What is the best month to cruise to Hawaii?

The weather in Hawaii is generally at its most pleasant in April, May, September and October, but if you prefer it hot and dry, the best time to cruise Hawaii is from June to August. The best times to see whales are the winter months (January through March), but you'll likely experience some rain.



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Low or Shoulder Season September through mid-December and mid-April through mid-June is the off-season or shoulder season for Hawaiian cruises. If you are looking for an affordable Hawaiian cruise vacation, shoulder season is a wonderful time to sail to Hawaii.

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Rough Waters: The typhoon season in the northwest Pacific Ocean is mainly from July to November with a peak in late August/early September -- although storms can occur year-round. Encounter a storm in the South China Sea or other Asian waters, and you could find an unpleasant ride, not to mention some skipped ports.

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Most people travel during the summer months (June through August), making those voyages pricier, but you'll find deals on spring and fall departures (April through early June and September through November, respectively).

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Hurricane Season Storms in August and October have a moderate risk of developing into hurricanes while September has the highest risk of all. For these reasons, September is the worst month of the year to take a cruise.

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To save some money on a Caribbean cruise, it is best to sail in off peak times such as January, May, and early fall. With kids back in school, there is less demand for cruising during these periods.

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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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If all you want to do is go have a family resort vacation (and there's nothing at all wrong with that), the Caribbean might have the edge as a family-friendly destination. If you want to get out there to explore and experience a wide range of natural wonders — Hawaii probably takes the pineapple-flavored cake.

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Taking a cruise is far cheaper overall than flying into the islands and booking a hotel stay. Not only do you get the already paid for food from the cruise ship, but you also get to see all the islands. If you do not mind spending longer at sea than on land, maybe a cruise is a better option.

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Generally, the best time to visit Hawaii for the most ideal overall weather, lowest statewide rates, and the fewest visitors on-island is April and May during the spring and September and October during the fall. Some refer to these times as Hawaii's 'off-season period' or 'shoulder months.

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Depending on your cruise itinerary, you will probably visit 3 or 4 islands, possibly even some overnight stops. This does mean that your cruise will stop at an island virtually every day. So, be prepared for some long days and nights, if you want to do and see everything on your bucket list.

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Maui has some of the best beaches in Hawaii and is a whale-watching hotspot. Maui is the place to be if you are interested in whale-watching tours. The island's surrounding waters contain the world's densest humpback whale population. Each year sees over 10,000 whales migrate to the island's waters.

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Additionally, August and September are Hawaii's warmest months, with August being the hottest month overall. You can expect the average high temperature to reach around 87 degrees daily, while the average low temperature tends to stay around 76 degrees in August.

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Cruise prices are usually the cheapest furthest from the sailing date when first launched or 60-90 days before the cruise sets sail. The prices of some cruises will decrease last minute – but this doesn't always happen. Booking a cruise within the last 60/90 days may not always be the best way to get a bargain.

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What's the ideal cruise length for a first-timer? A week or so is the sweet spot for most first-time cruisers, which will offer three to six ports. Three-day sampler itineraries won't allow you to explore more than one or two destinations, and you can't decompress as thoroughly, either.

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Cruise lines often discount their prices a month or two before sailing to fill vacant cabins. However, it's worth noting that a last-minute cruise doesn't always offer the most savings to travelers. Those who plan far ahead may be able to save even more.

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