The Big Island packs several climates into one trip. Kona on the west side is warm and dry, Hilo on the east side is much wetter, and the summit of Mauna Kea can be freezing. Pack beachwear, a rain jacket and real warm layers if you go up the mountains.
Big Island weather by month
Daily high and low (°F), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 82°F28°C | 81°F27°C | 82°F28°C | 82°F28°C | 84°F29°C | 84°F29°C | 86°F30°C | 86°F30°C | 86°F30°C | 84°F29°C | 84°F29°C | 82°F28°C |
| Low | 70°F21°C | 70°F21°C | 72°F22°C | 72°F22°C | 73°F23°C | 75°F24°C | 75°F24°C | 77°F25°C | 75°F24°C | 75°F24°C | 73°F23°C | 72°F22°C |
| Rain days | 3 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 8 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryWarm and dry on the Kona side. Highs are 81–82°F (27–28°C), lows 70–72°F (21–22°C), and December and January average just 3 rain days. Bigger swells hit north- and west-facing beaches, so swim with care. This is also humpback whale season. These numbers are from Kailua-Kona on the dry west coast; Hilo and the east side get far more rain.
Spring
March–MayStill warm, a bit wetter. Highs are 82–84°F (28–29°C). Rain days rise from 6 in March to 12 in May. Kona's rain usually comes as afternoon clouds and showers. Pack a light rain layer for upcountry and the east side.
Summer
June–AugustWarmest months, with highs of 84–86°F (29–30°C) and lows of 75–77°F (24–25°C). June averages 13 rain days, the most of the year at Kona. Seas are usually calmer on the west side. Central Pacific hurricane season runs June–November. Pack swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen and a hat.
Fall
September–NovemberWarm and drying out. Highs are 84–86°F (29–30°C), and rain days fall from 7 in September to 4 in November. A good time for snorkeling. Bring the same summer kit plus a light jacket for evenings upcountry.
What to bring to Big Island
0 of 24 packedA light, packable rain jacket handles Hilo showers and the wind at Mauna Kea.
The men's version does the same job on the wet east side and the cold summit.
- Allbirds Men's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
Grippy sneakers handle lava-rock trails in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
- Allbirds Women's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
The women's version gives the same grip on sharp, uneven lava.
- RAYMYLO 64 oz Insulated Water BottleWater Bottles & Hydration
With 86°F (30°C) summer highs on the Kona coast, a large insulated bottle keeps water cold on drives.
- THRIAID Mini First Aid Kit, 100 piecesHealth & Safety
Lava rock cuts are common, so carry a small first aid kit on hikes.
- Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing CubeBags & Luggage
A waterproof cube keeps gear dry on snorkel trips and rainy east-side days.
US plugs fit; UK and EU visitors need an adapter for the 120V Type A and B sockets.
Clothing
- Insulated jacket · 1Mauna Kea summit is often below freezing
- Warm hat and gloves · 1 setStrong wind at the summit
- Long pants · 2 pairsVolcano and Mauna Kea trips
- Swimwear · 2
- Rash guard · 1Lets you use less sunscreen
- Breathable shorts and tops · 5 setsKona highs of 27–30°C
Footwear
- Water shoes · 1 pairLava-rock beaches and tide pools
- Sandals · 1 pairTown and resort days
Gear
- Wide-brim sun hat · 1
- Sunglasses · 1
- Snorkel mask · 1Fall is good for snorkeling
Health and toiletries
- Reef-safe mineral sunscreen · 1No oxybenzone or octinoxate in Hawaii
- After-sun gel · 1
Documents and money
- ID or passport · 1
- Travel insurance · 1Altitude and hurricane season Jun–Nov
Tech
- Phone charger · 1
What shoes should you pack for the Big Island?
Sneakers with grip, sandals and water shoes. Lava rock is sharp and uneven, so wear closed shoes on trails in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Water shoes help on lava-rock beaches and tide pools. Sandals cover town and resort days.
What do people wear on the Big Island?
Casual. Shorts, sundresses and aloha shirts are fine almost everywhere, including nicer dinners. Cover up away from the beach. For the volcano and Mauna Kea, wear long pants and a warm jacket; it is much colder at altitude.
What do you need for the Mauna Kea summit?
Real winter layers. The summit is above 4,000 m and often below freezing, with strong wind and low oxygen. Bring a warm jacket, hat, gloves and long pants. Four-wheel drive is required past the visitor center, and altitude sickness is a real risk, so check road and weather conditions before you go.
Do you need reef-safe sunscreen in Hawaii?
Yes. Hawaii bans the sale of sunscreens with oxybenzone or octinoxate. Bring a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, and a rash guard to use less of it.
What plugs does the Big Island use?
Hawaii uses US Type A and B sockets at 120V. US visitors need nothing. UK, European and Australian visitors need an adapter and should check chargers are dual voltage.
Tours and things to do in Big Island
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Big Island.
What should you leave at home for the Big Island?
Leave formal clothes and heels. Do not bring sunscreen with oxybenzone or octinoxate. Never take lava rocks or sand home; it is illegal in the national park and considered disrespectful.
Around Big Island
Packing for Big Island: questions people ask
What should I wear on the Big Island in December?
Summer clothes for the coast and warm layers for higher elevations. Kona averages a 82°F (28°C) high, a 72°F (22°C) low and 3 rain days in December.
Is Kona or Hilo drier?
Kona, on the west side, is much drier. Hilo on the east side is one of the wettest towns in the US.
How cold is Mauna Kea?
Often below freezing at the summit, with strong wind. Bring a winter jacket, hat and gloves.
Is reef-safe sunscreen required in Hawaii?
Sunscreens with oxybenzone or octinoxate cannot be sold in Hawaii. Use a mineral sunscreen.
Do I need a plug adapter for the Big Island?
Not from the US or Canada. Hawaii uses Type A and B sockets at 120V. UK and EU visitors need an adapter.
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