Anytime is a good time, Maui. to visit

Maui weather is idyllic all year round, so there really isn’t a bad time. Summer and winter temperatures vary only a few degrees, so Hawaii‘s Valley Isle always offers a seductively warm beach vacation.

In the resorts in South Maui (Wailea / Kihei) and West Maui (Lahaina / Kaanapali) you can expect the warmest temperatures in July and August. January and February are only a few degrees cooler; The winter months have more rain, but also better surfing conditions and great whale watching opportunities.

Because Maui is relatively close to the equator, there are relatively little differences in daylight hours over the course of the year. The sunset ceremonies at the resort begin between 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm with the blowing of a shell (pu in Hawaiian) followed by traditional chanting and the lighting of tiki torches.

With such slight weather fluctuations, deciding when to go to Maui will usually boil down to the best time for certain activities. Here’s what to expect from Maui month after month.

Editor’s note: There are travel restrictions during COVID-19 and opening times may vary. Before planning a trip, find out the latest guidelines and always follow local health warnings. Events can change.

Understandably, Maui is a busy place during the holiday season and New Years Eve, when winter is at its worst in many parts of the world. It rains more than summer, but it’s still warm, and for those looking to escape the cold, snowy weather at home, winter coincides with the high season for whale watching and surfing.

Between November and March, 10,000-15,000 humpback whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii to mate, give birth, and care for their newborn calves. Their favorite gathering place is in the shallow waters of the Auau Canal southwest of Maui, which makes for easy encounters with whales.

“My favorite weeks are the last week of December and the first week of January,” says Daniel Sullivan, a professional photographer who leads whale photography tours in a Zodiac boat. “Literally there are whales everywhere. Once I encountered 54 violations in a row. It was just amazing. “

Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers straight to your inbox with our weekly newsletter.

The Valley Isle is very busy even in summer. At the height of the summer season, daily highs fluctuate around 87 ° F and drop to 73 ° F overnight. When the sun is abundant, sunbathers flock to the beaches and snorkelers flock to watch the colorful fish and green sea turtles that congregate near the coral reefs just a few feet from the beach.

Summer is when the water is clearest, so this is the best time to go diving. Key considerations when choosing a time to go out into the sea include cloud cover, which reduces visibility underwater, and wind, which can also affect clarity.

Visitors making the journey inland to Haleakalā National Park should expect very different weather conditions. On days when beach weather is at sea level, it can get up to 30 ° C on the 3,000 m high summit of the volcano, a prime place to watch the sunrise.

When climbing the volcano, dress appropriately; As an indicator, it is to be expected that the temperature will decrease by several degrees for every 300 m (300 m) increase in altitude. The National Weather Service offers one Online forecast for the summit (see section “Detailed Forecast”) or you can check the live conditions on the Crater camera, although the weather can change dramatically during the drive from the sea to the summit.

In spring and autumn the number of visitors declines slightly. Maui hoteliers don’t really recognize seasonal differences like anywhere else in the world, as visitor numbers remain relatively high regardless of the month, but the off-season means quieter beaches, shorter queues at popular restaurants, and sometimes lower room rates. The weather is still warm and it rains less than in winter.

While January is statistically a “rainy” month, umbrellas are rarely needed. On average, rain falls on only six days a month. the Champions Sentry Tournament, a stop on the PGA Tour, is coming to Kapalua.
Key events: Sentry Tournament of Champions, Chinese New Year

Usually the coolest month of the year. The maximum daily temperatures average 27 ° C, while the minimum overnight temperatures are still a pleasant 18 ° C. With varied activities, the Maui Whale Festival tries to celebrate and protect the humpback whales here this winter.
Key events: Maui Whale Festival

The mild weather continues as the high winter season draws to a close.
Key events: Lahaina Whale & Ocean Arts Festival

The rain subsides as the month progresses. Leave the big resorts behind and head across the island to tiny Hana for the East Maui Taro Festival, or watch local Hawaiians share their traditions Celebration of the arts, takes place annually in Ritz Carlton Resort.
Key events: Eat Maui Taro Festival, Celebration of the Arts, Banyan Tree Birthday Party

In the run-up to the summer high season, temperatures rise slightly. Hawaii celebrates Lei Day on May 1st with the making and giving gifts lei (Flower garlands) in honor of the spirit of aloha – the Hawaiian concept of community. This state holiday draws locals and visitors alike to travel destinations across Maui.
Key events: Lei Day, Maui Brewers Festival

June is warm, dry, and sunny and this is a busy time for events. Outrigger canoes brought the first Polynesians to Hawaii, so it is fitting that these ships are in the spotlight during the Waa Kiakahi Canoe Festival on the beach Kaanapali Beach Hotel.
Key events: Waa Kiakahi Canoe Festival, King Kamehameha Day Parade & Celebration, Maui Film Festival, Kapalua Wine & Food Festival, Ki Ho’alu Slack Key Guitar Festival

The hot, dry weather continues during this busy time for tourism. Indulge in an abundance of fresh, locally grown fruits during the Maui Fruit Festival and learn more about why they are so nutritious.
Key events: Maui Fruit Festival, Lana’i Pineapple Festival

The warm weather continues. Pack some mints and head to the Maui Onion Festival at Whalers Village to try some creative dishes made with these island-raised vegetables.
Key events: Maui Onion Festival

Yes, they have county fairs in Hawaii. Health concerns allow that Maui County Fair in Kahului attracts a lot. The weather is warm and dry, but as schools reopen, tourist numbers are starting to decline.
Key events: Maui County Fair

Temperatures drop slightly from their highest summer highs and prices drop slightly as autumn approaches. The most important gourmet celebration in the state, the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival connects several islands including Maui.
Key events: Hawaii Food & Wine Festival, Halloween celebrations in Lahaina.

The rains are increasing, but the surfing season is starting and whales begin their migration to Maui. It’s a quieter time for tourism, but you can watch local children do their hula dance moves at Hula O Na Keiki, a hula competition for children.
Key events: Hula O Na Keiki

It is raining more, but temperatures are still hovering around 21 ° F and it is a good time to go whale watching. Celebrate the season with the lighting of Lahaina’s giant banyan tree, Santa Claus greeting the kids in a Hawaiian shirt, and Christmas shopping. Consider driving inland to the cowboy town of Makawao for festive boutiques.
Key events: Christmas, Nā Mele O Maui