What is the water temperature in Hawaii for snorkeling?

But not all warm water is created equal. With temperatures that summer between 75 and 80 degrees all year, Maui is by far the most reliable place in the U.S. to dive, dunk, swim, and snorkel in comfort.



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May to September, where you'll find perfect conditions in snorkeling sites all over the islands. Protip: If you want to see Humpback Whale migrations while snorkeling in Hawaii, try to plan your trip between November and May (the best months are January and February).

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The seasonal range of sea surface temperatures near Hawaii is only about 6 degrees, from a low of 73 or 74 degrees between late February and March to a high near 80 degrees in late September or early October. The variation from night to day is one or two degrees.

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While the water temperature in Kona Hawaii is typically much warmer than waters off of the Mainland United States some people still get cold while snorkeling on the Big Island. and some may be surprised or even shocked by the temperature when they first get in. As you get closer to the equator the water gets warmer.

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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.

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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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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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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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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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They are the white reef tip, black reef tip, sandbar and scalloped hammerhead shark. My wife, who has snorkeled several times a week since moving here in 2013, has seen approximately 10 sharks in total, all of the reef tip variety. She has seen them in Lanikai in Kailua and right off the shelf at Ala Moana Beach Park.

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What to Bring With You When Snorkeling in Hawaii
  • Bathing suit. You're going to be swimming in the ocean. ...
  • Change of clothes. You won't want to walk around in a soaking wet suit after you're done having fun in the water. ...
  • Towel. ...
  • Swim shoes. ...
  • Reef safe sunscreen or rashguard. ...
  • Waterproof camera. ...
  • Snorkel gear. ...
  • Kauai Sea Tours.


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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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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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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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The sediment in Hawaii's oceans is made up of volcanic rock, coral, and shells which are heavy and not easily stirred up. The sediment quickly settles on the ocean floor, keeping the water clear.

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Choppy waters are not ideal for snorkeling, especially; if you're not a proficient swimmer. Wavy waters will bounce you around, and you'll experience diminished underwater visibility because of increased moving debris and sand. Waves also influence the ease and safety of getting in and out of the waters.

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Don't Touch Coral While Snorkeling
Whenever someone touches the corals with their hands, they unintentionally disrupt the protective mucous layer that contains its microbiome, similar to the one we have in our gut. Inflicting damage or removing the coral's mucous layer can severely hamper its health and well-being.

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The major risk for snorkelers is drowning, which can occur due to sudden cardiac arrest, immersion pulmonary edema, hypoxic blackout, water inhalation, being struck by a watercraft, strong water movement from tides or currents, and other mishaps.

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