If you are last-minute packing for a trip to Hawaii, you may be wondering about raincoats and jackets. Yes, Hawaii is a tropical paradise, but you don’t want to get caught needing an extra layer and not having one. Should you bring a raincoat or jacket to Hawaii?
Yes, during most months packing a raincoat or jacket is usually appropriate for a trip to Hawaii. During the summer months of June, July and August, you likely will not need to worry about it.
It is also important to understand that weather can change quickly in Hawaii, especially depending on what part of what island you are on. October through March are the wettest months on average in Hawaii, and November through May are on average the coolest.
In this article we will discuss the average temperature and rainfall totals for Hawaii by month, as well as cover certain scenarios where you will most definitely want to pack a raincoat or jacket.
Average Temperature (F) in Hawaii by Month
When you are traveling to Hawaii, you can count on warm temperatures. With the lowest monthly average still reaching over 70 degrees Fahrenheit and the highest monthly average sitting at a comfortable 81 degrees Fahrenheit, Hawaii is a paradise for those who love sunshine and warmth but want to avoid scorching temperatures.
Although there is the occasional cool day, tropical storm, or weather variation depending on which island you are visiting, the following presents you with an overarching picture of the temperature on Hawaii by month. Even though the differences from month to month may seem low, it is still worth considering what temperature you prefer when deciding when to plan your vacation.
- January: 73
- February: 73
- March: 75
- April: 75
- May: 77
- June: 79
- July: 79
- August: 81
- September: 81
- October: 81
- November: 77
- December: 75
Annual Inches of Precipitation by Month in Hawaii
Unlike the average temperature, there is quite a bit of variety in the amount of rain that Hawaii sees each month. Although the amount of monthly rainy days only ranges from 11 to 15, the amount of rain is separated by 2.95 inches, which is quite a lot.
Rainfall may be an important factor when you are planning your next Hawaiian getaway, but remember that although 3.23 inches is a lot more than 0.28 inches, it is still much lower per month than many other destinations. Also, as with temperature, it is important to remember that each island can differ significantly, with some spots on certain islands accumulating much more rain than others.
Here are the average precipitation totals (in inches) for Hawaii by month:
- January: 2.32
- February: 2.01
- March: 2.01
- April: 0.63
- May: 0.63
- June: 0.28
- July: 0.51
- August: 0.55
- September: 0.71
- October: 1.85
- November: 2.4
- December: 3.23
When Should You Pack a Jacket for Hawaii?
As with any vacation, it is usually best to prepare for any circumstances. You can read the Farmer’s Almanac and check the weather every day, but there can be the occasional surprise that you want to be ready for.
With that in mind, it is never a bad idea to pack a light jacket. If you are visiting in the summer, it is unlikely you would need more than something you can easily layer on. One possible summer scenario where you might need a light summer jacket is if you plan to go to a night luau. Although you will likely be fine in a shirt, if you get cold quite easily, a light jacket might not be the worst idea in case the night breezes bother you.
During the winter, you should definitely pack a jacket, just in case you happen to hit one of their cooler days. Many winter days in Hawaii are very comfortable, but you will want to be prepared.
Plus, the weather in Hawaii is known for changing very quickly and for varying depending on which island – and even which side of an island – you are on, so if you do happen to forget your jacket, you probably won’t have to wait long for the weather to turn back to perfectly pleasant.
Another thing to consider when thinking of what to pack is that you may want a light jacket or long sleeve UPF shirt to help protect you from the sun’s rays. Hawaii, being quite close to the equator, experiences some intense sunshine. A jacket can be a handy tool to help avoid some of those harsh rays.
With many lush and dense forests to explore, you also may consider bringing a jacket along for any hiking you may do. Under all the cool and wet tree tops, you will find the temperature to be a bit lower than when you are lounging on the warm sandy beach. If you are doing any jungle exploration activities, a jacket is a good idea.
When Should You Pack a Raincoat for Hawaii?
With such a lush climate, rain is part of what keeps Hawaii beautiful. Although residents and tourists are always thankful for the beautiful outcomes of the rain, it can sometimes be inconvenient to be caught in it. That’s why when you visit Hawaii, it is always a good idea to pack a rain coat.
When it comes to rainfall, the stats vary greatly by island. The four biggest islands, in order from rainiest to least rainy, are:
- Kauai
- Oahu
- Maui
- The Big Island
That said, there is still great variety on each island due to geographical variance. If you plan to visit Kauai, which boasts “the rainiest place on Earth,” then you should pack a rain coat, especially if you are going to be doing any exploring on the island, even in summer.
Don’t let this scare you away, though: a warm tropical rainstorm is an amazing Hawaiian experience.
You probably will not need a raincoat if you are visiting one of the drier islands in the summer; however, short 30-60 minute bursts of rain are not uncommon even in the summer. Since they don’t last long, you could always leave the coat home to save suitcase space and just duck inside for those brief tropical rains.
If you are doing long day hikes, boat rides, whale watching, or outings that will keep you out and about all day, then a lightweight rain jacket is a good thing to pack.
5 Scenarios Where You Should Pack a Jacket or Raincoat
- If you are traveling to Hawaii between October and March, this time frame is the coolest and rainiest, so packing a raincoat or jacket is wise.
- If you will be hiking through the forest to explore, you will want a light-layered jacket to help keep warm at times.
- If you plan on traveling to the Eastern or Northern sides of The Big Island, you will want to pack a rain jacket. Hilo, on the east side of The Big Island, is the wettest city in the United States.
- If you like to be out and about at night, packing a jacket will be a must. The cool night breezes may bother you, especially outside of the summer months.
- If you plan on doing elevation hiking, you will definitely want to pack a coat.