Can you swim in Hawaii in winter?

Ocean Conditions Even though January is one of Hawaii's cooler months, the ocean temperatures are still warm enough to allow you to swim comfortably. You can expect the ocean temperatures to reach around 72 to 76 degrees F, making the water just slightly cooler than the outside temperatures at the peak of the day.



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Water Temperatures Pacific Ocean temperatures on Honolulu shores are warmer than those of Hilo, but both are still swim-worthy at 77 and 73 degrees, respectively. Ocean temperatures in December all around the Hawaiian islands rest comfortably at about 77 degrees.

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Per the National Center for Cold Water Safety, temperatures below 70°F are considered “dangerous” because most people have difficulty controlling their breathing. As a reminder, Hawaii's water temperatures stay several degrees above 70°F and are warm enough for swimming and snorkeling.

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The Hawaiian Islands' near-shore water temperatures remain comfortable throughout the year. The average water temperature is 74° F (23.3° C), with a summer high of 80° F (26.7° C). Wave action varies dramatically between island coasts and seasons. Summer waters are typically gentle on all beaches.

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Hawaii in February sees ideal temperatures in the 78 to 80 F range. The waters and beaches remain warm and inviting all year round. With this weather, beaches are the perfect spot for sunbathing and water sports.

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The best time to visit Hawaii is between March and September. This is when the islands see the highest temperatures and the lowest amount of rain.

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Water temperatures are around 74 degrees so swimming is a year round activity here in Hawaii. If you're looking into boating, snorkeling, surfing or any other Hawaii activity this winter, be sure to book as soon as possible!

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August is the hottest month in Hawaii with an average temperature of 27°C (81°F) and the coldest is January at 23°C (73°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 11 in July. The wettest month is November with an average of 124mm of rain.

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Although Hawaii's waters hover around 74–84° Fahrenheit most of the time, exposure over a long period of time can reduce your core temperature and cause mild to moderate hypothermia.

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Diving conditions; The water is still warm enough to swim thanks to the relatively stable temps that the waters around Maui maintain throughout the year. Water temps can be comfortable, around 75 degrees Fahrenheit through the end of the month.

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Summer is the best time to take a dip in the warm Hawaiian waters. The ocean temperature hovers around 82°, and the wind and surf are reliably low. Visitors of any experience level can enjoy snorkeling in the clear, calm summer sea.

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Hawaii is beautiful and warm all year long, with none of the seasonal variations you might expect when you're at home on the U.S. mainland. For instance, temperatures hover between the low 80s in the winter and the high 80s in the summer — hardly a reason for seasonal wardrobe changes!

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If you go to the Big Island or Up Country Maui, you will need warm clothes: jeans, sweat shirt and jacket. The upper elevations can be cold depending on the weather.

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Hurricane season in Hawaii runs from June to November, though the Aloha State sees the most hurricanes in July, August, and September. Kara McGinley. As a journalist and as an insurance expert, her work and insights have been featured in Forbes Advisor, Kiplinger, Lifehacker, MSN, WRAL.com, and elsewhere.

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Hawaii's rainy season lasts from October to March, with Hawaii's rainiest month being December.

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Over the years, Hawaii has received some memorable snowstorms and record-breaking amounts of powder. In 1938, mount Haleakala's snowfall was over six inches at the peak. Recently, in 2021, Hawaii's three highest mountains (Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, and Haleakala were all covered in a substantial amount of snow.

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DON'T: Don't enter the water if you have any open wounds or are bleeding in any way, including females on their monthly period. Sharks can detect blood and body fluids in extremely small concentrations. Don't enter the water if it is murky, cloudy, polluted from run-off or has poor visibility for any reason.

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