Hawaii Climate Facts You Should KNow
You can visit Hawaii at anytime throughout the year and be assured of a pleasant climate since it is very consistent with minor changes in the temperatures. It is true that the humidity is moderate to high, but the tropical breezes keep things pleasant all year long. On most days you will comfortable wearing and Aloha shirt or a T-shirt but you might need a light jacket in the evenings when the temperatures normally drop about 10 degrees.
The mountains provide a range climate zones and differences in the weather at various elevations due to their shielding effect. The very distinctive micro climates are common in the interior valleys, mountains and beaches of Hawaii. Due to the warm surface temperatures of the ocean and Hawaii's position at the edge of a tropical zone, Hawaii has only two seasons. Both the winter season and the summer season are warm, one with a bit more rainfall.
The Hawaii Climate of Summer
Between the months of April and November the climate is drier and warmer with the average temperature ranging from 75-88. In the summertime the north east trade winds bring most of the rainfall to the islands leeward side, which brings a welcome relief from the hot and dry weather.
Where you are on the islands will depend how warm it is on any given day. For example, on the side sheltered from the wind i.e., the west and southern sides, temperatures are usually hot and dry. The east and north windward sides, which get the wind's full force, are generally cooler and moister. So, if you want wet, humid, tropical jungle-type weather, go windward. For a more arid, sunbaked climate and go leeward.
Hawaii Climate During Winter
You can expect slightly cooler temperatures from December through March with temperatures ranging from 68 to 80 F. Winter is considered the rainy season in Hawaii with the heaviest rains arriving during the months of October through April. Storms in the winter are common but most of them pass very quickly without any incident. During the winter there will like be more cloudy days that may hamper you tanning efforts, but it rarely rains for more that three consecutive days.
If you enjoy surfing you will probably want to visit during the winter since this is the surf season. If you are planning on doing some whale watching you will have the best chance of spotting these magnificent creatures from January to March.
Hawaii Climate is Influenced by the Surrounding Mountains
The mountains around the islands are responsible for the wide range of weather conditions. As an example, Kauai's Mt. Waialele is one of the wettest locations on the earth. Mt. Waialele receives over 420 inches of rainfall each year, but just a few miles down the road, Waimea Canyon is completely dry and has been nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific". On Big Island Hawaii, Hilo is one of the wettest cities in the country, with 180 inches of rain a year. But Puako, only 60 miles away, gets less than 6 inches of rainfall. If you decide to explore the natural beauty found at higher elevations such as Mauna Kea, wear long pants and several layers of cool weather clothing. The temperature in the higher locations drops 3.5 degrees for every 1,000 feet above sea level.
Watching the sunrise from the summit at Mt. Haleakala is an experience that shouldn't be missed. While it is a great idea, be sure that you have bundled up with gloves and a scarf as the temperature can be as low as 30 F! Also, keep in mind that at such high elevations, there is less protection from the sun. Be sure to apply sunscreen liberally, and bring sunglasses and a hat. In the mountains the climate can change from summer to winter in just a few hours so you need to go well prepared. This special Hawaii climate makes it possible for you to ski on Mauna Kea in winter and sun bathe on the Kona Coast, on the best beaches in Hawaii all on the same day.
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