?
Hawaii generally does not get much snow each year. It can snow occasionally on some of the mountain peaks on Hawaii’s Big Island, but it is extremely rare. In fact, there has only been one recorded instance of snow occurring at sea level in the state’s history, which took place on Mauna Kea in December of 2016.
Snow has also been recorded three times at Pali Lookout near Honolulu, but it was short-lived and melted quickly.
In general, those wanting to experience snow in Hawaii should aim to visit the summit of Mauna Kea, where there is typically between one and two feet of snow accumulation each year. That said, even there, snowfall can be highly variable, so visitors interested in skiing or snowboarding should plan well in advance and keep an eye on the weather forecast.
How cold is it in Hawaii during winter?
Hawaii’s winter temperatures vary based on location and can generally range from warm to hot. In the northern parts of the islands, average highs in winter stay in the low to mid 80s Fahrenheit (around 28-30 Celsius), while nighttime lows are usually in the 60s Fahrenheit (around 15-20 Celsius).
In the southern parts of the islands, average highs in winter stay in the mid to high 80s Fahrenheit (around 28-31 Celsius), and nighttime lows are usually in the 70s Fahrenheit (around 20-23 Celsius).
It’s important to note that temperatures are generally cooler in higher elevations and on the windward (eastern) coasts. Rainfall tends to be greater in the winter months, making it feel cooler and requiring warm weather clothing for many locales.
Does it snow or get cold in Hawaii?
No, Hawaii does not generally experience cold temperatures or regular snowfall. Due to its tropical climate, the highest temperature and the lowest temperature in Hawaii is consistent year-round. Specifically, average high temperature ranges from 81 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius) at sea level to about 70 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) on mountaintops.
In rare occasions, the mountains of Hawaii such as Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa and Haleakala have experienced snow, but it is not frequent or common occurrence.
How expensive is it to live in Hawaii?
Living in Hawaii can be quite expensive, although the cost depends on several factors. The cost of living in Hawaii is generally higher than many other places in the United States due to the cost of housing, food, transportation, and other necessities.
According to Numbeo, Hawaii is the third most expensive state to live in the U.S., with prices on par with states like New York and California.
Housing is one of the biggest cost factors in Hawaii. The average cost of renting an apartment in Hawaii is approximately $2,200 per month. This cost is significantly higher than almost any other state in the country.
That being said, housing prices can vary drastically depending on the city, the neighborhood, and the size of the home.
Food is another expense that is higher than average in Hawaii. Grocery items are on average 6.6% higher than the average pricing in the mainland U.S. Eating out is also significantly pricier in comparison.
For example, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant can cost around $15.
Transportation costs can add up as well. Gasoline prices in Hawaii are typically higher than most other parts of the United States. An average gallon of gas in Honolulu costs around $3.40 compared to the $2.70 national average.
Public transportation systems are available however, such as TheBus in Honolulu and Maui Bus in Kahului. A single bus ride generally ranges from $2-$2.50. Taxi fares vary depending on distance and number of passengers.
Therefore, while the cost of living in Hawaii is generally more expensive than elsewhere in the United States, the cost will depend on what city you live in, the type and size of your home, how much you eat out, and how you choose to get around.
It is possible to live in Hawaii for a reasonable cost if you are mindful of your budget and make wise decisions when it comes to expenses.
What month is the coldest month in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, the coldest month tends to be February. While Hawaii is known for its warm weather year-round, localized weather patterns called kona storms can bring chilly weather during this time of year.
During kona storms, temperatures can plunge to the mid to low 60s, creating a noticeable chill throughout the islands. Additionally, high elevation areas can experience cooler temperatures anyway, due to their location at greater altitudes.
For example, the summit of Mauna Kea, on the island of Hawaii, is often found to have temperatures in the 40s or 50s, especially at night.
Is it warm enough to swim in Hawaii in December?
Yes, it is usually warm enough to swim in Hawaii in December! The ocean waters in Hawaii are usually quite temperate year round, and in December the waters rarely dip below 70°F. Additionally, the air temperature in Hawaii during the winter months averages around 82°F, and can at times be even warmer, making the situation perfect for swimming.
The average humidity in Hawaii in December is 77%, however this is usually offset by the mild and pleasant temperatures, so you can certainly enjoy a dip in the ocean waters at this time of year.
Is Hawaii cold in Christmas?
No, Hawaii is not cold in Christmas. Hawaii enjoys warm temperatures year-round, so there is usually no need to worry about cold weather at Christmas time. The average temperature in Hawaii in December is a pleasant 78 degrees Fahrenheit (25.5 Celsius).
Many people travel to Hawaii during this time of year, as it is ideal for vacationing away from the cold winter temperatures in other parts of the country. Even on cooler days, when temperatures are in the upper sixties, it still feels comfortable because of the warm, balmy ocean breezes.
So, all in all, Hawaii is a warm, sunny paradise at Christmas time!
Is Hawaii warm in the winter?
No, Hawaii does not typically experience cold winter temperatures. Instead, you can expect mild temperatures throughout the year that rarely dip below 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius). During the winter months (November to April), temperatures range from around 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit (21-27 degrees Celsius) during the day and between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit (18-24 degrees Celsius) at night.
It’s important to note that the temperature can vary depending on which island you’re visiting and how high you are in elevation. The higher you are in elevation, the lower the temperature will be. For example, the Big Island’s Mauna Loa volcano is often below freezing at night, while temperatures near the shore remain mild.
Is winter a good time to go to Hawaii?
Winter can be an excellent time to visit Hawaii. Even though Hawaii is known for its warmer weather, temperatures rarely drop below 65° F during the winter. There are also plenty of activities to enjoy year-round during a visit to Hawaii.
During the winter months, you can take advantage of the many outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and snorkeling. You can also explore Honolulu’s city hikes, or venture out to the North Shore for spectacular sunset views.
You can also check out the many cultural festivals and events like Aloha Festivals, the Waikiki Night Festival, and the Honolulu Festival. With yearly events and some of the best weather, winter is a great time to visit Hawaii.
Which Hawaiian island is warmest in winter?
The Hawaiian islands are known for their beautiful sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, and warm weather throughout the year. However, during the winter months, the temperatures vary from island to island.
In general, the air temperature is the warmest on the Big Island (Hawaii Island) and the sea temperature is the warmest on the southern side of Kauai.
On the Big Island, the air temperature stays around 79-86 °F (26-30 °C) during the winter months, making it the warmest island in Hawaii in the winter. On the southwestern Kohala Coast, the average water temperature is usually around 74-80 °F (23-27 °C).
This is the highest temperature of the season and is warm enough to swim in.
On Kauai, the average sea temperature on the south side of the island is usually the warmest in the winter. The average sea temperature is usually around 75-79 °F (24-26 °C). The northern side of the island is slightly cooler, but the south side is still the warmest in the winter months.
Overall, the Big Island is the warmest Hawaiian island in the winter, with temperatures around 79-86 °F (26-30 °C). Kauai is the second warmest, with the sea temperature on the south side reaching around 75-79 °F (24-26 °C).
Both islands offer visitors beautiful beaches and warm waters for swimming in the winter months.
Are there mosquitoes in Hawaii?
Yes, mosquitoes are present in Hawaii. The island chain is home to several species of mosquitoes, including the Aedes albopictus, Aedes notoscriptus, Aedes vigilax, and Culex quinquefasciatus. These species are commonly found in warm and wet climates, such as Hawaii.
They are commonly seen in both sparsely populated and more densely populated areas. Mosquito-borne diseases, such as West Nile virus, have been found on the islands, but are not an issue presently, as control measures and public health education have minimized the number of cases.
Mosquito-proofing also helps to reduce the number of mosquito-borne diseases in the area.
What seasons are in Hawaii?
Hawaii has a unique tropical climate with no freezing temperatures, so there are distinct seasons that are different from mainland states. Hawaii has two typical seasons; dry season, which runs from May to October, and wet season, which takes place from November to April.
Generally, the dry season is characterized by sunny and dry weather, with occasional showers, while wet season is known for its more frequent showers and occasional rain. The months of June, July and August are the driest, with reduced rainfall, and September and October usually bring more rainfall and increased humidity.
From November to March, rainfall will be greater and more spread out, combined with the occasional thunderstorm and high humidity. Visitors to Hawaii should take the seasons into account when planning their trip; the best times to visit are typically the dry season months of June to October, with October and November bringing the potential of an especially lush and green environment.
