If you’re planning to take a trip to Hawaii, you might be curious about the best and worst times to visit. So let’s learn a bit more about this and why you shouldn’t visit in December.
Picture by Tyler Lastovich on Pexels
For many people, Hawaii is one of their top dream vacations, and it’s easy to understand why. From movies to social media, Hawaii is presented to us as a tropical paradise where life is beautiful and you do little more than relax and enjoy the local culture and natural beauty. So there are many questions that you might have, like how expensive it is to visit, or when is the best time to visit, but have you wondered what is the worst time?
While traveling in December might be highly popular in other destinations, it’s not so much in Hawaii. There are several reasons why, from the high prices and crowds due to the holidays and the peak season, to the rainy weather, so let’s take a better look at them.
Why December is the worst month to visit Hawaii
December might not be the best choice. Here’s why December might be the worst month to visit.
Higher prices
December falls right into the peak of the tourism season in Hawaii, and on top of that, it’s the Holiday season! So you can expect the prices to be on the higher end of the scale, everywhere and everything. The flights, which are not exactly cheap even during the low season, are going to be crazy expensive, even if you buy them months in advance. And like that, the prices of accommodations, transport, and activities go up and up. That’s if you can book anything since most hotels are nearly 100% occupied in December. So if you’re trying to stay within a budget, December is not the month for you.
Everything is overcrowded
The prices are up for a reason. The high number of tourists in December. But it’s not only them, since it’s the Holidays, many people are in and out of the islands going to visit family. So the airport is going to be a nightmare for a few weeks. And even after you descend the plane, the popular spots are going to be overcrowded, so you’ll have a hard time relaxing and enjoying the beaches or the hikes. And you know not all tourists are quiet and respectful either, so it can really ruin your whole experience of Hawaii.
Terrible weather
If you’re wondering what the weather is like in December, well, Hawaii is a tropical paradise, but the tropics can be incredibly humid and uncomfortable sometimes. Temperature-wise, the islands are still pretty warm, but the mornings can be chilly, and there are definitely warmer months. Having said that, you can swim even in December. The water rarely goes under 23°C even in the winter, which is good news if you want to do some snorkeling, but the waves are stronger, so you have to be more careful.
And then there’s the fact that it is the end of Hurricane season, and although hurricanes are rare, they can occur, and big storms are completely possible. So better stay alert to the weather prognostic and be prepared to change your plans in case of rain.
Can you still enjoy December in Hawaii?
Yes, of course you can. It will take a bit more planning, but it’s not impossible. There are a few things that are unique to December, so it’s good to keep them in mind, especially if you’re traveling at the very start of the month when the crows are still a bit more manageable.
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Surfing: December is an excellent month if you’re looking for big, continuous waves. For the best places to surf, head to Oahu’s North Shore.
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Whale watching: If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, then you have to travel in December! The humpback whales migrate to the islands in that month and you can watch them from Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.
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Mele Kalikimaka: There’s no other month where you can enjoy the Hawaiian twist on Christmas, with ukulele music, hula performances, and tropical feasts.
Photo by Todd Cravens on Unsplash
The Best Times to Visit Hawaii Instead
For budget travelers
If you’re traveling on a budget, you’ll have a better time in spring, from April to May, or during autumn, from September to November. Since these months are on the shoulder season, you’ll have access to better deals, both with the flights and accommodations. Even for the tours, you can find cheaper options.
It’s still better if you try planning the trip months in advance so you can strike a good discount or two. You should also consider staying in a budget-friendly hostel instead of a hotel and using public transport as much as you can.
For the best weather
Your dream vacation surely includes perfect weather, but when exactly does that occur in Hawaii? The answer is also during the shoulder season. Spring and fall are consistently warm and dry, so you’ll have the best opportunity to spend lots of time outdoors without overheating. In contrast, during the winter, while the temperatures as not that low, there’s a bigger chance of rain.
Photo by Katie Rodriguez on Unsplash
For fewer crowds
Another win for the shoulder season. If you aren’t a fan of crowds and want to have a relaxing vacation, then you should travel during the spring and fall. If you’re going in the spring just make sure you’re going after Spring Break, where students and professors are everywhere celebrating. And during the fall, you’ll have the best time enjoying the whole island with fewer tourists than any other month of the year.
FAQs about the worst time to visit Hawaii
How to stay connected during your trip?
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Is October a good time to go to Hawaii?
Yes, it actually is. And one of the most recommended months to visit for several reasons. First of all, it’s the shoulder season, which means that it’s significantly cheaper and there are going to be fewer people around. Also, the weather is far better than compared to December. There is a slight chance of rain usually, so best to be prepared, but in general, you can expect bright blue skies and a pleasant warmth.
Final Verdict: Should You Skip December in Hawaii?
The short answer is that it depends completely on your particular expectations and interests. But people generally agree that there are better times to visit Hawaii. Not that you’re going to hate the place, but many factors can affect the quality of your trip. From the high prices, the overcrowded hotels, and places to the bad weather. Certain activities are enticing, like whale watching and surfing, so if you’re interested in those, maybe December is the best time for your trip to Hawaii after all. But for most, December is the worst time to visit Hawaii.