Do you plan to visit Oahu? A lot of people want to make this dream a reality but not every season is the same. In case you want to experience this place fully, you need to know more about when to visit it.
Whether you’re planning to stay in some lovely Oahu beach rentals or a hotel, you’ll need to know exactly when it’s the best time to visit Oahu. One mistake that a lot of people make is that they assume when it’s summer where they live that it’ll be summer in their chosen destination. However, this is not always the case and holidaymakers can get a bit of a shock when they see the weather is not as nice as they’d hope.
So when is the best time to visit Oahu? We’re going to take a look at this now:
December to April
From December right through to April is the best time to visit Oahu. This is the time when surfing competitions are held and humpback whales choose to visit the area. Temperatures can reach the low 80’s (26 °Celsius), but there will also be some rain too. While the island is quite busy this time of year, it is worth remembering that accommodation tends to be more expensive. You may want to book your stay as far in advance as possible, so you don’t end up paying more than you really need to.
Events to look out for:
December – Hawaii Bowl
January – Sony Open
January – February – Volcom Pipe Pro
February – Da Hui Pipeline Warriors
March – Honolulu Festival
March – Prince Kuhio Day
April to June
Another great time to visit the island is between April and June. These months tend to attract fewer tourists which is ideal if you dislike crowds or busy hotels and resorts. The surf season comes to an end during these months so there will be fewer people on the beach. As the season tends to be quieter you will start to see cheaper accommodation, and you should still catch sight of the odd humpbacked whale. Temperatures at this time of year are usually in the mid-60’s (18° Celsius) although the cooler temperatures tend to bring a little less rain than in previous months.
Events to look out for:
May – Lei Day Celebration
May – Lantern Floating Hawaii
June – Kamehameha Day Celebrations
June to August
During the second half of June, the island starts to see more visitors. The weather in Oahu at this time of year is usually very good and temperatures can be as high as 85f (30 °Celsius). While it is unlikely to rain during this time of year there may be the occasional surprise shower. In addition to the good weather, visitors will see hotels and resorts charging higher prices. Again, make sure you book your rooms in advance, so you don’t pay any more than you really need to. During the month of August, surfers make their way back to the island to catch its famous waves. The beaches will become a lot busier in August thanks to the variety of surfing events that are held.
Events to look out for:
July – Hawaii State Farm Fair
July – Prince Lot Hula Festival
August – Statehood Day
August – Duke’s OceanFest
September – December
Temperatures start to drop a little during September which means hotel and resort prices will drop too. There are fewer tourists in Oahu during these months which means you won’t see as many crowds. However, there is an increased chance of rain during these cooler months so you’ll have to pack your umbrella or a few waterproofs.
When November and December come around you’ll see an increase in tourists thanks in part to the surfing competitions that start up again and the Christmas season too. During November and December, you will see resort and hotel prices increase once more as the demand grows somewhat exponentially. Christmas can feel particularly crowded on the island so you may need to rethink your Oahu vacation if you wanted to come here when it’s quiet.
Temperatures in the winter months will typically be around 80f (26 °Celsius), meaning it’s still quite warm. As I previously mentioned, you should expect to see a bit of rain but the showers tend to be quite scattered and the sun will come out once the showers have passed. The rain keeps the island looking green and lush, so we can’t be too mad at it. The winter months are the best time for you to enjoy a spot of whale-watching, adding something special to your Christmas vacation.
Events to look out for:
September – Aloha Festival
October – Moloka’i Hoe
October – November – Food & Wine Festival in Hawaii
October – November – Pro Sunset Beach
November – Hawaii International Film Festival
November – December – Vans Triple Crown of Surfing
So When is the Best Time to Visit?
The answer to this question is: It depends. If you want to visit Oahu when it’s quiet, you may want to consider coming here during April, May and June. September, particularly the latter half of the month is quiet in Oahu too. If you’re a surfer, then make sure you’re in this part of the world when winter hits as the waves can be pretty big.
Lastly, if you’re a lover of the sun, then you’ll want to visit when the sun is at it’s hottest. Make your way to Oahu during June, July and August as the temperatures will be pretty good. If you plan to visit the wonderful part of the world try to book your vacation far in advance so you’re not disappointed. Trust me, no matter what time of year you arrive in Oahu you’re sure to have a vacation to remember, the island really is quite beautiful.
