Best time to visit The Big Island
The best time to visit the Big Island is usually September, October and November, when a typical day grades A, A and A. March and July are the weakest (A- and A-). The quietest months are September and October, and storm risk peaks in September.
Pick a month
The Big Island month by month
| Month | Typical day | High | Water | Rain chance | Waves | Crowds | Storm risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | A- | 81°F | 77°F | 22% | – | Very busy | Very low |
| February | A- | 81°F | 75°F | 22% | – | Very busy | Very low |
| March | A- | 81°F | 75°F | 24% | – | Very busy | Very low |
| April | A- | 82°F | 77°F | 22% | – | Busy | Very low |
| May | A | 83°F | 77°F | 20% | – | Busy | Very low |
| June | A- | 84°F | 79°F | 19% | – | Very busy | Very low |
| July | A- | 85°F | 79°F | 20% | – | Packed | Very low |
| August | A- | 86°F | 81°F | 20% | – | Very busy | Low |
| September | A | 86°F | 81°F | 19% | – | Busy | Moderate |
| October | A | 85°F | 80°F | 20% | – | Busy | Low |
| November | A | 83°F | 79°F | 22% | – | Busy | Very low |
| December | A- | 81°F | 77°F | 24% | – | Very busy | Very low |
Typical-month numbers from Veabird's year-ahead outlook for the 21 resorts here (median resort). Grades weigh seaweed, temperature, rain, sun, water, waves, wind, UV, crowds, storm risk and travel safety.
Best beaches in the Big Island
Resorts with the best typical September, and their grades for the next few days.
- Four Seasons Resort Hualalai Sep ASatA-SunA-MonA-TueAWedA
- Fairmont Orchid Sep ASatASunAMonATueAWedA
- SCP Hotel Sep ASatB-SunB-MonB-TueA-WedA-
- PACIFIC 19 Kona Sep ASatA-SunA-MonA-TueA-WedA
- Kona By The Sea Sep ASatA-SunA-MonA-TueA-WedA
- Kalani Retreat Center Sep ASatB-SunB-MonB-TueA-WedA-
- Ocean Club Sep ASatA-SunA-MonA-TueAWedA
- Hilton Waikoloa Village Sep ASatA-SunA-MonATueAWedA
Grades for the next few days from Veabird's beach forecast, updated Oct 3, 18:00 UTC. Higher is better: A+ to F.
Questions
- When is the best time to visit the Big Island?
- The best time to visit the Big Island is usually September, October and November, when a typical day grades A, A and A. March and July are the weakest (A- and A-). The quietest months are September and October, and storm risk peaks in September.
- When is the cheapest and least crowded time to visit the Big Island?
- Crowds are usually lightest in September and October and heaviest in March and July (US summer school break, Mexico summer vacation and Independence Day (US)). Quieter months usually mean lower hotel rates.
- When is hurricane season in the Big Island?
- Storm risk runs from about August to October and peaks in September.
- When is the water warmest in the Big Island?
- The sea is warmest in August and September (about 81°F) and coolest in February and March (about 75°F).