| The Unique Hawaii Climate |
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| Written by Ted Felber |
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Since the Hawaii climate is pretty consistent throughout the year with only minor temperature changes, you can travel there any time of the year. While the humidity is pretty high, the constant tropical breezes keep the conditions pretty comfortable throughout the year. During the day you will be comfortable in a T-shirt or an Aloha shirt and a pair of sandals. Once the sun sets you will probably want to wear a light jacket since the temperatures can fall around ten degrees.
Since the Hawaii climate is pretty consistent throughout the year with only minor temperature changes, you can travel there any time of the year. While the humidity is pretty high, the constant tropical breezes keep the conditions pretty comfortable throughout the year. During the day you will be comfortable in a T-shirt or an Aloha shirt and a pair of sandals. Once the sun sets you will probably want to wear a light jacket since the temperatures can fall around ten degrees. The shielding effect of the mountains and the differences in weather at various elevations create a diversity of climate zones. The distinctive micro-climates are specific for the interior valleys, mountain peaks and beaches in Hawaii. Positioned at the edge of the tropical zone and due to year-round warm sea surface temperatures, which keep the overlying atmosphere warm, Hawaii has only two seasons, both of them warm and one with slightly more rainfall. The Hawaii Climate of Summer Between the months of April and November the climate is drier and warmer with the average temperature ranging from 75-88. In the summertime the north east trade winds bring most of the rainfall to the islands leeward side, which brings a welcome relief from the hot and dry weather. The temperature on any given day will depend on where you are on the islands. If you are relaxing on the south or west sides of the islands, which are sheltered from the winds, you will experience conditions that are normally dry and hot. On the eastern and northern sides you will enjoy cooler and moister conditions since these sides receive the full force of the winds. If you are looking for tropical, wet and humid conditions, head windward. If you want sun baked and arid conditions, go leeward. Hawaii Climate During Winter During the months of December through March the temperatures are normally a little cooler. The average temperature is usually between 68-80 F. In Hawaii the winter months are considered the rainy season, with the heaviest down pours between October and April. During these months storms are common, but they usually pass through rather quickly with little incident. There will likely be more days that are cloudy which may interfere with you sunbathing, but it rarely rains for more than three consecutive days. Winter is surf season, so if you're a surf rider, come to the North Shore in Oahu to catch the perfect wave. Also, whale watching season is at the end of the winter, during January to March, so make sure you are here if you want to see these magnificent creatures! Hawaii Climate is Greatly Influenced by the Mountains In Kauai, you will find Mt. Waialele, which is the wettest area on the planet. This area receives an amazing 38 feet or 420 inches of rainfall annually. Just a few short miles away, Waimea Canyon is dry as can be and has been nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific". On the Big Island of Hawaii you will find Hilo, which receives at least 180 inches of rain each year. Hilo is one of the wettest cities in the country, but just 60 miles away you can find Puako which receives less than 6 inches of rain annually. If you want to discover some of the natural beauty that can be found in the higher elevations like Mauna Kea, be sure to wear clothing that is appropriate for cooler temperatures. The temperatures will drop by about 3.5 degrees for each 1,000 feet above sea level. Watching the sunrise from the summit at Mt. Haleakala is an experience that shouldn't be missed. While it is a great idea, be sure that you have bundled up with gloves and a scarf as the temperature can be as low as 30 F! Also, keep in mind that at such high elevations, there is less protection from the sun. Be sure to apply sunscreen liberally, and bring sunglasses and a hat. In the mountains the climate can change from summer to winter in just a few hours so you need to go well prepared. This special Hawaii climate makes it possible for you to ski on Mauna Kea in winter and sun bathe on the Kona Coast, on the best beaches in Hawaii all on the same day. Author:
Ted Felber is the editor of EnjoyHawaiiVacations.com where you get practical tips and suggestions on the best Hawaii attractions, activities, adventures, lodging, travel deals, vacation packages and more. Click here for more information on Hawaii Climate.
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| Last Updated ( Monday, 18 May 2009 11:57 ) |