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.
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.