Best Time to Visit Maui for Weather, Prices, and Crowds

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Maui is Hawaii's second-largest island and one of the most highly-rated tourist destinations in the Pacific Ocean.

Attracting visitors with its year-round pleasant weather, picturesque beaches, and some of the world's most scenic hiking, Maui is a must-visit for anyone thinking about a trip to Hawaii.

But when is the best time to visit Maui? For families, this might be the summer (June-September), while surfers and whale watchers will prefer to come during the winter (December-March).

On the other hand, value-seekers may opt for slower periods that separate the peak seasons.

Severe storms are uncommon, and high temperatures stay between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit all year in Maui. But not all months will guarantee the same amazing vacation experience.

By the time you've read through this Maui travel guide, you'll know enough about the island's different travel seasons and how the weather, prices, and crowds will affect your Hawaii trip.

• 12 Maui best time to visit tips

Best Time to Go to Maui

Maui Vacation Planning Questions

When is the best time to visit Maui?

There's a lot to do in Maui, and some experiences are better at certain times of the year.

If you want an idyllic beach vacation, visit in April, May, September, or October, when crowds are the smallest and resort prices most reasonable.

Surfing is popular in winter (December-March) when storms bring in the most significant waves.

Similarly, whale watchers will find the winter to be the best time of the year to visit Maui to see the migration of an estimated 10,000 humpback whales from Alaska to the warm Hawaiian waters.

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When is the cheapest time to fly to Maui?

The cheapest time to fly to Maui from most locations is in January. But those in the know recommend visiting in the off-season months of April and May or September and October.

Airfare prices to Maui are similar to what you will pay in January, but the crowds are fewer, and rain is far less likely.

If you're looking for cheap flights to Maui, avoid the peak summer (June-September) months. This is when fares are at their highest.

Planning to visit in January? Hotel prices are lower than during the other winter (December-March) months but still higher than the off-seasons.

When is the cheapest time to go to Maui?

The cheapest time to go to Maui is during the spring months of April and May or during the autumn months of September and October.

These are Maui's low seasons. You'll find the best prices on island hotels and low airfares as kids are in school and few families travel.

Most insiders recommend April and May as the best months to visit Maui if you are on a budget.

Although there are three airports in Maui, only Kahului Airport is used by major carriers. To fly to Maui from another island, however, you might find reasonably priced commuter flights to Kapalua Airport or Hana Airport.

When is the whale season in Maui?

Much like tourists flock to Hawaii to enjoy the warm winter climate; humpback whales migrate to Maui from Alaska every year between December and March.

It's not uncommon to spot them as early as September or as late as May. But Maui's whale season is its busiest from mid-December until mid-March.

You can see the humpbacks from shore all around the island, although sightings are most frequent on the southern and western coasts. McGregor Point and Lighthouse on Maalaea Bay is one of the most popular locations.

But if you're traveling to Maui to see the whales, a whale-watching cruise is a must.

When is the rainy season in Maui?

The rainy season in Maui takes place from November until March, with January receiving the highest rainfall of the year.

But even during the peak rainy season, there are plenty of great reasons to be outdoors.

The Maui Oceanfront Marathon is a popular January event that hosts a variety of races over the weekend before Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The namesake marathon begins in Lahaina and ends in Wailea-Makena.

Plus, area surfing is the best during the rainy season, with winter (December-March) storms bringing the sought-after big waves.

Even though it's the rainy season, winter in Maui is comfortable, with average highs just above 80 degrees Fahrenheit most days.

When is the worst time to go to Maui?

The Maui climate is gorgeous all year long, but most seasoned visitors agree that the worst time to go to Maui is during the peak summer months of June through August.

Huge crowds descend on the island as soon as schools go on a break freeing up families for their annual vacations.

With the increase in demand, hotels in Maui raise their prices, and your trip becomes more expensive.

What is the best weather in Maui?

One of the reasons why Maui is such a popular tourist destination is that the weather is consistent throughout the year.

The Maui average temperature fluctuates fewer than 10 degrees Fahrenheit from winter (December-March) to summer (June-September).

The average daily high in January is 80 degrees Fahrenheit, while August peaks at an average high of 88 degrees Fahrenheit.

The rainy season occurs from November to March. However, the storms are intermittent and pass quickly. June sees the least rainfall and is the start of the local pineapple harvesting season, making it the best choice for taking a pineapple farm tour.

When is the Maui hurricane season?

Hurricanes are infrequent in Maui thanks to Hawaii's unique location in the Pacific Ocean and the island's location within the Hawaiian archipelago.

They're so rare that the last hurricane-strength storm to make landfall on Maui was the Kohala Cyclone in 1871.

However, heavy storms are prevalent from the beginning of June until the end of November.

If you're traveling during these months, keep the possibility of storms in mind. Even a tropical event far away from Maui has the potential to cause flight delays and cancellations.

When is the Maui peak season?

The Maui peak season spans the summer months of June, July, and August ,when crowds and prices are at their highest.

The winter months (December-March) are another busy time on the island. It's the best time to visit Maui to view the whales; watchers come to spot the more than 10,000 humpbacks which make the region their seasonal home.

Visiting Maui during the peak season months? Take a break from the crowds and get some fresh air on a North Shore zipline tour.

If you're looking for a more relaxing visit, consider planning your vacation for April or October.

When is Maui off-season?

The Maui off-season takes place in April and May and later in September and October.

Budget-conscious travelers will find some of the cheapest rates on Maui accommodations and flights.

But don't expect the island to be deserted; Maui is a popular destination all year, as there's plenty to do and see even during the slower months.

The off-season is ideal for exploring some of the most famous Maui landmarks--without the crowds.

If you visit during the off-season, take advantage of the Road to Hana, which runs from Kahului to Hana and boasts some of the island's best scenery.

When is the best season to go to Maui?

The most popular time to visit Maui is summer (June-September). This is when seasonal family vacations and events like June's Maui Film Festival bring the most travelers to the island.

But the best season to go to Maui is spring, specifically April and May. The weather is great, restaurants and attractions are less crowded, and hotel and resort prices are down.

The autumn months of September and October offer a similar off-season experience in-between the peak summer and winter (December-March) seasons.

However, if you're coming specifically to surf or whale watch, you'll want to visit during winter.

Weather, Prices, and Crowds in Maui

Maui in January

Many visitors find that January is the best month to visit Maui. Travelers escaping cold weather at home are drawn by the island's average high of 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

January is prime season for whale watching, and you won't find better surfing conditions. Although it is the rainy season, storms are infrequent and typically give way to sunny skies later in the day.

If you're planning your vacation for January, expect bigger crowds and higher prices, as the great weather and seasonal activities make winter (December-March) one of Maui's busiest times.

Maui in February

February is a popular time on the island, and winter (December-March) tourists fill resorts and beaches. The average Maui temperature during the day peaks at around 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Rainfall is at its lowest in February, and the occasional afternoon storm is unlikely to impact your visit.

The water can be too rough for snorkeling, but surfers can enjoy optimal conditions at world-famous breaks like Honolua Bay and Ho'okipa Beach.

Want to explore on land? Take a hike to local gems like Twin Falls or Nakalele Blowhole.

Maui in March

The tourist season is beginning to wrap up by the end of March, with crowds and prices beginning to fall as the spring (March-June) off-season starts.

The weather is still great, with comfortable high temperatures just above 80 degrees Fahrenheit most days. March is the second rainiest month, but showers are short-lived, and the sun never stays hidden for long.

The Prince Kuhio Festival is an annual Maui March event honoring the prince and his championing of Hawaiian culture. Visitors can expect live music, food, and an assortment of crafts and activities for kids.

Maui in April

Savvy travelers consider April the best time to visit Maui because the rainy season is finally over. Winter (December-March) tourism has slowed, and the temperature has yet to rise to its hot summer (June-September) peaks.

April is when you'll find some of the year's best prices on flights to the island. The lull in tourism also brings discounted rates to Maui hotels.

Visiting in April? Don't miss the East Maui Taro Festival. The free annual event celebrates one of the island's most important staples, with entertainment, a poi-pounding demonstration, and plenty of food to choose from.

Maui in May

Maui is a popular year-round tourist destination, but May is considered off-season and one of the best months to visit.

Rain is rare, with sunny skies and beautiful golden shores drawing visitors to the island's many beaches. The calm, blue waters make May a great time to go snorkeling.

The weather is beginning to get warmer in May, with some days reaching a high of 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The lows of the previous evening weather will rise to 70 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the month.

Lei Day is a celebration across Hawaii on May 1st, and people flock to be part of the Lei Day Heritage Festival in Wailukueing.

Maui in June

June is the beginning of the peak summer (June-September) tourist season. The island gets busy as soon as schools close for a break, with packed Maui hotels charging some of their highest rates of the year.

Apart from the crowding and prices, June's weather is idyllic. The daily high averages around 85 degrees Fahrenheit, the driest month of the year.

King Kamehameha Day, a Hawaiian tradition since 1872, takes place on June 11th to celebrate the monarch who united the Hawaiian Islands. Maui hosts a weekend parade and festival in Lahaina to commemorate the holiday.

Maui in July

July is smack in the middle of Maui's busy travel season, so expect tourists everywhere and peak pricing at the island's resorts.

There will be a lot of people on the beaches, but with occasional daytime highs reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the month, it's hard to blame them.

Thanks to its blue skies and calm waters, July is the best time to visit Maui for snorkeling and ideal for swimming. The coasts around the island will be teeming with marine life.

One of the most interesting facts about Maui is that the Molokini Crater is home to more than 250 marine creatures, including dolphins and turtles.

Maui in August

August is the busiest time in Maui, although the travelers begin to thin out towards its end as school starts up again for many families.

Maui is still in its dry season, so you can expect plenty of sunshine on your vacation. Rainfall for the entire month averages half of an inch.

If you're hitting the favored hiking spots like Pipiwai Trail or Waianapanapa State Park, bring plenty of water. Daily highs can reach above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and the Maui heat can overwhelm those not used to it.

Maui in September

With the busy summer (June-September) season wrapping up, September is a great time to visit Maui. Crowds are less of an issue, and the rainy season doesn't begin until November.

For unforgettable views, check out Haleakalā National Park. Haleakalā is the best place in Maui to catch the sunrise--be prepared to start your day early.

Value-conscious travelers welcome September's low rates as Maui hotels offer some of the year's best prices.

The Chinese Moon Festival takes place every September at the Wo Hing Museum in Lahaina. The celebration originated to thank the moon for a bountiful harvest and welcomes visitors with traditional foods, music, and paper lanterns.

Maui in October

By October, the temperature in Maui has begun to drop from the summer (June-September) peaks, but it's still going to be hot. At the end of the month, you can expect average highs around 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

October is the best time to vacation in Maui if you plan to visit in the autumn's low season (September-December). Crowds aren't out in full force, and hotels are reasonably priced compared with the busier months.

But even in the off-season, you'll still find plenty to do. The Maui Fair takes place in early October with rides, livestock, and a parade.

Maui in November

Maui's rainy season kicks off in November and the storms are generally mild and brief. As a rule, the rain clears to sunny skies, and the island hardly averages two inches of precipitation during the month.

The temperature continues to decline as Maui approaches the winter (December-March). Some days at the end of the month may see a high below 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

This cooler weather makes it ideal for spending time outdoors, whether sunbathing at Makena Beach, hiking the Sliding Sands Trail, or taking an ATV adventure through the wetlands.

Maui in December

December is one of the most popular times to take a Maui vacation. There's so much going on around the island, and the weather is far more enjoyable than many other locales this time of year.

It's the rainiest month for Maui, but storms usually pass quickly, leaving sunshine in their wake.

The average daytime temperature is 81 degrees Fahrenheit, ideal for many outdoor activities.

The waves loom larger in December, which is great for surfers who flock to Maui over the winter (December-March) to take advantage of the ideal surfing conditions.

Whale watching also picks up in mid-December as thousands of humpback whales make the area their home for the season.

In Summary

Like all of Hawaii, Maui feels a little like paradise no matter when you visit. With temperatures comfortably above 80 degrees Fahrenheit all year, there's no wrong time to vacation on the island.

But the spring months of April and May are ideal when planning a visit to Maui, according to most repeat travelers. You'll find fewer crowds and a more peaceful vacation experience.

The fall months of September and October are equally good times to visit. If you want to miss the peak season, skip the summer from June to August when the island is at its busiest.

This article was edited by Henry Grahame.

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