If you’re thinking of buying a home in Maui, it’s important to know what the weather is like here. Maui is known for its warm weather and clear skies, but it can occasionally be a bit chilly, at higher elevations. Read on to learn more about Maui’s beautiful and diverse climate:
Warmth all year round
Hawaii has two seasons: summer from May to October and winter from November to April. The average daytime summer temperature at sea level hovers around 85° F (29.4° C), while the average daytime winter temperature at sea level is typically around 78° (25.6° C). Temperatures at night are approximately 10° F lower than the daytime. Maui’s temperatures are consistent, with only minor changes in temperature throughout the year. However, it is important to know that the temperature you will experience can vary depending on where you are on the island. The windward side (the side facing the ocean) is usually cooler than the leeward side (the side sheltered from the ocean,) and areas in higher elevations may see a higher deviation in average temperatures throughout the day.
Relaxing tides and cool ocean breezes
Maui is a beautiful place to call home with its near-shore water temperatures remaining comfortable throughout the year. The average water temperature hovers around 74° F (23.3° C), with a summer high of around 80° F (26.7° C). Wave action varies dramatically between island coasts and seasons, with summer waters typically being gentle on all beaches. During the winter on many north shore beaches, Pacific storms drive ocean swells towards the islands, creating Maui’s legendary big waves. However, wave conditions are often very localized, so if the waves are too big on your beach, you can usually find calmer water at a more sheltered beach. Strong currents however can make the beach unsafe at any time during the year, particularly in the winter. So be sure to consult surf reports or ask a lifeguard about ocean currents before making any decisions, and always be aware of posted beach conditions.
Occasional wet weather
If you’re looking for information on wind and rainfall weather patterns on Maui, you’ll want to keep an eye on the north Pacific high-pressure zones. These zones pump cool, moist trade winds down onto the island, which are forced upslope by the mountain heights. This creates clouds that produce rain, mostly in the mountains and valleys on the windward side of Maui. The wettest months are from November to March, but winter rains won’t usually cause too much disruption to your plans. This is because the weather is very localized – if it’s raining where you are, there’s almost always a dry spot to be found elsewhere around the island. The Hawaiian Islands’ trade winds mean there’s almost always a cooling breeze here. However, several times during the year the trade winds will stop completely, and the wind will switch around to come out of the south or west. This brings hot, muggy weather, which islanders sometimes call “Kona” weather.
Vog?
During times of increased activity, Kilauea’s Halemaumau Crater, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, may emit volcanic gasses into the air. When these gasses meet moisture in the air, they form vog. While considered more of an occasional nuisance, some people with respiratory issues may experience some adverse effects and are recommended to consult their physician for advice. For many however, vog simply present an occasional inconvenience when attempting to admire another beautifully sunny day in Hawaii. In fact, vog has been known on occasion to enhance some of Maui’s already amazing sunsets!
Ready to experience Maui’s wonderful weather for yourself? Contact me today and let’s find you the perfect luxury West Maui home from which to enjoy cool ocean breezes and amazing sunsets, day after day. Mahalo!
