Is January a good month to visit Hawaii?
If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii and want to avoid the holiday crowds, consider going in January. In many ways, January can be an ideal month for a tropical vacation due to Hawaii’s pleasant year-round weather conditions. Discover why January could be a worthwhile time to visit the Aloha State!
Hawaii Weather in January
Hawaii is blessed with warm weather year-round, and January is no exception even though it is technically winter season. A huge reason people visit Hawaii is to take advantage of the myriad of outdoor activities available all year. If you have your heart set on surfing, snorkeling, hiking, or boat/helicopter tours, the good news is that the weather conditions in January are ideal for all of these activities.
In January, the average high temperature is 79 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, dipping to a low of about 65 degrees. The temperatures of individual Hawaiian islands can vary depending on where you are and what you are doing. For example, the island of Kauai tends to have average low temperatures in the 60s and 70s, while temperatures can dip to the 30s and 40s at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or the Mauna Loa Observatory on the Big Island.
Rainfall
December is typically the rainiest month during Hawaii’s rainy season which lasts from October to March. If you visit in January, you can expect a few rain showers during your trip, but not to worry — the rain will often clear up in 10 to 15 minutes, allowing you to enjoy the sunshine again. Given its location in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, there is always the chance of rain no matter which island you visit, so be sure to be prepared with light rain gear.
If you want to avoid the rain as much as possible, the Big Island or the dry leeward (west) side of Oahu are your best bets for sunny weather.
Ocean Temperatures
In January, ocean temperatures around the islands are around 72 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit, slightly cooler than the ambient temperatures outside. The waves are bigger in the winter months, especially along each island’s north and west shores. For instance, the beaches of the North Shore of Oahu are famous for giant waves and daring surfers in winter. If you are not an experienced surfer or prefer calmer waves because you are traveling with children, we recommend sticking to the southern shores.
Hawaii Crowds in January
Compared to the crowded summer months and holidays, January brings far fewer tourists and visitors to Hawaii. Particularly by Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and the second half of the month, the busiest locations begin to slow down and it is far easier to make reservations for events and restaurants. Another reason that January is not as crowded in Hawaii is the milder and cooler weather.
Hawaii Airfare and Hotels in January
By the time you would fly to Hawaii for a January vacation, the holiday travelers have cleared out and gone back to work or school. That means the cost of plane tickets and hotels becomes more affordable compared to peak travel time. With the money you could save on airfare and accommodations, especially for the whole family, splurging on more costly or unique experiences or visiting a second island becomes a real possibility. Some hotels give big discounts in order to attract visitors during the slower months.
Events & Highlights in January
Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, is celebrated with fireworks celebrations in Oahu, ranging from the fireworks at the Hilton Hawaiian Waikiki Beach Resort to celebrations at Pearl Harbor and the North Shore.
The Eddie Big Wave Invitational
The annual “Surfing Superbowl” is held at Waimea Bay, Oahu every winter. Eddie Aikau was a legendary surfer and lifeguard who is remembered for his bravery and compassion, summed up by the motto, “Eddie Would Go.” The events are subject to wind conditions, but the waves can reach up to 30 feet during the biggest surfing event in the world.
Ko’olina Artfest
Enjoy slack-key guitar and ukelele music as you browse local art on display and sale. Located at Lagoon 3 of the beautiful Ko’olina resort district, there will be around 40 local artists displaying their work. Shop for the perfect unique gift to remember your Hawaiian vacation.
Hula Bowl
Sports enthusiasts will enjoy the Hula Bowl, an annual football game that showcases the talents of college football players. The game’s festive atmosphere and entertaining performances make it a popular event among locals and visitors alike.