When people picture Maui, they probably think of sunny beaches and a sparkling ocean. They may think of tropical rainforests. That describes the area pretty well. But what is Maui weather really like? What do you need to be comfortable? We think there are three keys to dealing with beach weather, whether we’re talking about Kihei weather or Wailea weather. .
- Keep from being burned by applying sunscreen liberally and take time away from the sun to protect your skin.
- Rent Spring Suits and Thermal Tops to deal with cooler waters. This is especially good for children, but adventurous adults can do more if they stay warm.
- Dress for the daytime temperature and have a sweater ready for nighttime temps.
Kihei Weather
Kihei weather is generally sunny. The rainiest months are December and January. Still, we are only talking about 2.6 inches in Kihei. The chance of rain declines in the spring, is nearly flat in the summer, and starts to rise again in the fall. Isolated showers are more common than rainy days.
Temperatures dip into the 60s in the winter, but highs can be in the low 80s. During the summer, the top temps can reach 88, but the lows won’t dip as low.
Wailea Weather
Wailea weather is similar to Kihei. The only noticeable difference may be that it gets slightly more rainfall than Kihei. We’re talking about differences of 0.5 inches in the summer and 0.3 inches in the winter months. This may mean a few scattered showers in Wailea while Kihei remains dry.
Thermal Tops and Spring Suits
Thermal Tops and Spring SuitsWater temperatures may feel pleasant because they tend to be close to the warm air temperature. However, many people find that they appreciate an extra layer when snorkeling. Children are especially vulnerable to a chill and may need a thermal top to keep them warm longer. We offer a low rate for a weekly rental when you order online.
Thermal tops and spring suits have other advantages, too. They make a person more buoyant, giving you extra help when floating. Also, they protect some of your skin from the sun. Furthermore, they are good for water activities such as visiting Maui waterfalls. They protect you from scrapes and cuts on the rocks.
Sunscreen and Hats
Sunscreen is essential. In our mild temperatures, you won’t notice that you are burning until your skin is red hot. Sunscreen should be applied liberally and often.
Always make sure to take a break on hot days, especially if you’re sensitive to sunlight. The bets way to avoid a painful sunburn on vacation is to take a break under one of our extra-large beach umbrella rentals every hours or so.
You can get sunscreen at our shop, which is conveniently located by the Kamaole 1 and Kamaole 2 beaches in Kihei. Also, an Auntie Snorkel cap can shade your face and reduce the chances of a bad burn. If you order equipment from us to be delivered in Kihei or Wailea, you can add sunscreen and a hat to your list, and we’ll bring it with your snorkeling gear or beach chairs.
Land Temperatures in Maui
Daytime temperatures in Maui may be as high as 88°F/31°C in the summer months. In the winter months, temperatures in Maui may venture up to the upper 70s or low 80s. Almost any time of year, you may be in lightweight clothes during the day and switch to a warm sweater at night.
If you want to escape the heat, ask our staff where to go. We sell activity tickets for van tours and rainforest ziplines. Our staff has the insider information you need to know about upcountry Maui, Haleakala, Kahoolawe, and more.
Temperatures cool off at higher elevations. At Haleakala, the temperature will have dropped about 32 degrees when compared to the beaches. Still, don’t let the cooler temps fool you. Sunscreen is still necessary.
You can squeeze in some extra sun by getting a great discount on our bike rentals, so you can cruise along the beach while soaking up some Maui rays!
Water Temperatures in Maui
January, February and March are the coolest months in the waters of Maui. As the air starts to warm up, the waters slowly warm up in response. In June and July, when temperatures are at their highest, the water is generally about 78°F/25°C, making it perfect or Molokini snorkeling. In August and September, when temperatures may slide back a few degrees, the water has gotten really warm and may be 80°F/26.6°C.
Likelihood of Rain
South Maui, home to Kihei, Wailea and Makena, get less rainfall than Maui’s rainforest, which has rainfall nearly every day. One of the wettest areas is the windward side of Haleakala. It rains in this forest three out of four days of the year. It can get 400 inches per year while Kihei gets about 10 inches annually.
Elevation and season have a lot to do with it. Winters are wetter, and summers are almost dry. When visiting Kihei or Wailea, remember the closer you get to the West Maui Mountains or Iao Valley, the more likely it is that you’ll encounter rain.
Summit of Haleakala
This part of Maui is truly different. You’ll need to dress warmly much of the year, since it’s roughly 32°F less than the beach temperature. In winter it can be even colder. At 10,000 feet, it can be near freezing in the summer and may drop to zero in the winter.
If you want to see the crater from above, we recommend a helicopter tour which we can schedule for you.
| Season | Ocean Temp | Lows | Highs | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec/Jan/Feb) | 74-76 °F 23-24 °C | 63°F 17.2°C | 83°F 28.3°C | 1.8-3.5 in. 45-88.9mm |
| Spring (March, Apr, May) | 75-77 °F 23-25 °C | 64°F 17.7°C | 85°F 29.4°C | 1.1-1.8 in. 28-45 mm |
| Early Summer (June, July) | 77-78 °F 25-25.5 °C | 69°F 20.5°C | 87°F 30.5°C | 0.1-0.2 in. 2.5-5 mm |
| Late Summer (Aug, Sept) | 79-85 °F 26.1-29.4 °C | 69°F 20.5°C | 89°F 31.6°C | 0.2-0.3 in 5-7.6mm. |
| Fall (Oct/Nov) | 77 - 79 °F 25-26.1°C | 68°F 20°C | 88°F 31.1°C°° | 1.1-2.2 in 28-55.8mm |
