Hawaii Weather

Hawaii climate

Hawaii has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, moderated by persistent trade winds from the northeast. The islands experience only two seasons: a dry summer from May to October and a wetter winter from November to April. Coastal temperatures typically range from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit throughout the year, making Hawaii one of the most climatically consistent places on Earth.

The mountainous terrain of the Hawaiian Islands creates some of the most dramatic precipitation gradients on the planet. Mount Waialeale on Kauai is one of the wettest spots on Earth, receiving over 450 inches of rain annually, while areas just miles away on the leeward side receive less than 20 inches. This orographic effect produces lush rainforests on windward slopes and arid conditions on leeward coasts.

Hawaii is occasionally affected by tropical cyclones, though the islands' isolated location in the central Pacific means direct hits are relatively rare. The summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on the Big Island rise above 13,000 feet and can receive snow during winter months. Vog, volcanic smog produced by Kilauea's emissions, periodically affects air quality on the Big Island and can drift to other islands during southerly wind patterns.