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Can you swim in the ocean in Hawaii year round?

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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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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Best Time for Snorkeling and Swimming: Great swimming and snorkeling are possible year-round in Hawaii, but during summer months (May through September) water is warmer, waves are smaller, and skies are sunnier, making conditions ideal for these water-based activities.

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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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According to data from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Association (NOAA), the warmest water off Honolulu can be found from July to September—averaging 80 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit. However, Honolulu water temperatures drop to only 76 degrees in January, according to NOAA.

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Whether you want to get some extra Vitamin D or surf with the locals, these are the best Hawaiian beaches to keep you warm during the winter.
  • Waimea Bay, Oahu. ...
  • Yokohama Bay, Oahu. ...
  • Kalapaki Beach, Kauai. ...
  • Kehana Beach, Big Island. ...
  • Ho'okipa Beach Park, Maui. ...
  • Lanikai Beach, Oahu. ...
  • Punaluu Beach, Big Island.


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The Big Island Early in the year you might see migrating humpback whales offshore, and all year long the water is perfect for swimming, bodyboarding, and snorkeling, though as is true on most Hawaiian beaches, the surf will tend to be higher in the winter months and far gentler in summer.

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The cheapest time to fly to Hawaii is during February and March. The most expensive month to fly is December when the holiday period falls, with January being very expensive as well. The peak travel months of June and July are surprisingly not the most expensive months for flights, with middle figure prices.

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In Miami Beach, water temps average as low as 71°F and as high as 86°F. In comparison to Hawaii, Miami's water temperatures dip lower than Hawaii's in the winter, but are a bit warmer in the summer. For a look at other coastal temperatures, see this link to the NOAA data.

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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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The sediment in Hawaii's oceans is made up of volcanic rock, coral, and shells which are heavy and not easily stirred up. The sediment quickly settles on the ocean floor, keeping the water clear.

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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).

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April thru June and mid-August thru mid-September are Hawaii's low seasons, and airfares are lower then. No matter what time of year you travel, you may be able to score better deals if you travel midweek.

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While many vacations are five to seven days long, we recommend staying for at least 10 days to enjoy your Hawaiian vacation. The time change is difficult to adjust to at first and takes about 3 days to get fully acclimated. So, allowing a couple days to get over the jet lag is important.

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If it's your first time in Hawaii, your ideal island will depend on your travel style and to-do list. For most travelers visiting Hawaii for the first time, the Big Island of Hawaii should be the winner because it offers the most diverse experiences.

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The wettest months are from November to March, but winter rains do not generally disrupt vacation plans, since the weather is very localized. This means that if it is raining where you are, there is almost always a sunny spot to be found around the coast.

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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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