What is the weather like year-round at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park?

The park has mild, cooler-than-coastal weather with temperatures typically ranging from 50°F to 80°F depending on elevation.

Does Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park have consistent weather?

No, weather varies widely due to elevation changes and diverse microclimates across the park.

Is it humid in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park?

Humidity varies by area, with rainforest regions being humid and lava fields feeling drier and warmer.

When is the rainy season in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park?

The rainy season typically runs from November through March.

What are the wettest months in the park?

December and January are usually the wettest months.

Does it rain every day in the park?

Rain often comes in short bursts rather than lasting all day, so it does not rain continuously every day.

When is the driest time to visit Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park?

The driest months are typically June through August.

Is it cold at night in the park?

Yes, nighttime temperatures can drop into the low 50s°F or lower, especially at higher elevations.

Does it ever snow in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park?

Snow does not occur in visitor areas but can fall on very high elevations of nearby volcanic peaks.

Can weather conditions be extreme in the park?

Yes, conditions can include heavy rain, fog, strong winds, and rapid temperature changes.

Is fog common in the park?

Yes, fog is common, especially around the summit areas.

What should I wear when visiting the park?

Wear layered clothing, including a light jacket and rain gear, as weather conditions can change quickly.

What is the best month to visit Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park?

April, May, and September are considered ideal due to balanced weather and fewer crowds.

Can you visit the park year-round?

Yes, the park is open year-round, but weather conditions vary by season.

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Weather by Month

Q: Which months have the most sunshine?

May through July generally have the most sunshine and clear skies.

Q: What is the average temperature at the summit?

Daytime temperatures at the summit are usually between 60°F and 75°F, with cooler nights.

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is one of the most unique destinations on Earth—not just for its volcanic landscapes, but also for its highly variable weather. Sitting on the southeastern side of the Hawaii Island, the park spans elevations from sea level to over 13,000 feet (including Mauna Loa), which means conditions can shift dramatically depending on where you are.

Here’s a detailed month-by-month guide to help you understand what to expect.

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Temperatures by Month

You can click the image below to view the full-size weather chart for Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Weather by Month

January

Temperature: 10–24°C (50–75°F)
Conditions: Cool and often wet, especially at higher elevations
January is part of the wet season, so expect frequent rain showers, particularly around Kīlauea summit. Fog and mist are common.

February

Temperature: 10–24°C (50–75°F)
Conditions: Similar to January, with slightly less rain
Trails can be muddy, but lush greenery is at its peak. Waterfalls and vegetation look especially vibrant.

March

Temperature: 11–25°C (52–77°F)
Conditions: Transition month, still somewhat wet
Rain begins to taper off. This is a good time for hiking if you don’t mind occasional showers.

April

Temperature: 12–26°C (54–79°F)
Conditions: Drier and more stable
One of the best months to visit. Clearer skies make it easier to view volcanic craters and landscapes.

May

Temperature: 13–27°C (55–81°F)
Conditions: Start of the dry season
Pleasant weather with fewer crowds. Excellent visibility for scenic drives like Chain of Craters Road.

June

Temperature: 14–28°C (57–82°F)
Conditions: Warm and dry
Ideal for outdoor exploration. Coastal areas can feel hot, while higher elevations remain cool.

July

Temperature: 15–29°C (59–84°F)
Conditions: Warmest month, mostly dry
Popular tourist season. Expect sunny days, but bring layers for cooler evenings at higher elevations.

August

Temperature: 15–29°C (59–84°F)
Conditions: Similar to July
Dry, warm, and great for hiking. Occasional afternoon clouds may roll in.

September

Temperature: 15–29°C (59–84°F)
Conditions: Warm with slightly increasing humidity
Still part of the dry season, though brief showers may return.

October

Temperature: 14–28°C (57–82°F)
Conditions: Transition back to wetter weather
Rainfall begins to increase, especially later in the month.

November

Temperature: 12–26°C (54–79°F)
Conditions: Start of the wet season
Expect more frequent rain, especially in rainforest areas.

December

Temperature: 11–25°C (52–77°F)
Conditions: Cool and wet
Cloud cover and rain are common, but crowds increase due to holiday travel.

Month	Avg High (°F)	Avg Low (°F)	Rainfall (inches)	Sun (hrs/day)
January	67	53	9.5	5.5
February	68	53	8.5	6.0
March	69	54	9.0	6.5
April	71	55	7.0	7.0
May	73	57	5.5	7.5
June	75	59	4.5	8.0
July	76	60	5.0	8.0
August	77	61	5.5	7.5
September	77	61	6.5	7.0
October	75	60	8.5	6.5
November	72	57	10.0	6.0
December	69	55	10.5	5.5

Key Takeaways:

Sunniest months: May–July (great for hiking and crater views)
Wettest months: November–March (more clouds, less sun)
Balanced conditions: April, May, and September offer a good mix of sun and manageable rainfall
Snowfall: Essentially zero at park visitor areas. Snow only occurs on very high peaks like Mauna Loa or Mauna Kea, which are outside typical park visits.

Because the park spans multiple elevations, sunshine can vary a lot—even within the same day. Lower coastal areas often get more sun, while the summit near Kīlauea sees more clouds and mist.

Key Weather Insights

1. Microclimates everywhere
You can experience sunshine, rain, and fog all in one day due to elevation changes.

2. Rainfall varies by location

Windward (eastern) side: wetter
Coastal lava fields: drier and hotter

3. Temperature drops with elevation
Summit areas near Kīlauea can feel chilly—even cold at night.

Best Time to Visit

Best overall: April to June
Best weather: May and September
Least rain: Summer months (June–August)
Fewer crowds: May, September, October

Final Tips

Bring layers—weather changes quickly
Carry a rain jacket year-round
Wear sturdy shoes for lava terrain
Check volcanic activity updates before visiting

Here are 20 helpful FAQs about the weather in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

🌦️ General Weather

1. What is the weather like year-round?
Mild and relatively cool compared to coastal Hawaii, with temperatures typically between 50°F and 80°F depending on elevation.

2. Does the park have consistent weather?
No—weather varies widely due to elevation and microclimates across the park.

3. Is it humid in the park?
Humidity varies; rainforest areas are humid, while lava fields can feel dry and hot.

🌧️ Rain & Wet Season

4. When is the rainy season?
The wet season runs from November through March.

5. What are the wettest months?
December and January usually receive the most rainfall.

6. Does it rain every day?
Not necessarily—rain often comes in short bursts rather than all-day storms.

7. Are trails affected by rain?
Yes, trails can become muddy and slippery, especially in forested areas.

☀️ Sunshine & Dry Season

8. When is the driest time to visit?
June through August tends to be the driest period.

9. Which months have the most sunshine?
Late spring and summer (May–July) offer the most daily sunshine.

🌡️ Temperature

10. What is the average temperature at the summit?
Around 60–75°F during the day and cooler at night.

11. Does temperature change with elevation?
Yes—higher elevations like near Mauna Loa are significantly colder.

12. Is it cold at night?
It can be chilly, often dropping into the low 50s°F or cooler.

❄️ Snow & Extreme Conditions

13. Does it ever snow in the park?
Not in visitor areas—snow only occurs at very high elevations on mountains like Mauna Kea.

14. Can weather be extreme?
Yes—conditions can include heavy rain, fog, strong winds, and sudden temperature drops.

🌫️ Visibility & Conditions

15. Is fog common?
Yes, especially around the summit of Kīlauea.

16. What is “vog”?
Volcanic smog caused by emissions from active volcanoes, which can affect air quality.

🧳 Travel Planning

17. What should I wear?
Layered clothing, including a light jacket and rain gear.

18. What’s the best month to visit?
April, May, and September offer a good balance of weather and fewer crowds.

19. Can I visit year-round?
Yes—the park is open all year, but conditions vary by season.

20. Should I check the weather before visiting?
Absolutely—conditions can change quickly, so it’s best to check forecasts and park alerts.