The weather in Maui ranges from about 81 degrees in the wintertime to about 86 degrees in the summertime. So, over the course of the year, the temperature varies only slightly over the course of 12 months. Hawaiians say that their islands have only two seasons – summer and winter. However, the two seasons are not all that different from each other.
Because the weather on the islands is usually very mild and pleasant, there is really no bad time to visit. The weather can be rainy and wet from the last few months of the year until March, but the rain is not drastic enough for any vacationers to avoid the island during particular months. Also, if it does rain, it can do so in specific locations and also be over quickly.
The water that surrounds the Hawaiian Islands, including Maui, is warm all year. In the winter, water temperature averages 76° and in the summer 82° – like warm bath water. Surfing, which is one of the most popular sports on Maui, can be practiced all year long but the waves tend to be bigger in the winter. The water surrounding Maui also tends to be choppier during the winter months, so if the waters seem dangerous at any time, lifeguards will usually post signs alerting swimmers to avoid the water until things settle.
There is a chart showing the high and low temperature, and ocean water temperature, for each month of the year at Maui Weather.
Beyond the weather, another deciding factor on when to go is what time in the tourism calender your vacation is. Maui has a pretty consistent ebb and flow as far as how many tourist are on the island at a particular time. The busiest times are when school students have vacation. This allows families to come to the island together and many take advantage. Times like summer vacations, spring break, Thanksgiving and Christmas are the most effected. On the other hand, the times right before or after these dates are always quiet. This makes getting reservations for activities and accomodations easier.
For those who are coming to Maui for surf, there are two distinct seasons. The summer surf is present around the months of May-August. This is when the South shores have waves and are less agressive than the winter swells. The summer season is the best time to come and learn how to surf, due to the more mellow wave breaks that are available to ride. The winter season is during the months of November-March. This is when the more powerfull swells are breaking on the Northern shorelines. These waves are more for the experienced surfers and have a much less laid back feel amongst the people in the water. Always get as much information as possible about each surf spot before paddling out. All waves are different and each are dangerous for different reasons.
Mosquitos are common on the Hana side in late August, especially in lawn areas. Just be sure to keep doors closed.
