Is it warm enough to swim in Hawaii in the winter?
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.
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Water TemperaturesPacific 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Hawaii Weather in January is PleasantIf you're interested in surfing, swimming, hiking, or taking a helicopter tour on your trip, you'll be happy to know that January offers ideal weather conditions for each of these activities.
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.
It is also a wonderful time of year, with towns, major shopping areas, hotels, and homes decorated to mark the festive season. You can experience a Hawaiian Christmas with exciting luaus, sumptuous Christmas feasts, and even a Christmas Eve cruise on one of the islands' many dinner cruises.
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.
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.
It is not necessarily accurate to say that all Native Hawaiians & locals dislike tourists. Many Native Hawaiians work in the tourism industry & rely on it for their livelihoods. But, more commonly, people find that there are less and less Native Hawaiians willing to work in the tourism and hospitality industry.
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.
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.
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.