Climate and monthly weather forecastHonolulu, HI

The climate of Honolulu

Located in the tropical region, Honolulu, Hawaii follows the Köppen climate classification As, typically referred to as a tropical wet and dry or savanna. This indicates that the city experiences a 'summer' dry season. It enjoys a relatively stable, warm tropical climate across the year with only mild variations in temperature, humidity, and other parameters.

Throughout the year, temperatures in Honolulu do not witness drastic fluctuations. High temperatures range from 75°F (23.9°C) to 81.5°F (27.5°C), and lows vary slightly between 69.1°F (20.6°C) and 75.7°F (24.3°C). The warmest months appear to be from June to September. Simultaneously, humidity holds relatively steady, remaining within 74% to 76% over the year.

Rainfall in Honolulu takes on a unique pattern, with rainfall quantities oscillating from 0.67" (17mm) to a maximum of 1.81" (46mm). This points to a 'wet' and a 'dry' season, aligning with the city's classification as a tropical savannah climate. The city sees rainfall on about 16 days per month, on average.

Additionally, sea temperatures too, remain steadily warm, between 75.7°F (24.3°C) to 80.4°F (26.9°C), making beach activities accessible all round the year. The number of sunlight hours varies from 10.9 hours to 13.4 hours, while average sunlight duration ranges between 6.5 hours and 10.8 hours.

The best time to visit Honolulu

Offering close to 8.5 to 10.3 hours of sunshine, the months of May and June can be an ideal time to visit Honolulu. During these months, the sea temperature is comfortably warm, averaging around 78°F (25.6°C) to 78.6°F (25.9°C). Rainfall is also relatively low, with 1.02" (26mm) to 1.18" (30mm) falling across approximately 17 days. Additionally, temperatures are a comfortable 78.4°F (25.8°C) to 79.5°F (26.4°C) with humidity at around 74%.

The worst time to visit Honolulu

It may be advisable to avoid making a trip during the months of February and March. Honolulu witnesses its highest rainfall during these months, with averages around 1.42" (36mm) to 1.81" (46mm) across nearly 17 days. You might also experience slightly cooler temperatures, ranging from approximately 75°F (23.9°C) to 76.6°F (24.8°C).

Spring weather in Honolulu

Spring months in Honolulu (March, April, May) usher in mild weather with average high temperatures transitioning from 75°F (23.9°C) to 78.4°F (25.8°C). The sea temperature also warms progressively from 75.7°F (24.3°C) to 78°F (25.6°C). Rainfall sees a decreasing trend, from 1.81" (46mm) in March, 1.02" (26mm) in April to only 1.18" (30mm) in May. However, the number of rainy days remains relatively constant, around 17 days throughout the spring.

Summer weather in Honolulu

Summer in Honolulu (June, July, August) is exquisitely pleasant. High temperatures hover around a comfortable range of 79.5°F (26.4°C) to 81.3°F (27.4°C). Additionally, the sea temperatures sit between 78.6°F (25.9°C) to 79.5°F (26.4°C). On the rain front, there are only between 0.94" (24mm) to 0.98" (25mm) across approximately 16 days. This is notably lesser than the preceding months, making summers the start of the 'dry' season.

Autumn weather in Honolulu

The autumn months of September, October, and November mark a transition period in Honolulu's weather. Temperatures remain fairly consistent; highs float from 81.5°F (27.5°C) in September to 78.8°F (26°C) in November. The sea temperatures gradually cool from 80.4°F (26.9°C) to 78.4°F (25.8°C). Rainfall begins to increase from 1.22" (31mm) in September to 1.02" (26mm) in November, signalling the onset of the 'wet' season. Similar to spring, the number of rainy days stays steady, average close to 17 days.

Winter weather in Honolulu

Winters in Honolulu (December, January, February) are mild. High temperatures do not dip below 75.7°F (24.3°C), and the sea temperature remains pleasant at between 76.6°F (24.8°C) and 77°F (25°C). However, these months mark the peak of the 'wet' season in Honolulu with rainfall increasing to 1.42" (36mm) in February, while the number of rainy days rises slightly to approximately 16 days. Despite the increased rainfall, the weather remains favorable with an average of up to 8.5 hours of sunshine in December and January.

Weather in January

January in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA is characterized by comfortable temperatures, hovering between 70°F (21.1°C) to 75.7°F (24.3°C), and a relative humidity of 75%. The weather in this month transitions from the cooler climates of the previous year, to more tropical conditions. Weather in January »

Weather in February

February continues with the comfortable temperature trend, offering Honolulu residents and visitors a tropical paradise retreat. Accumulating more rainfall than January, February sees 1.42" (36mm) of precipitation, signaling the month with the second highest rainfall. Weather in February »

Weather in March

The month of March brings slight changes to the weather in Honolulu. As the days progress, the temperatures begin creeping upwards, affirming the arrival of warmer months ahead. The rainfall registers at 1.81" (46mm), marking March as the rainiest month, but daily sunshine remains consistent, ensuring plenty of sunbathing opportunities. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April weather in Honolulu embraces the warmth, with the tropical climate fully setting in. Sea temperatures rise compared to previous months, making it an encouraging time for water sports enthusiasts. A decrease in rainfall from the previous month and a slight decrease in cloud cover signals the start of drier months ahead. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May in Honolulu manifests the fuller expressiveness of the tropical weather pattern. Temperatures soar higher than in the preceding months, without the respite of nighttime coolness. The rainfall totals 1.18" (30mm), establishing a trend of decreasing precipitation typical for the following months. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June indicates an onset of summer months in Honolulu. The weather continues to warm up, with a decline in rainfall, reducing to 0.94" (24mm), suggesting the arrival of drier days. Cloud cover remains consistent with May, allowing greater sunlight exposure and making for beautiful sunrise and sunset scenes. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July in Honolulu presents the year's warmest weather conditions, where the temperatures rise to as high as 80.4°F (26.9°C), and the sea temperature reaches a soothing 79.1°F (26.2°C). The trend of reducing rainfall continues, making July one of the drier months. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August experiences a peak in the tropical climate of Honolulu. The temperatures continue to rise, reaching a maximum of 81.3°F (27.4°C), and yield very warm nights. Despite being a peak summer month, the rainfall inches up slightly compared to July, while the sunshine hours subtly decrease. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September’s weather in Honolulu starts to hint at the transition into the slow-cooling late-year period. Despite this entry into fall, temperatures stay consistently high, including the sea temperature peaking at 80.4°F (26.9°C). Weather in September »

Weather in October

October in Honolulu registers perceptible changes in the weather, ushering in the fall season. Rainfall increases to its highest in the half-year at 1.81" (46mm), and a moderate increase in cloud cover is noticeable. Despite this, the sea temperature remains inviting, and sunshine stays abundant. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November brings the cooler part of the year into focus in Honolulu. Temperatures begin to gently drop from the highs of previous months. Shortened daylight hours and less sunshine are characteristics of this month, although the sea temperature remains desirable for water-based activities. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December is a month of contrast in weather for Honolulu. Cooler than previous months, the minimum temperature drops to 71.4°F (21.9°C). Yet, the landscape remains lush thanks to a sizable 1.54" (39mm) of rainfall. Even though daylight hours are at their shortest, weather conditions still allow for encouraging beach activities. Weather in December »