January is in the middle of the wet season in Hawaii.
The weather in Hawaii in January is characterized by more rainfall and more cloudy days compared to the dry season.
The average maximum temperatures in January range from 21°C (71°F) to 25°C (77°F) across the islands.
The average rainfall in January ranges from 31 mm (1.2 in) on Hawaii Island to 203.9 mm (8 in) on Kauai Island.
The average seawater temperature in January ranges from 24.7°C (76.5°F) to 24.9°C (76.8°F).
Keep on reading to find out more details on the weather conditions on each of the main Hawaiian islands in the guide below.
Average temperature
Below is a table with the average high and low temperatures in January on each of the main Hawaiian islands.
The average high temperatures in Hawaii in January range from 21°C (71°F) to 25°C (77°F), while the average low temperatures range from 12°C (54°F) to 23°C (74°F).
The temperatures vary by island, with the highest temperatures typically found on Oahu (Honolulu), Hawaii, and Kahoolawe and a bit cooler on Maui and Kauai.
| Island | Average High | Average Low |
| Hawaii | 25°C / 77°F | 23°C / 74°F |
| Maui | 21°C / 71°F | 13°C / 55°F |
| Oahu (Honolulu) | 25°C / 77°F | 18°C / 64°F |
| Kauai | 22°C / 72°F | 12°C / 54°F |
| Molokai | 24°C / 76°F | 17°C / 62°F |
| Lanai | 23°C / 74°F | 16°C / 60°F |
| Niihau | 24°C / 75°F | 22°C / 72°F |
| Kahoolawe | 25°C / 76°F | 20°C / 67°F |
As a point of reference, the average maximum temperatures for the whole year, in the capital city of Hawaii, Honolulu, are displayed in the graph below.
Average seawater temperature
In the table below, you can find the average seawater temperature on each of the main Hawaiian islands in January.
As you can see, the temperatures are relatively consistent across the islands, ranging between 24.7°C (76.5°F) and 24.9°C (76.8°F).
| Island | Average Temperature |
| Hawaii | 24.8°C / 76.4°F |
| Maui | 24.8°C / 76.4°F |
| Oahu (Honolulu) | 24.7°C / 76.5°F |
| Kauai | 24.7°C / 76.5°F |
| Molokai | 24.8°C / 76.4°F |
| Lanai | 24.8°C / 76.4°F |
| Niihau | 24.9°C / 76.8°F |
| Kahoolawe | 24.9°C / 76.8°F |
For a better perspective, the average seawater temperature in the Honolulu area is shown in the chart below.
Average rainfall
The table below provides information on the average rainfall and rainy days in January on each of the main Hawaiian islands.
While January is considered part of the wet season in Hawaii, there is still some variation in the amount of rainfall from island to island.
In January, the average rainfall across the Hawaiian islands ranges from 31 mm (1.2 in) on the big island of Hawaii to 203.9 mm (8 in) on Kauai.
| Island | Total Rainfall | Number of Rainy Days |
| Hawaii | 31 mm / 1.2 in | 1 |
| Maui | 82 mm / 3.2 in | 5 |
| Oahu (Honolulu) | 48.4 mm / 1.9 in | 5 |
| Kauai | 203.9 mm / 8 in | 15 |
| Molokai | 60.2 mm / 2.4 in | 4 |
| Lanai | 72.4 mm / 2.9 in | 6 |
| Niihau | 71 mm / 2.8 in | 3 |
| Kahoolawe | 56.3 mm / 2.2 in | 4 |
The following chart provides more context by showing the average rainfall by month in Honolulu, the capital city situated on Oahu island.
Hawaii weather in January – FAQ
Is it warm enough to swim in Hawaii in January?
The average seawater temperature in Hawaii in January is 24.8°C (76.4°F). Compared to other months, especially during the dry season (April-October), January offers lower ocean temperatures in January.
If you’re used to swimming in cooler water and don’t mind a little chill, the ocean in Hawaii in January may be pleasant for swimming.
If you like warmer water, the ocean temperature in Hawaii in January may be too chilly for you to swim comfortably.
How rainy is Hawaii in January?
Yes, January falls into the wet season and it is fairly rainy in January in the Hawaiian Islands.
On average, the total rainfall ranges from 31 mm (1.2 in) on Hawaii Island to 203.9 mm (8 in) on Kauai.
Is it worth visiting Hawaii in January?
January is in the middle of the wet season in Hawaii, so you can expect more rainfall and more cloudy days compared to the dry season.
However, the weather can still be pleasant and warm, with average high temperatures ranging from 21°C (71°F) to 25°C (77°F) and low temperatures ranging from 12°C (54°F) to 23°C (74°F).
The ocean is also warm enough for swimming, with average seawater temperatures ranging from 24.7°C (76.5°F) to 24.9°C (76.8°F).
If you don’t mind the possibility of some rain and are looking for lower tourist crowds and possibly lower prices, then January could be a good time to visit Hawaii.
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