Check our guide on the Big Island’s weather to plan your trip more effectively

Spring brings warm days, slightly cooler evenings, and occasional showers along the Hilo side. The island is lush from winter rains, beaches are calmer, and crowds are lighter compared to summer.

• Average temperatures: 70°F to 82°F (21°C to 28°C)
  
• Ideal for: Visitors who want pleasant weather, fewer crowds, great snorkeling conditions, and vibrant scenery.

Recommended experiences:

• Big Island: Kohala Waterfalls Tour
  
• Big Island: Maunakea Summit & Stars Tour

Summer is warm, sunny, and lively across the island. It's beach season, with clear ocean waters and long daylight hours. Expect higher prices and larger crowds, especially in Kona and Waikoloa.

• Average temperatures: 74°F to 88°F (23°C to 31°C)
  
• Ideal for: Beach lovers, families, snorkelers, and travelers looking for predictable sunshine.

Recommended experiences:

• Big Island: Volcano, Chocolate & Waterfall Tour
  
• Big Island: Kohala Canopy Zipline Tickets
  
• Big Island: Maunakea Summit & Stars Tour

Fall brings stable weather, warm ocean temperatures, and fewer visitors. Hurricanes become less likely by mid-October, and the island enters one of its calmest periods.

• Average temperatures: 72°F to 86°F (22°C to 30°C)
  
• Ideal for: Travelers seeking the best mix of weather, prices, and crowd-free travel.

Recommended experiences:

• Big Island: Hidden Craters Hike

Winter is cooler, especially at higher elevations. Hilo gets more rain while Kona stays mostly dry. Whale-watching season kicks off, and the summit of Mauna Kea can see snow.

• Average temperatures: 66°F to 80°F (19°C to 27°C)
  
• Ideal for: Visitors craving tropical winter sun, whale watchers, and those who love cool evenings and lush scenery.

Recommended experiences:

• Big Island: Maunakea Summit & Stars Tour
  
• Big Island: Kohala Waterfalls Tour

January is one of the wetter months, especially along the Hilo and Hamakua coasts. Kona stays relatively drier with warm days and cooler nights. Trails in rainforest regions may be muddy, but visibility at higher elevations (like Mauna Kea) can be excellent.

• Average temperature: 66°F to 81°F (19°C to 27°C)
  
• Average rainfall: High on the Hilo side; moderate in Kona
  
• Travel tip: Bring waterproof layers for waterfall hikes and warm clothing if visiting Mauna Kea, as it can be below freezing at the summit.

February remains warm and wet, especially in the east. Waterfalls are at peak flow, making waterfall tours especially scenic. Kona hikes remain more manageable.

• Average temperature: 66°F to 81°F (19°C to 27°C)
  
• Average rainfall: High on the windward side
  
• Travel tip: Expect rain on Hilo-side tours. Pack a light rain jacket and waterproof footwear.

March brings slightly drier days and steady warm temperatures. Volcano areas may be misty, but coastal regions stay sunny.

• Average temperature: 67°F to 82°F (19°C to 28°C)
  
• Average rainfall: Moderate
  
• Travel tip: Great month for Hidden Craters and Kohala hikes, cool, breezy, and less crowded.

One of the best months to visit, with comfortable temperatures, fewer showers, and great ocean conditions.

• Average temperature: 68°F to 83°F (20°C to 28°C)
  
• Average rainfall: Decreasing
  
• Travel tip: Ideal for combo adventures: zipline + waterfall, crater hikes, and volcano tours.

Warm, sunny, and stable weather makes May one of the Big Island’s most reliable months. Cloud forest hikes are lush and photogenic.

• Average temperature: 69°F to 84°F (21°C to 29°C)
  
• Average rainfall: Low
  
• Travel tip: Book Mauna Kea tours early; spring offers some of the clearest stargazing.

Summer begins with dry conditions on the Kona side. Hilo remains wet but manageable.

• Average temperature: 71°F to 86°F (22°C to 30°C)
  
• Average rainfall: Low
  
• Travel tip: Great for ziplining and coastal explorations. Bring sun protection for long outdoor tours.

Warm, humid, and lively. Afternoon showers are common, mostly in the east. Waterfall and rainforest areas are especially vibrant.

• Average temperature: 72°F to 87°F (22°C to 31°C)
  
• Average rainfall: Moderate (trade wind showers)
  
• Travel tip: Choose morning tours for clearer skies. Hydrate well, as humidity can be high.

August is hot and humid, with occasional tropical storms. Most days still offer plenty of sunshine, especially in Kohala and Kona.

• Average temperature: 73°F to 88°F (23°C to 31°C)
  
• Average rainfall: Moderate
  
• Travel tip: Avoid midday hikes, as the heat and humidity peak. Sunset and evening stargazing tours shine this month.

One of the calmest weather months. Warm, stable days and lighter crowds make it ideal for adventure tours.

• Average temperature: 73°F to 88°F (23°C to 31°C)
  
• Average rainfall: Moderate, decreasing
  
• Travel tip: This is prime time for volcano hikes and long outdoor adventures.

October marks the start of wetter weather on the windward side, but temperatures remain warm.

• Average temperature: 72°F to 87°F (22°C to 31°C)
  
• Average rainfall: Increasing
  
• Travel tip: Bring rain protection for Hilo-side tours; Kona and Kohala stay mostly dry.

Expect more frequent showers island-wide, though the Kona side remains the driest.

• Average temperature: 69°F to 84°F (21°C to 29°C)
  
• Average rainfall: High in many regions. Expect more frequent showers island-wide, though the Kona side remains the driest.
  
• Travel tip: Great time for volcano tours, cool air, and dramatic cloud formations enhance views.

December is warm but wet, especially along the rainfall-rich east. Summit areas (Mauna Kea) may experience snow.

• Average temperature: 67°F to 82°F (19°C to 28°C)
  
• Average rainfall: High
  
• Travel tip: Dress warmly for high-elevation tours. Check weather updates, as summit access may vary.