Maui’s weather is perfect throughout the year with summer and winter temperatures not varying by more than a few degrees (in the coast areas). With warm temperatures and year-round sun, you can always find a sunny beach escape. As a result of Hawaii’s close proximity to the equator, the daylight hours don’t vary much either with sunrise and sunset hours shifting slightly throughout the year.
If you do spend time Upcountry, you will notice the weather patterns shift in those areas the most due to its elevation on Mount Haleakala. With temperatures in Kula reaching below 50 degrees at some of its higher elevations, make sure you come prepared.
With such slight variations in the weather, deciding when to travel to Maui will usually boil down to the best time for particular activities. Here’s what to expect from Maui month by month.
Best time for whale watching: December–March
Just like our yearly winter snowbird arrivals, the humpback whales arrive in the islands to give birth to their calves and raise their young in Maui’s warm waters. Although the number may vary from year to year, scientists estimate that as many as 12,000 humpback whales migrate from their feeding grounds off Alaska to breed, calve and nurse their young in Hawaiʻi’s warm waters. While some whales have already arrived, the majority will be in Hawaiʻi between January and March.
Best time for enjoying the beach: June–August
Summer on the Valley Isle is typically the island’s busiest with it obviously being the best time to maximize outdoor activities as the sun rises close to 6am and sets at just about 7pm. Daytime highs will regular reach 87°F or higher, while nightly lows will drop to the mid 70°F range.
While Maui doesn’t see a big change over the seasons, Maui’s oceans see dramatic changes and visitors should definitely look into it more when planning their outdoor activities. South Maui beaches, in particular, Big Beach will see their big summer swells; while the North Shore is biggest in the winter.
Another thing to keep in mind is watching the sunrise at Haleakala. If you go in the summer, you will need to leave an extra 1-1.5 hours earlier than if you visited in the winter; however, frigid winter temperatures on the summit of Haleakala will be 15-20°F colder, possibly higher when factoring in windchill.
Best time for lower prices and avoiding crowds: April–May and September–November
My personal recommendation to visit Maui would be during the low seasons of April, May, September, and November. Not only will accommodations most likely be at a valley, but the island will be noticeably less crowded and give you more time to do activities rather than spend time waiting at restaurants or fighting the crowds at Maui’s most popular attractions.
Contact South Maui Real Estate and Lifestyle Specialist
Ho’olei villas, we are also currently the in house “Sayles” team at Ho’olei Grand Wailea
Please interview me to be your trusted Maui Real Estate and Lifestyle Advisor. I was born in South Maui and raised on the island, and spend a considerable amount of time to inform my clients about the best deals currently on the market. Please do not hesitate to call me for your Maui real estate needs. I am more than happy to assist you in your home search.
Aloha,
Anthony Sayles R(S)
808-280-6532