When to visit Hawaii Volcanoes (Big Island) without the crowds
Hawaii Volcanoes (Big Island) (Hawaii, United States) is calmest in March, April, May, September, October and November: fewer people and better prices. It gets busiest in January, February, June and December. Below is every month with crowds, temperatures and festivals. Careful with March and April: the calm has a reason (see the seasonal heads-ups).
Best months
May & Sep–Oct
When everyone heads home
The second half of August.
Tip
At 1,200 m nights are cool and showery: bring a jacket even if the coast is 30 °C.
Month by month
| Month | Crowds | Avg. high | Festivals & holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5/5 · busy | 20 °C (68 °F)13 rainy days | New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day |
| February | 4/5 · busy ⚠ | 19 °C (66 °F)18 rainy days | Presidents Day |
| March | 2/5 · calm ⚠ | 20 °C (67 °F)21 rainy days | |
| April | 1/5 · calm ⚠ | 20 °C (68 °F)21 rainy days | Merrie Monarch hula festival in Hilo (April) |
| May | 2/5 · calm | 21 °C (69 °F)20 rainy days | Memorial Day |
| June | 4/5 · busy | 21 °C (70 °F)13 rainy days | Juneteenth National Independence Day |
| July | 3/5 · moderate | 22 °C (72 °F)10 rainy days | Independence Day |
| August | 3/5 · moderate | 22 °C (72 °F)13 rainy days | |
| September | 2/5 · calm | 22 °C (72 °F)15 rainy days | Labour Day |
| October | 1/5 · calm | 22 °C (71 °F)16 rainy days | |
| November | 2/5 · calm | 21 °C (69 °F)13 rainy days | Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day |
| December | 4/5 · busy | 20 °C (68 °F)13 rainy days | Christmas Day |
⚠ = seasonal heads-up.
Before you go: seasonal heads-ups
- Rainy season (Feb–Apr): about 18–21 rainy days a month.
Crowds are a relative index for each place: 1 is its calmest month and 5 its busiest. Temperatures: Copernicus ERA5, 2016–2025 average. Includes official tourism statistics (National Park Service, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, 2023-2025). How it works
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Hawaii Volcanoes (Big Island) without the crowds?
The calmest month is usually April and October (crowds 1/5). In October the average high is 22 °C (71 °F). All the calm months: March, April, May, September, October and November.
When is Hawaii Volcanoes (Big Island) most crowded?
The busiest season is January, February, June and December. The second half of August.
What is the weather like in Hawaii Volcanoes (Big Island)?
Average highs range from 19 °C (66 °F) in February to 22 °C (72 °F) in August, from Copernicus ERA5 (2016–2025). It rains most in March (about 21 days) and least in July (10).
What should I know before going to Hawaii Volcanoes (Big Island)?
Rainy season (Feb–Apr): about 18–21 rainy days a month.
What festivals are there in Hawaii Volcanoes (Big Island)?
The main ones: Merrie Monarch hula festival in Hilo (April) (April).