November is when Hawaii turns towards winter. The first humpback whales arrive from Alaska, the North Shore comes alive with big waves and pro surfing, and Kona celebrates its famous coffee harvest. Outside Thanksgiving week, it is also one of the quietest and best-value months of the year.
What is the weather like in Hawaii in November?
November is warm but a little wetter. Honolulu averages a high of about 84°F (29°C) and a low of about 72°F (22°C), and it is one of the rainier months in town, with around nine days of showers. The rainy season starts on windward coasts, and occasional storms can bring heavy rain. Leeward coasts such as Waikīkī, Kīhei, Kāʻanapali, Poʻipū and Kona stay mostly sunny.
Is November a good time to visit Hawaii?
Yes, especially in the first three weeks. Early November is one of the cheapest times to visit, with few crowds and pleasant weather. Thanksgiving week brings a surge of US visitors and higher prices, after which it quietens again until the Christmas rush in mid-December. Hurricane season officially ends on 30 November.
What is the ocean like in Hawaii in November?
The water is still about 79°F (26°C). Winter has begun on north-facing coasts: swells arrive more often and grow larger, and the North Shore of Oʻahu, Hanalei Bay and Hoʻokipa can be dangerous for swimmers. South and west shores are usually calm, with the clearest snorkeling.
Can you see whales in Hawaii in November?
The first humpback whales usually arrive in November, and sightings increase towards the end of the month. Numbers are still low compared with January to March, but an early-season sighting from shore or a boat is a thrill. The humpback season runs from about November to April.
What is on in Hawaii in November?
The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing usually begins in November on Oʻahu's North Shore, with contests at Haleʻiwa and Sunset Beach leading up to the Pipe Masters in December. On the Big Island, the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival celebrates the harvest with farm tours, cupping competitions, a lantern parade and plenty of coffee. The Hawaii Food & Wine Festival runs into early November. Traditionally, November also marks the beginning of Makahiki, the ancient Hawaiian season of peace, harvest and games honouring the god Lono.
Which Hawaiian island is best in November?
Oʻahu for big-wave surfing and the Triple Crown. The Big Island for the Kona Coffee Festival and sunny weather on the Kona coast. Maui for the first whales and calm, sunny south-shore beaches. Kauaʻi is green and quiet; base yourself in Poʻipū and check trail status.
What should you pack for Hawaii in November?
Summer clothes, swimwear, reef-safe mineral sunscreen, a light rain jacket, and one warm layer for evenings and windward days. Bring warm clothes for any mountain summit.
Things to do in Hawaii in November
- Watch the Triple Crown. Pro surfing contests begin on Oʻahu's North Shore.
- Taste Kona coffee. The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival celebrates the harvest with farm tours and tastings.
- Spot the first whales. The first humpbacks arrive in November.
- Travel before Thanksgiving. Early November is quiet and great value.
- Explore Honolulu's museums. Perfect on rainy windward days.
- Snorkel the leeward side. South and west shores stay calm as winter swells arrive in the north.
Daylight in November: the sun rises around 6:42 am and sets around 5:49 pm in Honolulu, giving about 11 hours of daylight. Hawaii does not use daylight saving time.
How expensive is Hawaii in November?
The first three weeks of November are among the best-value times of the year. Prices rise for Thanksgiving week, when many US families travel, and then dip again until mid-December. Flights are often cheapest in early November, so it is a good time for a long trip before the winter high season.
Hawaii in November with kids
Thanksgiving week is a popular family trip from the US mainland. Early whales and big-wave watching from the beach entertain older children; for little ones, stick to the calm leeward beaches.
Tips for visiting Hawaii in November
- Travel before Thanksgiving week for the lowest prices.
- Book early for Thanksgiving dinner reservations.
- North shores turn rough; follow lifeguard advice.
- Bring a rain jacket for windward hikes.
- Look for the first whales from Maui's south and west coasts.
What season is November 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. November falls in Hoʻoilo, the wet season: expect more showers on windward coasts, big north swells and, from November to April, humpback whales.
Quick answers: Hawaii in November
Is November a good time to visit Hawaii?
Yes. Early November is one of the cheapest and quietest times; Thanksgiving week is busier.
What is the weather like in Hawaii in November?
About 84°F (29°C) by day and 72°F (22°C) at night in Honolulu, with more showers as the rainy season begins.
Are there whales in Hawaii in November?
The first humpbacks usually arrive in November, with numbers growing through December.
What surf events are in Hawaii in November?
The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing usually begins in November on Oʻahu's North Shore.
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 October or Hawaii in December, 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.
