Best Time to Visit Maui (Month by Month Breakdown)
Planning a Maui vacation sounds dreamy—until you realize every month plays by its own rules.
There’s no one-size-fits-all for the best time to visit Maui—it’s all about what you want from the trip.
In this guide, we’ll go over the Valley Isle month by month so you can pick the perfect time to go!
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January
You’ll find January serving up warm days with highs just above 80°F and ocean temperatures at 76°F—paradise if you’re fleeing winter.
It’s Maui’s wettest month, but showers usually come and go fast, and spots like Ka’anapali and Wailea stay mostly sunny.
The real showstopper? Humpback whales. January is prime time for whale watching, and you don’t even need a boat to catch their acrobatics if you’re lucky.
Once the holiday rush is over, the crowds thin out and there’s space to breathe. Hotels drop their prices, too—always a win.
Best For: Whale watching, dodging crowds, mild weather, and anyone who wants their winter escape to come with a side of savings.
February
February keeps things mellow with daytime temperatures around 80°F, dipping as low as mid 60’s at night. Rain? Sometimes, but it’s usually a quick sprinkle and then back to sun.
The whales are still hanging out—it’s a great time for spotting them from shore or hopping on a boat tour.
Hotels aren’t packed, and you won’t be fighting for a beach chair. It’s peaceful, but not sleepy.
Best For: Whale watching, mild weather, and avoiding the summer stampede.
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March
March is an encore for whale season. These gentle giants are still putting on a show, breaching and tail-slapping like they’re auditioning for a nature documentary.
Weather’s warming up, so you’ll want to be out on the water for hours. Although Spring break is busy for families, the vibe is relaxed but lively.
Best For: Whale watching, and if you want a bit more sun and a bit less company.
April
April kicks off Maui’s shoulder season, so you get warm days minus the summer swarm. Hotel rates start to dip, and the weather is just about perfect for beach time.
The island feels more chill. Even the big-ticket spots like Haleakala and the Road to Hana become easier to navigate without the usual lines of rental cars.
Rain’s not much of a worry—April is mostly sunshine. Snorkeling at Molokini or hiking through the bamboo forests? Absolutely.
Best For: The shoulder season is best for avoiding crowds and scoring a great deal.
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May
May’s weather is as good as it gets—think 69°F to 85°F, barely any rain. If you’re a water person, this is your month.
The ocean is calm and clear. Great for families, first-timers, and anyone who wants to spot colorful fish. Visibility is top-notch, and turtles are out and about.
Every beach day feels like you’re in a tourism ad—warm sand, gentle breeze, sun that actually feels good. Dry season means calm seas and clear water for all your water plans.
Best For: Snorkelers, sun-chasers, and anyone who wants to live in a swimsuit for a week.
June
June is when summer really starts flexing. Ocean temperatures climb, and swimming feels like a warm bath (in the best way).
Marine life gets lively—tropical fish are everywhere, turtles are cruising the shallows, and the reefs look extra vibrant.
Long, sunny days and calm seas mean you can pack your days with snorkeling, diving, or just floating around. It’s hard to go wrong.
Best For: The warm sunny days in June are great for marine-life enthusiasts and underwater exploration.
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July
July is Maui’s show-off month—bluest skies, barely a cloud in sight. If you want guaranteed beach days, this is it.
Snorkeling is at its best: clear water, gentle currents, and you can leave the wetsuit at home.
It’s also busy—families on summer break fill up the hotels and beaches, so expect to share paradise. Prices go up, but hey, it’s summer in Maui.
Best For: Sun worshippers, water lovers, and anyone who wants their vacation to look exactly like the postcards.
August
August cranks up the heat. The sun’s blazing, rain’s almost nonexistent, and every day feels like a beach day.
Events pop up, the vibe is lively, but the crowds start to thin out compared to July. There’s this sweet spot where it’s busy, but not overwhelming.
Hotel rates start to dip after the early summer rush. Hot weather is perfect for poolside lounging or endless snorkeling sessions.
Best For: Enjoying Maui at its warmest with plenty of water sports, and anyone who wants summer energy with a little more elbow room.
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September
September is Maui’s under-the-radar gem. Crowds drop off after Labor Day, and suddenly you can get a table at that restaurant you’ve been stalking on Instagram.
Ocean’s still warm, the weather is mellow, and outdoor adventures don’t come with a side of sunburn. It’s just easygoing all around.
Deals on hotels and flights pop up since it’s off-peak. Ocean conditions stay calm, so you can squeeze in every last water activity before fall.
Best For: Savvy travelers who want warm weather, fewer crowds, and a little extra left in the vacation fund.
October
October on Maui? Honestly, it’s a bit of a sweet spot. Daytime highs hover in the mid-80s, and nights cool off just enough.
Hiking upcountry is a whole different vibe once the crowds thin out. Cooler temperatures up at elevation mean sunrise at Haleakalā feels less like a tourist stampede.
It’s still considered shoulder season, so you’re not elbowing for beach space or paying peak rates for a place to crash. Snorkeling, hiking, lazy afternoons on the sand—it’s all there, minus the chaos.
Best For: Laid-back hiking, stretching your budget, and anyone who’d rather not share paradise with a crowd.
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November
November brings a sweet spot for Maui—lower vacation rental rates and a noticeable dip in crowds compared to the summer stampede.
Expect temperatures hovering in the high 70s, just right for lazy beach days or getting out and about.
You actually get room to breathe at the island’s big-ticket spots—no need to elbow your way through selfie sticks.
Hotels usually roll out their third cheapest rates of the year now, which is, honestly, pretty tempting.
Rain? Yes, November kicks off the wetter season, but showers tend to sneak in at night or blow over before you even finish your coffee. Hardly a dealbreaker.
Best For: Anyone watching their wallet but still craving sunshine, space, and a break from the crowd surge.
December
December on Maui? Warm days, sunny skies, and just enough rain to keep the island lush—it’s hard to complain.
Sure, it’s technically the wettest season, but you’ll still catch fewer crowds lounging on the beaches than in the heart of winter.
But the real show? Out past the surf, humpback whales start rolling in. December kicks off whale watching season, and trust us, spotting those giants breaching is a holiday memory that sticks.
Best For: Whale watching season kicks off with warm days, and you can celebrate the holidays in flip-flops.
