The best time to visit Oahu is April to May and September to October: good weather, fewer crowds and lower prices than summer and the winter holidays. Temperatures barely move all year, so the real differences are surf, rain and crowds. Summer is calm for swimming; winter brings giant waves to the North Shore.
Month by month
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 80°F | 67°F | 1.8 in | North Shore surf is big; whales offshore |
| February | 80°F | 67°F | 1.9 in | Surf and whales |
| March | 81°F | 68°F | 2.4 in | Wettest month; big waves taper off |
| April | 83°F | 70°F | 0.8 in | Best value; whales through April |
| May | 85°F | 72°F | 0.8 in | Best value; dry and calm |
| June | 87°F | 74°F | 0.5 in | Driest; calm North Shore swims |
| July | 88°F | 75°F | 0.5 in | Driest; summer swim season |
| August | 89°F | 76°F | 0.8 in | Warmest month on average |
| September | 88°F | 75°F | 0.9 in | Best value; still warm |
| October | 87°F | 74°F | 1.5 in | Best value; quieter |
| November | 84°F | 72°F | 2.2 in | Wetter; North Shore surf builds |
| December | 82°F | 69°F | 2.2 in | Big-wave season; whales return |
Monthly averages 1991-2020 for Honolulu Airport (NOAA). These are long-term averages, not a forecast.
The numbers are for Honolulu Airport. Mountains and the windward side get more rain than Honolulu.
Summer: calm swims on the North Shore
On the North Shore, Waimea Bay is for swimming and the jump rock in summer. Highs reach 88°F in July and August, with lows in the mid 70s and the least rain of the year.
Winter: giant waves, whales and a bit more rain
North Shore surf builds from November and the Triple Crown of Surfing contests start; watch from the sand and stay out of the water unless you are an expert. Humpback whales are offshore from December to April. Highs are around 80 to 82°F, and November to March are the wetter months.
Book these before you fly
- Diamond Head: reserve a time slot.
- Hanauma Bay: reservations open two days ahead, and the bay is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
- USS Arizona Memorial: reserve on Recreation.gov.
Sea turtles: stay at least 10 feet back. Reef-safe sunscreen is the law in Hawaii. Use our 4 days on Oahu plan or the Windward day as a starting point.
Plan it
Our Oahu guide · All of Hawaii · 4-day Oahu plan · Start a free trip plan.
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