Oahu’s south shore around Waikiki is blessed with one of the most consistent microclimates on Earth, shielded by the Ko’olau mountain range, with measurable rain on only about 89 days a year at Honolulu’s official weather station (NOAA 1991–2020 normals).

Key Takeaways

  • Warm every month: Average highs at Honolulu’s official weather station run from 80.5°F (27°C) in January and February to 88.8°F (32°C) in August, and average lows never drop below the upper 60s°F (about 19°C).
  • Driest stretch is June and July: Each averages about half an inch of rain. November through March is the wettest period, with roughly 2 inches a month, usually in short passing showers rather than all-day rain.
  • Surf flips with the seasons: Winter swells hit the North Shore while Waikiki stays gentle; in summer, south swells bring the best surfing waves to Waikiki itself.
  • Plan around hurricane season: It runs June 1 to November 30. Direct hits are rare, but Hurricane Lowell passed just west of Niihau in September 2026 and put Oahu under a tropical storm warning.

Best Time to Visit Waikiki

• Optimal Weather (April to October): Long dry sunny days, calmest swimming water, and average highs around 85°F–88°F (29°C–31°C).
• Humpback Whale & Big Surf Season (December to March): Thousands of humpback whales arrive in Hawaiian waters; North Shore waves hit 30 feet, while Waikiki maintains gentle swimming swells.
• Cheapest Months (May & September–November): Shoulder season pricing with great hotel bargains.

Month Avg High (°F / °C) Days with 0.1 in+ Rain (per month) Island Season
Jan – Mar 80°F / 27°C About 3 days Whale Season & Winter Escapes
Apr – Jun 84°F / 29°C 1 – 2 days Spring Shoulder (Warm & sunny)
Jul – Sep 88°F / 31°C 1 – 2 days Summer Peak (Warmest ocean water)
Oct – Dec 84°F / 29°C About 3 days Fall Shoulder / Holiday Festive Season

Find Best Deals on Waikiki Hotels

Waikiki Weather by Month: Temperatures and Rain

The table below shows Waikiki weather by month using NOAA’s official 1991–2020 climate normals for the Honolulu International Airport station, about nine miles west of Waikiki and the closest long-term record. Rain days count any day with at least 0.01 inch; days with a tenth of an inch or more are much rarer, about one to three a month.

Month Avg high Avg low Avg rain Days with any rain
Jan 80.5°F / 27°C 66.8°F / 19°C 1.84 in 8
Feb 80.5°F / 27°C 67.1°F / 20°C 1.94 in 8
Mar 81.2°F / 27°C 68.1°F / 20°C 2.36 in 9
Apr 83.1°F / 28°C 70.1°F / 21°C 0.77 in 8
May 84.8°F / 29°C 71.5°F / 22°C 0.82 in 6
Jun 86.9°F / 31°C 73.8°F / 23°C 0.50 in 6
Jul 88.1°F / 31°C 75.1°F / 24°C 0.52 in 7
Aug 88.8°F / 32°C 75.6°F / 24°C 0.84 in 6
Sep 88.4°F / 31°C 74.8°F / 24°C 0.88 in 7
Oct 86.9°F / 31°C 73.9°F / 23°C 1.51 in 8
Nov 84.1°F / 29°C 71.8°F / 22°C 2.25 in 9
Dec 81.8°F / 28°C 69.2°F / 21°C 2.18 in 9

Annual rainfall averages just 16.4 inches, because the Koʻolau Mountains wring most moisture out of the trade winds before they reach the south shore. Ocean temperatures follow the air: roughly the mid-70s°F in late winter and around 80°F by late summer, so you can swim comfortably in any month.

Seasons, Trade Winds and Hurricane Season

  • Two seasons: Hawaiians traditionally recognize kau, the warm, dry season from about May to October, and hoʻoilo, the cooler, wetter season from about October to April, matching the two seasons the National Weather Service describes. The difference in Waikiki is a few degrees and a few more showers, not a true winter.
  • Trade winds: Northeast trades blow most days, strongest and most reliable in summer, and keep humidity comfortable. When they fade, light southerly “kona” winds can make afternoons sticky and occasionally bring vog, volcanic haze from Hawaii Island.
  • Winter storms: Cold fronts and kona lows can bring a day or two of heavy rain between November and March. After a downpour, stay out of murky “brown water” near the Ala Wai Canal and storm drains.
  • Hurricane season: June 1 to November 30, with the most activity in August and September. In 2026, Hurricane Lowell in early September was the strongest storm to affect the main islands since Iniki in 1992, with Kauai hit hardest. Buy travel insurance for late-summer trips and follow the National Weather Service in Honolulu if a storm approaches.

Best Time to Visit Waikiki for Surf, Whales and Value

  • April–May and September–October: Warm, mostly dry weather and calmer crowds outside spring break. These months tend to offer better hotel rates than summer and the December holidays. Our Waikiki hotel prices by month guide has the numbers.
  • June–August: The hottest, driest and busiest months. South swells make it the best season for Waikiki surf lessons, and calm evenings suit a sunset catamaran sail.
  • December–March: Humpback whale season: the NOAA humpback whale sanctuary says whales can be seen from shore and at sea from November through April, with midwinter the busiest stretch. Spot them from shore on the Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail or on a boat tour. Expect the coolest nights (mid-60s°F), more showers and big North Shore surf to watch, not swim in.
  • Christmas to New Year: Reliable warmth but the highest demand of the year, so book early.

Where to Stay Nearby

Waikiki’s weather is so consistent that location matters more than season. For winter trips, a hotel with a heated pool and covered lanai gives you a backup on showery afternoons; our roundup of Waikiki hotels with the best pools compares them. In the hot summer months, a beachfront room with trade-wind exposure helps, and our Waikiki neighborhood guide explains which areas catch the breeze and which sit farther from the sand.

Find Hotels Near Your Plans

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the rainiest month in Waikiki?

March has the highest average rainfall at the Honolulu airport station, about 2.4 inches, according to NOAA’s 1991–2020 normals. November through February are close behind at roughly 1.8 to 2.3 inches. Most rain falls as brief showers, often overnight or in the early morning, so a wet-season trip rarely loses whole beach days.

What is the hottest month in Waikiki?

August is the hottest, with an average high of 88.8°F (32°C) and an average low of 75.6°F (24°C). July and September are nearly as warm. Trade winds usually keep the heat comfortable, but bring reef-safe sunscreen and a hat, and plan hikes such as Diamond Head for early morning.

Is it worth visiting Waikiki in winter?

Yes. Average highs in December through February are still about 80–82°F (27–28°C), the ocean in Waikiki stays swimmable and humpback whales arrive offshore. The trade-offs are cooler evenings in the mid-60s°F, more frequent showers and peak holiday prices around Christmas and New Year.

When is hurricane season in Hawaii?

The Central Pacific hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Direct hits on Oahu are rare, but storms can bring heavy rain, high surf and flight disruptions. In September 2026, Hurricane Lowell passed west of Niihau and triggered a tropical storm warning for Oahu, a reminder to carry travel insurance.

What is the best month to visit Waikiki?

For most travelers, May or September. Both are warm and dry, with average highs of about 85–88°F, few showers and fewer crowds than the summer school holidays or the December peak. Visit between January and March instead if seeing humpback whales is your top priority. To budget the whole trip, see our Oahu trip cost guide.

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