Is it too cold to swim in Maui in December?

Maui—A Winter Wonderland While Florida's ocean temperatures drop as much as 25 degrees from August to January, Maui stays within 5 degrees of its highs year-round! That means that during the holidays, Maui visitors swim in ocean waters that average a comfortable 75 degrees.



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During the cooler months of December-May the average ocean temperatures range from 74-76 degrees F. If you think you may be chilly while snorkeling, we recommend wearing a neoprene a wet suit top while and you will be nice and warm.

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Airline tickets to Maui in January are at the lowest prices all year. Another good reason to go to Maui in January is the smaller crowds. January sees 8% fewer visitors than the yearly average. But, January is the wettest month of the year and temperatures are cooler, with an average high of 79 degrees.

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Water Temperatures in Maui In June and July, when temperatures are at their highest, the water is generally about 78°F/25°C, making it perfect or Molokini snorkeling. In August and September, when temperatures may slide back a few degrees, the water has gotten really warm and may be 80°F/26.6°C.

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The best time to visit Maui is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and fall (September to November). These months offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer and winter seasons, allowing you to explore the island without feeling overwhelmed.

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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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Swimming in the winter in Hawaii isn't just possible—it's practically required. Okay, not really, but it is a favorite pastime for local Hawaiians and visitors alike. Thanks to warm daytime temperatures and just as warm ocean waters, winter in Hawaii is the same dream vacation as summer in Hawaii.

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If you go to the higher elevations on Maui and the Big Island, be prepared for cold temperatures. Temperatures above 10,000 feet will only reach the 40s to near 50 during the day and drop into the 20s at night. At elevations above 12,000 feet it is still possible for snow to occur, even into early May.

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However, in most cases, rain tends to fall at night in Hawaii. If the rain worries you, consider booking your stay on the leeward side of the islands, as they tend to be drier. You can also look at the islands with the least rain in December, which include Big Island and Maui.

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The best times to visit Maui are April through May and September through November. The spring and fall shoulder seasons provide the pleasant weather Hawaii vacationers seek without the high rates and heavy crowds that accompany the summer and winter.

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Second only to the south shore, west Maui has many of the best beaches for swimming, snorkeling, and just about anything else you could want. And the crown jewel among them has to be the three-mile stretch of white shore and shimmering blue water at Ka'anapali Beach.

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