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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Hawaii Weather in DecemberA typical December day in Hawaii sees temperatures sitting in the low 80s. December is one of the best times to see poinsettias in their natural habitat. The evenings can get a little chilly, and it is not uncommon to see the temperatures dip into the upper 60s.
The perfect year-round escape, Hawaii in winter boasts mild temperatures that rarely drop below 75°F and water plenty warm enough to swim, surf, or play in.
Some months bring more tourists and visitors to Hawaii than others. If you're planning a January visit to Hawaii, you may be wondering how busy the state will be during your trip. Compared to late December, when many visitors flock to Hawaii to celebrate the holidays, January is slightly less crowded.
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.
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.
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.
Shorts and t-shirt, mostly.Certainly nothing more than chinos/capris and a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt/top. 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.
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.
With excellent December weather and classic holiday season markers like Christmas trees and lights, along with fun events celebrating Hawaiian Christmas traditions, it's one of the most unique times to visit the Hawaiian Islands.
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.
The Big IslandEarly 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.
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.
So overall, compared to those warm water areas of the U.S. Gulf and Florida, Hawaiian waters are warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. As a general rule, Hawaiian waters average 77 degrees in the wintertime to 82 degrees in the summertime.
As a general rule, Hawaiian waters average 77 degrees in the wintertime to 82 degrees in the summertime. Now, compared to the U.S. West Coast, Hawaiian waters are definitely much warmer (10-20 degrees warmer) than the waters off Southern California. No comparison really for the U.S. West Coast.