The Best Time to Visit Maui

You know that you want to go to Maui, but do you know what time of year is the best time to visit Maui? If your travel plans aren’t dictated by an event, kids’ school calendar or work schedule, you are in luck — there are deals to be found and empty beaches to be discovered!

Generally, the best times to visit Maui are April and May before school is out and September through November when kids go back to school and the snowbirds haven’t arrived yet. The spring and fall “shoulder seasons” provide the fantastic tropical weather Maui is known for without the high rates and crowds that accompany the summer and winter. Deals are easier to find for flights and lodging, but be sure to book several weeks in advance for the lowest rates.

You’ll find Maui’s weather to be fairly consistent throughout the year. I’ve been to Maui all seasons of the year and short of  a tropical storm in the Winter or Spring stealing a few beach days with rain, you can’t really go wrong. Summer is slightly warmer and dryer but there is always a beach or pool to cool off in. Fall is usually pretty close to perfect.

The best time to go to Maui depends on your budget and what you like, don’t like and want to do. Consider the following:

Best for Avoiding the Rain

Maui tends to receive the most rain between the months of November through March. That being said, rain generally falls at night or in short rain showers followed by a rainbow and sun.

If you want to optimize your chances of sunshine, plan your visit during the historically drier months — from June through September. Winter months tend to be rainier.

When considering where to stay on Maui, South Maui (Kihei and Wailea) tends to be the sunniest followed by West Maui (avoid Kapalua where a light daily rain is common). When we visit in winter, we almost always stay in South Maui. If planning to visit Paia or do the Road to Hana, be sure to bring a raincoat as rain is often a daily occurrence!

Best for Whale Watching

Without a doubt, one of the most memorable moments you’ll have in Maui is viewing the humpback whales during their annual winter migration through the North Pacific Ocean to Hawaii to mate and give birth in the warm, sheltered waters. December through May is considered humpback whale season in the Hawaiian islands — with the majority of whales appearing January through March (February is prime whale watch time!).

Whether seeing one up close on a whale watching tour or catching one breach out of the water from the comfort of your lanai, you can’t help but cry out with joy and tell everyone around you that you just saw a whale!

I recommend the highly rated and eco-friendly whale watching tour with Pacific Whale Foundation. Don’t forget to pack your camera and Dramamine if you get motion sickness!

Best for Kids

The ocean is the calmest in the summer with less forceful currents, making swimming conditions better for younger ones and you don’t have to worry about missing school for the older ones. Trying to schedule vacations during Winter or Spring Break will cost you as both flights and accommodation rates will be at their highest. And, the beaches and pools will be packed. Make sure your condo includes a sun umbrella (or pick one up at Target, Costco or Walmart in Kahului) as summer temps reach an average high of 88°F and nobody wants to get burned while on vacation.

Best for Surfing

Travel in the winter for the best conditions – just book early as this is high season so prices will rise and places will sell out.

Regardless of when you make it to the island of Maui, you are in for amazing weather. And if you get rain, just smile…and look forward to the rainbow!