The Best Time To Visit Oahu, Hawaii

My Recommendations: When is the Best Time to Visit Oahu?

Allow me to be straightforward, there is never a poor time to visit Oahu. I believe the cuisine is always great, the Waikiki sunsets are consistently appealing, and the sand is always soft. But Oahu does change with the seasons in all kinds of ways: the fruits in the smoothies, the crowds on Kalakaua Avenue, the festivals and culture, and yes, the deals too.

• The spring (April-June) and fall (September-December, excepting Thanksgiving which sees increased traffic) provide ideal times to find great hotel deals across Oahu alongside bargain airfares as schools are in session reducing hotel occupancy.
• Prime Period for Daylight: The rainy season on Oahu commonly lasts from October to March and indeed, that does envelop the winter peak period. The ideal conditions tend to coincide with the low season so you receive good deals and more sunshine. Some advice: become acquainted with the windward versus the leeward side of the island. The leeward side has a tendency to have more sun than the windward side so if you’re traveling in the rainy season, think about booking your stay on the leeward side. Disney’s Aulani Resort is on the windward side and there’s a Marriott right next door. Honolulu and Waikiki are on the south coast, but they remain drier than the windward side (around Kailua, where there are lots of rental homes) or the North Shore.
• Wintertime, especially November through mid-February, provides ideal conditions for surfing along Hawaii`s North Shore. With swells starting in November and continuing into February, this is a prime time for novice surfers to try out Waikiki Beach, which offers relatively protected waters that make it a suitable spot for learners throughout the year.
• Optimal Times for Fruits and Vegetables: Hawaii’s year-round tropical climate means produce can be grown without seasons. But if you want items harvested at their peak, consider timing. Avocados are during winter – November to February; mangos and papaya – rest of the year, March through November. Sprouts, mushrooms, hearts of palm, and herbs grow year-round. Don’t assume farmer’s markets always sell local – some items come from elsewhere. For certainty on what’s in season, go to farmsdirect.
• Best Time for Spam: Hawaii`s long bond with the pink canned meat signifies its widespread availability at all times: in soups, salads, sandwiches, and musubi (an essential Hawaii snack). But those wanting a full Spam experience should plan for April`s Waikiki Spam Jam. The festival fills Waikiki with music, crafts, and dozens of innovative ways to enjoy Spam. No, you don`t need to like Spam to enjoy the event, but give it a try?
• Best Period for Music Appreciation: It seems various hotel lobbies and shopping centers regularly feature top-notch live music – sometimes you’ll find prominent Hawaiian headliners performing at no-cost bars and casually playing on hotel patios. But during the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards in early May, everyone noteworthy in Hawaiian music is in Honolulu. If you want to rub elbows with slack key and ukulele stars, visit Honolulu during May for the awards season.
• Optimum Time for Snorkeling: Hanauma Bay is a gorgeously picturesque circular bay just south of Waikiki and it merits a day trip to undertake snorkeling in its transparent waters. The season matters less but the time of day makes an enormous difference. There`s restricted parking and if you arrive too late, you simply won`t locate a place to park. (There is public transportation, but it can involve significant travel time.) The real reason to go early is that the waters are calmer and clearer in the morning. The surf tends to increase as the day progresses and while it`s still protected and safe for swimming, the disturbance denotes poor visibility. The park opens at 6 am and indeed, it is really worthwhile to go that early.
• Best Time to be Out and Proud: Oahu is LGBTQIA-friendly and you’ll find no shortage of hotels, tours, parties, and events that make their visitors feel at home, no matter who they love. Hawaii is a land of rainbows, after all. Locals, visitors from the other islands, and travelers from around the world come to Oahu in mid-October for the Honolulu Pride Festival.
• From December to April is the peak time for whale watching as humpback whales come to Hawaii`s warmer waters to give birth and nurse their young. The best viewing occurs in February and March when these majestic creatures are abundant. Head to the north shore for optimal viewing or book yourself on a whale watching cruise for an up-close experience.
• The Prime Period to Embrace the Ukulele: Ukuleles are prominently sold on numerous streets in Waikiki. There are a handful of exceptional ukulele craftsmen on Oahu, such as Ko`Aloha, Kanile`a, and Kamaka, who also provide tours to experience the lovely tone and feel of an instrument made from koa wood. To truly delve into the ukulele community, visit in May for Ukulele Picnic, an event bringing over 5,000 ukulele lovers to Kaka`ako Park. An even larger gathering is the Ukulele Festival in Kapiolani Park in July.
• Best Moment to See Pearl Harbor: Seeing Pearl Harbor can be tricky. Currently, visiting the USS Arizona Memorial isn`t possible, but there is still a 30 minute narrated tour of the harbor and Battleship Row. The site sees more crowds during peak travel periods – summer, winter, and spring breaks – but even in slower times, tickets may sell out early in the day. The optimal time to go is when reservations are made beforehand. The box office opens at 7 am, and though nearly 4,000 visitors are there daily, tickets do go quickly, so show up at the visitor center early just in case tickets need to be purchased there.
• Best Time for Fireworks: It can seem like a party every Friday night, what with the fireworks over Hilton Hawaiian Village. This short 15-minute display has been taking place for over 30 years. However, the grandest shows coincide with times you’d anticipate, New Year’s Eve and July 4th. Book your ocean-facing room in Waikiki early for either of these dates or simply head to the beach with everyone else to watch the event.
• Best Time to Avoid the Crowds: Low season on Oahu is in February, when the holiday festivities have concluded. There’s an unofficial period of returning to regular schedules after New Year activities have ended. This time means fewer visitors, lower hotel occupancies, cheaper flights, and generally better deals overall. Additionally, the weather remains pleasant.
• Prime Period to Devote Time with Sea Turtles: Hawaii’s honu, enormous verdant sea turtles, construct nests in the spring season, and that’s when you’ll most likely perceive most of them. The good news is they inhabit Hawaii’s waters year-round, so your chances of seeing them are always elevated. Offer them plenty of space if they’re having a beach day and don’t touch them when you join them in the water.
• Best Timeframe to Ascend Diamond Head Summit: The conspicuous peak visible from Waikiki acquired its name due to the glittering mineral content within the soil. It’s a well-liked hike owing to its proximity to the metropolitan region, and though brief, it’s steepening stairway (99 steps) proves taxing. The trail remains accessible year-round, every day of the week, but optimum timing for trekking to Diamond Head lies at the initial hours of daybreak. It grows sultry given the trail’s exposure to sunlight. The park`s opening coincides with 6 am; going at first light allows ample opportunity to return downtown thereafter for a generous breakfast. Who wouldn`t enjoy Hawaiian french toast?
• Best Time to Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center: As one of Oahu`s top attractions, the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) welcomes many visitors consistently, especially throughout the winter holidays and summer vacations when tourism peaks. Instead of scheduling around crowd sizes that fluctuate depending on season, prioritize obtaining the finest seats possible for the luau presentation—a true highlight among island luaus. Book the best seats your budget allows to fully enjoy the park before the show.

Oahu weather by month

• January and February Weather Conditions on Oahu: The winter seasons on Oahu can bring some rainfall, however the beneficial part is that most precipitation occurs at night, so it likely will not interfere with daily plans. Daytime high temperatures typically reach around 79°F while nights may drop to 68°F or lower depending on location such as inland zones or the windward side facing northeast tradewinds. It is prudent to pack light rainwear and additional layers for early morning and evening activities, especially for trips to Volcano National Park or summiting Mauna Kea. Overcast skies can prevail during these months but don`t forget your sun protection. Surfing conditions are favorable at this time and importantly, it is peak season for whale watching. The whales will be present regardless of any rain so visitors should not let precipitation deter outdoor enjoyment. (Average Maximum Temperature: 79°F. Average Precipitation: 2.3 inches.)
• March and April Weather in Oahu: The trade winds pick up in March, sweeping away clouds. By April, rainfall has decreased significantly. Oahu’s leeward side – like Waikiki – is sunny and warm, typically reaching 79°F. Evenings may require an extra layer as lows rarely drop below 70°F, though winds can intensify the chill. (Average High: 79°F, Average Precipitation: 1.5 inches.)
• Oahu in May: Summer commences in May on Oahu and temperatures can reach 81°F. Skies are frequently clear, with the winds propelling the clouds right out to sea. Nights are warm, hitting 72°F at this time of year, though evenings can feel a little cooler when staying on the windward side, e.g. Turtle Bay, Kailua. Swimming is comfortable, with the ocean hitting 77°F, though it might feel even warmer in the shallows. (Average Max Temperature: 81°F, Average Precipitation 0.7 inches.)
• Oahu Weather in June and July: Peak travel time to Oahu is summer, with summer vacation fully underway. The weather is also good, dry and warm, with trade winds easing the heat`s intensity. Temperatures can climb quite high, maxing out around 82°F on average. Nights remain fairly sultry too, staying as elevated as 75°F typically. (Average Max Temperature: 82°F, Average Precipitation 0.8 inches.)
• August and September Weather in Oahu: These two months represent the hottest period of the year on the island, with average temperatures reaching 84°F, and the sea also acquiring warmth nearing the same measure, at 81°F. High temperatures often linger well into September too. Humidity levels at this time of year can prove bothersome; pack earplugs in the event noise from an air conditioner disrupts sleep. Nights retain warmth, dipping to a still balmy 75°F after dusk. It’s hurricane season, which generally does not impact travel, but stay aware of forecasts especially on days involving transportation. (Average Maximum Temperature: 87°F, Standard Precipitation 1.2 inches.)
• Weather in Oahu during October and November: The Thanksgiving travel period can be busy but most of October and November are considered the transitional season with fewer visitors. The island slowly transitions to winter, with temperatures gradually decreasing yet still potentially reaching 84°F on the leeward coastal region. Evenings start becoming cooler yet remain very mild, rarely dipping below 75°F. Some rainy days are possible but are worth enduring for rainbow sightings; minor precipitation should not deter travel plans. (Average High: 84°F, Average Rainfall: 1.3 inches.)
• Oahu Weather in December: The nights grow cooler in December on Oahu, with temperatures sometimes reaching a low of 68°F after dark. The trade winds also lessen during this time, allowing clouds to linger more in the sky though humidity levels become far more comfortable than in late summer and early fall. Be prepared for rain and dress appropriately in extra layers, as rainfall averages around 2.8 inches for the month. Mornings and evenings outdoors may require rainfall gear or additional clothing when enjoying sunset drinks. (Average High Temperature: 79°F)

Oahu Events and Festivals

Oahu Year-Round

• Monthly festivities at a Hawaii art institution: On the first Friday of each month, the Hawaii State Art Museum is open later and there’s live music and no cost of entrance. It’s an enjoyable event.
• Eating the Street: The final Friday of each month, Kaka’ako transforms into an epic roadside cuisine scene. Amazing meals, great festive atmosphere, and lots of fun.
• Outrigger Sunday Showcase: The finest Hawaiian performers offer entertainment free each Sunday evening outside Waikiki Beach Walk.

Oahu in January

• New Year’s Day: As it`s a public holiday, finalize banking and shopping on the 31st before establishments close for the New Year celebrations.
• The Sony Open tournament: One of the premier PGA Tour golfing events at the start of the season that includes many top professional players.
• New Year’s Ohana Festival: The Japanese cultural festival invites all to experience a traditional mocha pounding ceremony. Entertainment, kids activities, and cultural demonstrations throughout the day.

Oahu in February

• POW! WOW! Hawaii: During Valentine`s Day week over 100 international and local street artists convene in the Kaka`ako district of Honolulu to collaboratively produce murals and other art forms.
• Honolulu Night Market: Food trucks, local bands, art events – a glimpse into the trendiest things occurring in Honolulu presently.

Oahu in April

• Waikiki Spam Jam: An event focused on the canned meat known as Spam which is closely associated with Hawaii. The festival fully embraces the state`s love for the product through activities like a carving competition for Spam sculptures and creative dishes using Spam alongside entertainment and lighter moments.

Oahu in May

• Ammoudi Bay: Best known for its freshly caught seafood restaurants, Ammoudi is the rocky port of Oia; boats sail to Thirassia and cruise the caldera from here. It’s an incredibly popular spot for daring cliff jumps, and is one of the finest places to swim on the island.
• Brisbane Bicycle Celebration (around 3 weeks in March/April) – draws professionals and enthusiasts for an assortment of occasions at indoor and open-air venues across Brisbane. All ability levels and ages are welcome.

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• Shinnyo Latern Floating: Thousands come together to honor their forefathers in this beautiful sunset ceremony. For a small donation, you can add your family names to a paper lantern. This is a gorgeous, touching occasion, and even though it’s very busy, it’s worth the masses for the experience.

Oahu in June

• Mango Jam Honolulu: Experience “A Taste of Island Culture” at this complimentary event where there`s a barbecue cooking competition, a mango recipe contest, live performances, plenty of mango products, a beer garden and cocktails for adults, and enjoyable activities for children.
• The King Kamehameha Floral Parade: Brightly decorated floats and traditional horseback riders representing the Hawaiian royal court in their costumes. The riders’ outfits are the highlight of the parade.
• Summer musical performances at a Waikiki wildlife facility: Go to the aquarium and enjoy live music played on the back lawn. Shows run June–August.

Oahu in July

• Ukulele Festival: Travel to the bandstand in Kapiolani Park for a full day of musical performances featuring ukuleles. Includes an orchestra of nearly 800 ukulele students playing together.
• July 4, Independence Day: Head to Ala Moana Beach Park to see one of the best firework displays in the nation. There’s live music; the fireworks show begins at about 8:30 pm.
• Prince Lot Hula Festival: Watch competition-level hula on the grounds of ‘Iolani Palace in Honolulu.

Oahu in August

• Rom Dance Festival (late July) – at Fanla Village on Ambrym Island, with 2 days of relentless dancing, music and magic.
• Made in Hawaii Festival: Peak shopping experience for those seeking Hawaiian made products, with a strong focus on food. A great place to find island-made souvenirs, gifts, and fashion.

Oahu in September

• Moanikeala Hula & Ukulele Festival: Weeklong festival held at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Visitors can attend workshops focused on hula, ukulele, lei making, and other local favorites.

Oahu in October

• The Dubai Jazz Festival held at Dubai Media City in late February includes all genres of Jazz, such as funk, rock, contemporary, blues, modern and fusion)

Oahu in November

• The prestigious Vans Triple Crown Surf Championships: This elite surfing competition held at Sunset Beach brings together top athletes from around the globe seeking waves of glory and recognition. Merely watching the thrilling action unfold is truly mesmerizing.
• Festa Makahiki: La stagione Makahiki è un periodo molto importante nella cultura nativa hawaiiana, una sorta di Capodanno Hawaiano. Impara i giochi tradizionali hawaiani e guarda gli sport polinesiani. Musica, canzoni e danze.
• Waikiki Holiday Parade: Commemorating Pearl Harbor’s survivors, this pre-Thanksgiving parade fills the roads of Waikiki with marching bands, dance troupes, military units, and additional participants.

Oahu in December

• The Eddie: Famous surf competition held at Waimea Bay during periods of enormous ocean waves. The Eddie takes place from December 1st to February 28th, which corresponds with the peak surfing season.
• Ra’iatea Gliss Festival (date varies, usually early September) – Ra’iatea Island becomes vibrant with shows and water sports.
• New Year’s Eve Fireworks: Midnight fireworks illuminate Waikiki Beach above the waters. Vistas with an ocean perspective (maybe hotel rooftop bars too) will observe them. Likewise at the Hilton Hawaiian Village whilst a colorful explosion transpires over Turtle Bay, Ko’Olina Cove, and Kahala Beach too.