July is Hawaii's sunniest month and one of its busiest. The north shores are calm, the water is warm, the trade winds keep the heat bearable, and families from across the world fill the beaches. Plan ahead and it can be a wonderful month; arrive without bookings and it can be expensive and crowded.
What is the weather like in Hawaii in July?
Hot and sunny. Honolulu averages a high of about 88°F (31°C) and a low of about 75°F (24°C), with more than 300 hours of sunshine, the most of any month. Rain is light and brief, mostly on windward coasts. When the trade winds weaken, it can feel humid, and occasional volcanic haze, known as vog, can drift across the islands from the Big Island.
Is July a good time to visit Hawaii?
July is reliably beautiful but it is peak summer season, with some of the highest prices and biggest crowds of the year, particularly around the Fourth of July. To beat the rush, book flights, hotels and rental cars months ahead, reserve timed-entry spots (Hanauma Bay, Diamond Head, Hāʻena State Park, Waiʻānapanapa) as soon as they open, and start your days early, when beaches and trailheads are quieter and the light is best.
What is the ocean like in Hawaii in July?
The water is about 79°F (26°C). North shores are usually calm, ideal for snorkeling and swimming at Waimea Bay, Pūpūkea and Hanalei. South shores get summer swells, with surf in Waikīkī and Poʻipū and occasional powerful sets. Box jellyfish can appear on south and leeward shores of Oʻahu around eight to ten days after a full moon; lifeguards post warnings when they do.
What is on in Hawaii in July?
The Fourth of July is celebrated with fireworks across the islands, and on the Big Island, the Parker Ranch rodeo in Waimea is a reminder of Hawaii's paniolo (cowboy) history. In mid-July, the Prince Lot Hula Festival at Moanalua Gardens on Oʻahu is the largest non-competitive hula event in Hawaii, free and full of aloha. On Kauaʻi, Kōloa Plantation Days celebrates the island's plantation heritage with a parade, music and food.
Is July hurricane season in Hawaii?
Yes. The season runs from 1 June to 30 November. Most storms pass far from the islands, but a nearby hurricane can bring heavy rain, high surf and closures, as Hurricane Lane did in August 2018. Travel insurance is worth considering for summer trips.
Which Hawaiian island is best in July?
Kauaʻi's north shore and Oʻahu's North Shore are at their calmest and most beautiful. Maui is excellent for snorkeling, but book Haleakalā sunrise and Road to Hāna stops early. The Big Island tends to be less crowded than Oʻahu and Maui and offers volcanoes, manta rays and uncrowded beaches.
What should you pack for Hawaii in July?
Light, breathable clothing, swimwear, a rash guard, reef-safe mineral sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a reusable water bottle. Pack light: you will live in sandals and swimwear. A light layer is enough for evenings, except on mountain summits.
Things to do in Hawaii in July
- Watch Fourth of July fireworks. Ala Moana, Kailua and many towns put on displays.
- Experience the Prince Lot Hula Festival. Free hula in the gardens of Moanalua, Oʻahu, in mid-July.
- Snorkel the North Shore. Calm summer seas make Pūpūkea and Hanalei excellent.
- Start every day early. Beat the crowds at Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay and the Road to Hāna.
- Head upcountry to cool off. Kula on Maui and Volcano on the Big Island are noticeably cooler.
- See the rodeo in Waimea. The Big Island's paniolo country celebrates the Fourth with a rodeo.
Daylight in July: the sun rises around 5:58 am and sets around 7:16 pm in Honolulu, giving about 13 hours of daylight. Hawaii does not use daylight saving time.
How expensive is Hawaii in July?
July is peak season, and among the most expensive months of the year, with the Fourth of July week at the top. Rental cars can run short and timed-entry permits sell out. Book everything early, look at condos and vacation rentals outside the resort areas, and consider the Big Island, which is often better value than Maui or Oʻahu in summer.
Hawaii in July with kids
July is the busiest family month. Plan an early start every day, keep the afternoons for shaded rest, and choose calm, lifeguarded beaches. Children love snorkeling with turtles, which you can do safely from many beaches; keep at least 10 feet away.
Tips for visiting Hawaii in July
- Start every day early to beat crowds and heat.
- Book the Fourth of July week far in advance.
- Bring a refillable bottle; drink more water than you think you need.
- Watch for box jellyfish warnings on south shores after the full moon.
- Leave valuables out of your rental car at beaches and trailheads.
What season is July in Hawaii?
In the old Hawaiian calendar the year had two seasons: Kau, the warm, dry season of long days, roughly May to October, and Hoʻoilo, the cooler, wetter season, roughly November to April, when the trade winds weaken, storms arrive and the Makahiki harvest festival honoured the god Lono. July falls in Kau, the dry season: expect long days, steady trade winds and calm north shores.
Quick answers: Hawaii in July
Is July a good time to visit Hawaii?
The weather is excellent, but July is peak season with high prices and crowds. Book early and start days early.
What is the weather like in Hawaii in July?
Hot and sunny: about 88°F (31°C) by day and 75°F (24°C) at night in Honolulu, with the most sunshine of the year.
Is the ocean calm in Hawaii in July?
North shores are usually calm in July; south shores can have summer surf.
What events are in Hawaii in July?
Fourth of July fireworks, the Prince Lot Hula Festival on Oʻahu and Kōloa Plantation Days on Kauaʻi.
Hawaii month by month
| Month | Avg high | Ocean | Rain (Honolulu) | Crowds | North Shore surf | Whales |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 81°F / 27°C | 76°F | 1.8 in | High | Huge | Peak |
| February | 81°F / 27°C | 76°F | 1.9 in | High | Big | Peak |
| March | 81°F / 27°C | 76°F | 2.4 in | High | Big | Peak |
| April | 83°F / 28°C | 77°F | 0.8 in | Medium | Fading | Leaving |
| May | 85°F / 29°C | 78°F | 0.8 in | Low | Small | None |
| June | 87°F / 31°C | 79°F | 0.5 in | High | Flat | None |
| July | 88°F / 31°C | 79°F | 0.5 in | Very high | Flat | None |
| August | 89°F / 32°C | 80°F | 0.8 in | High | Flat | None |
| September | 88°F / 31°C | 80°F | 0.9 in | Low | Small | None |
| October | 87°F / 31°C | 80°F | 1.5 in | Low | Building | None |
| November | 84°F / 29°C | 78°F | 2.2 in | Low–medium | Big | Arriving |
| December | 82°F / 28°C | 77°F | 2.2 in | Very high | Huge | Growing |
Temperatures and rainfall: Honolulu International Airport, NOAA 1991–2020 normals. Ocean: average sea temperature off Honolulu. Rain is much higher on windward coasts and in the mountains.
Planning around a different month? Read Hawaii in June or Hawaii in August, and our guide to the best time to visit Hawaii.
Facts checked October 2026. Event dates change from year to year, so confirm with the organisers before you book.
