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Climate & Weather in Oahu

Temperature
26–32°C
Snowfall
Not applicable—Oahu does not receive snow.

Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: waikikiresort.com, thehawaiivacationguide.com

Good to Know

  • Oahu's Ko'olau mountains create distinct microclimates: windward (east) side gets more rain and cloud cover; leeward (south/west) side around Honolulu and Waikiki stays drier and sunnier year-round.
  • Even during the November-March 'rainy season,' most rain comes as brief afternoon showers that clear quickly—Oahu remains much drier than most U.S. mainland locations in winter.
  • Hurricane season runs June-November, with peak activity July-September, but direct hits are extremely rare; the last major hurricane was Lane in 2018.
  • Summer (June-August) has school-vacation crowds and peak hotel rates despite being ideal for beach activities. April-May and September-October offer the best balance of warm weather, low rainfall, fewer crowds, and lower prices.
  • Pack reef-safe sunscreen year-round—Hawaii's proximity to the equator creates high UV intensity even on cloudy days.

Peak Season

Months
June-August, December-March
Characteristics
Summer brings hottest temperatures (peak in August at 89°F/32°C (90°F)), driest conditions, and largest crowds. Winter cooler but wetter, especially November-March, though rain is typically brief afternoon showers.

Temperature Range

Max Celsius
32
Min Celsius
26
Max Fahrenheit
89
Min Fahrenheit
78

Best Weather Months

Months
April, May, September, October
Characteristics
Shoulder seasons offer warm, dry weather with minimal rainfall (15–20mm per month), fewer crowds, and lower prices than peak season.

Temperature Range

Max Celsius
29
Min Celsius
26
Max Fahrenheit
85
Min Fahrenheit
78

Worst Weather Months

Months
November-December
Characteristics
Peak of rainy season with most frequent rainfall, though duration is typically brief. December especially crowded due to holiday travel. Leeward areas (Honolulu, Waikiki) stay relatively dry even in winter.

Temperature Range

Max Celsius
27
Min Celsius
26
Max Fahrenheit
80
Min Fahrenheit
78

Rainfall

Dry Season
May-October
Rainy Season
November-March
Annual Pattern
Honolulu/Waikiki areas average 20-40 inches annually. Even during rainy season, showers are typically warm and brief (often clearing within an hour).
Rainy Season Note
Rain concentrates on windward (northeast) side and mountains; leeward (south/west) areas remain drier. North Shore receives significantly more rain (5+ inches in winter) than Honolulu (2-3 inches).

Snowfall

Not applicable—Oahu does not receive snow.

Temperature Year Round

Summer Highs Celsius
32
Winter Highs Celsius
26
Summer Highs Fahrenheit
89
Winter Highs Fahrenheit
78
Ocean Temperature Celsius
24-27
Ocean Temperature Fahrenheit
75-80
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026

These are the sources cited in this climate & weather research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.

  1. 1.waikikiresort.com
  2. 2.thehawaiivacationguide.com
  3. 3.hawaii-guide.com
  4. 4.avantstay.com
  5. 5.hawaii-guide.com
  6. 6.ohayu.com

Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.