Best Times to Visit Maui

The weather is idyllic year-round on Maui, making it a perfect travel destination at any time. Summer and winter temperatures vary only slightly, providing an inviting beachfront escape throughout the year.

In the resorts clustered in South Maui (Wailea/Kihei) and West Maui (Lahaina/Kaanapali), you can expect warmest temperatures during July and August. January and February experience cooler temperatures, but these months also bring more rain—which is beneficial for surfing and whale-watching opportunities.

Due to Maui’s proximity to the equator, there is little variation in daylight hours throughout the year. Sunset ceremonies at resorts begin between 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM, traditionally marked by the blowing of a conch shell (pu in Hawaiian), followed by a chant and lighting of tiki torches.

Given the minimal changes in weather patterns, choosing when to travel to Maui often depends on preferred activities. Here’s a month-by-month breakdown of what to expect in Maui.

Best Time for Whale Watching: December–March

Maui draws many visitors during the holiday season, especially around New Year’s, as people escape winter’s chill elsewhere. Although more rain falls during this time compared to summer, the warm temperatures make it an attractive period for whale-watching and surfing.

Between November and March, you can spot 10,000-15,000 humpback whales migrating from Alaska to Hawaii for mating and caring for their calves. They favor the Auau Channel southwest of Maui, where encounters are frequent.

“My favorite two 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’s whales breaching everywhere. One time, I encountered 54 breaches in a row. It was just amazing.”

Best Time for Scuba Diving and Beach Relaxation: June–August

Summer is another busy time in Maui. During this season, daytime highs hover around 87°F, with pleasant nighttime lows around 73°F. Visitors flock to the beaches as snorkeling enthusiasts enjoy the vibrant marine life near the coral reefs.

The water is clearest in the summer, making it the best time for scuba diving. Factors influencing visibility include cloud cover and wind conditions.

Those venturing inland to Haleakalā National Park should prepare for different weather. It can be 30°F cooler at the summit (10,023ft) than at sea level, an ideal spot for witnessing breathtaking sunrises.

Dress appropriately when hiking up the volcano; temperatures typically drop several degrees for every 1,000ft increase in altitude. For up-to-date weather conditions at the summit, check the online forecast or view live conditions on the Crater Cam.

Best Time for Lower Prices and Fewer Crowds: April–May and September–November

During spring and fall, visitor numbers modestly decrease. Although Maui’s hoteliers don’t typically note seasonal variations in visitor counts, this period generally offers quieter beaches and shorter waits at restaurants, along with occasional drops in room rates. The weather remains warm, and rainfall is less frequent than in winter months.

January

While January is statistically a “rainy” month, umbrellas are seldom needed, as rain typically only occurs on about six days. This month also marks the Sentry Tournament of Champions at Kapalua.
Key events: Sentry Tournament of Champions, Chinese New Year

February

This month is typically the coolest, with average daytime highs around 81°F (27°C) and pleasant overnight lows of 65°F (18°C). The Maui Whale Festival, featuring various activities, aims to celebrate and protect the humpback whales wintering here.
Key events: Maui Whale Festival

March

Mild weather continues into March, coinciding with the end of the winter peak season.
Key events: Lahaina Whale & Ocean Arts Festival

April

The rain subsides as the month progresses. Consider venturing to East Maui for the Taro Festival or experiencing the Celebration of the Arts at the Ritz-Carlton resort, where Native Hawaiians showcase their traditions.
Key events: East Maui Taro Festival, Celebration of the Arts, Banyan Tree Birthday Party

May

As summer approaches, temperatures rise slightly. Lei Day on May 1 honors the spirit of aloha with the making and sharing of flower garlands, attracting both locals and visitors across Maui.
Key events: Lei Day, Maui Brewers Festival

June

June is warm, dry, and sunny, perfect for various events. The Waa Kiakahi Canoe Festival celebrates the Polynesian heritage of outrigger canoes at 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

July

July sees continued hot, dry weather, ideal for tourism. Visitors can enjoy delicious, locally-grown fruit at the Maui Fruit Festival.
Key events: Maui Fruit Festival, Lana’i Pineapple Festival

August

The warm weather persists in August. Visitors can explore the Maui Onion Festival at Whalers Village, showcasing creative dishes that feature this local produce.
Key events: Maui Onion Festival

September

In September, the Maui County Fair in Kahului attracts many, provided health conditions permit. The weather is warm and dry, with decreasing tourist numbers as schools reopen.
Key events: Maui County Fair

October

As temperatures begin to dip slightly from summer highs, visitor prices tend to decrease as fall approaches. The Hawaii Food & Wine Festival connects several islands, including Maui.
Key events: Hawaii Food & Wine Festival, Halloween celebrations in Lahaina.

November

While rainfall increases in November, surf season kicks off, and whale watching begins as they migrate to Maui. It’s a quieter time for tourism, but visitors can enjoy local hula competitions at Hula O Na Keiki.
Key events: Hula O Na Keiki

December

December brings more rain, yet temperatures remain around 81°F, making it a wonderful month for whale-watching. Visitors can enjoy holiday festivities, including the lighting of Lahaina’s giant banyan tree, and shopping at festive boutiques in the upcountry town of Makawao.
Key events: Christmas, Nā Mele O Maui