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Hawaii's Climate

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The climate of Hawaii is wonderful, which is why this is a key vacation spot for so many people. Each of the Hawaiian Islands possesses both a “dry side” and a “wet side”. The east side of each island draws more annual rainfall while the west side is always drier as it is shielded from the damp winds by mountains. The Hawaiian Islands have a moderate tropical climate with warm Pacific waters and mild northeasterly tradewinds nearly year-round. The waters of Hawaii are inviting all year as they average 74 degrees Fahrenheit and can even reach close to 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months.

There is plenty of sun to be found in Hawaii. Because of its tropical latitude, Hawaii has little difference in year-round day length and the amount of sun, even during the winter months. Hawaii’s summer months are May through October while winter is November through April. Temperatures vary little from place to place and the average annual temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit varies only a few degrees from summer to winter. Because the terrain in Hawaii diverges in altitude, temperatures can vary on the islands in the higher elevations. That is why it is not uncommon for visitors to be surprised to find snow on the summits of the Big Island of Hawaii’s Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.

Unlike the temperature, Hawaii’s rainfall varies greatly, depending on your location. The lowest rainfall can be found on the Big Island, which averages 5.7 inches of rain per year. Mt. Wai’ale’ale’ on Kaua’i averages 486 inches of rainfall per year and is known as the “world’s wettest spot”.

Severe storms are not very common in Hawaii. They make landfall in the Central Pacific an average of every 8-10 years. The last hurricane that hit Hawaii was in September 1992. Mild rain and wind storms are more common during Hawaii’s winter months but they typically dissipate within 24 hours.

Next Page: Hawaii's Terrain and Biology

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