Is it ever too cold to swim in Hawaii?

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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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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Hawaii Weather in February 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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During the winter months the water does feel cooler because the air is cooler, however you can comfortably snorkel, snuba and dive year round in Maui. During the cooler months of December-May the average ocean temperatures range from 74-76 degrees F.

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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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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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Water Temperatures Average ocean temperatures throughout Hawaii stay around 75°F during this final winter month, meaning you'll always have pleasant temperatures for swimming, snorkeling, and other fun activities in the water.

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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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It may sound silly since Hawaii is synonymous with warm water surfing but it does get chilly sometimes. You won't need to pack your winter 4/3 full suit by any means but a nice 1 or 2mm wetsuit top will help keep your core warm and allow you to surf longer, especially if the trade winds start to pick up.

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You'll want to bring a light jacket or sweater; evenings can be cool. Rain probably won't be an all-day affair, but the north shore will certainly be cooler, and it gets more rain in winter. South shore should be warm and sunny. For swimming in winter I wear the equivalent of a short-sleeve rash guard.

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From November to April, weather winter Hawaii temperatures typically range from 75 to 80°F, with the rainiest months being March and April. Rainfall is less common on the southern and western coasts of most Hawaiian Islands.

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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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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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Hawaii has semi-tropical weather. Temperatures usually range from 75-90 degrees year round in the daytime, and 70-80 degrees at night. Temperatures in the winter months may be a little cooler, where nighttime temperatures can sometimes fall into the 50's.

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The Pacific Ocean surrounding the islands remains warm enough for swimming all year round. As well, November marks the end of hurricane season in the Pacific. If you are planning to visit the more mountainous regions or volcanoes of Hawaii, you will want to bring a jacket.

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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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