Weather at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes: Forecasts, Climate, and Current Conditions

By Erika Müller · Data: National Park Service · ← Complete guide Hawaiʻi Volcanoes

Forget the postcard version of Hawaiʻi, with guaranteed sunshine and 82°F weather year-round. At Hawaiʻi Volcanoes, the weather follows different rules. Kīlauea's summit rises to about 3,940 feet, so it can be cool, cloudy, and rainy any day of the year. A few miles below, the coastal plain at the end of Chain of Craters Road is hot, dry, and swept by constant winds. The quick answer: expect 57 to 73°F around the caldera depending on the season, frequent rain from November through March, and a 13 to 14°F difference between the crater and the coast. May through August is the most comfortable window for exploring the volcanic heart of the park.

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes Climate Month by Month

The park stretches from the sea to the summit of Mauna Loa (13,678 feet). The table below covers the main visitor area around Kīlauea's caldera, at about 3,940 feet, where you'll find most of the trails, Volcano House, and the visitor center. These averages are for reference only and can vary widely with local microclimates.

The coastal plain, by contrast, stays around 82 to 86°F year-round, with little rain but strong winds and intense glare off the black volcanic rock. You'll need two different outfits in the same pack.

Climate Season by Season

Winter (December, January, February)

This is the wettest season around the summit. Rain can settle in for several days at a time, fog regularly blankets the caldera, and nighttime temperatures often drop below 50°F. The atmosphere around the steam vents becomes dramatic, almost otherworldly. Crowds are light, and the trails are less busy. The tradeoff is that you'll need a genuinely waterproof jacket and warm layers.

Spring (March, April, May)

Rain becomes less persistent starting in April. Temperatures gradually rise. May often marks the transition to more stable conditions, with clear mornings and brief afternoon showers. It's a good window if you want to avoid the summer crowds without dealing with winter's persistent rain.

Summer (June, July, August)

This is the best time to visit the heart of the park. Mornings are often clear, daytime temperatures are comfortable at 68 to 73°F, and nights are cool but manageable at 57 to 61°F. Visibility over the caldera is better. The downside is that this is peak tourist season and the most active period for cyclones in the central Pacific. See the alerts section below.

Fall (September, October, November)

September and October remain mild, with a still-high risk of passing tropical systems. Rain gradually returns in November. The coast can be hit by strong winds when tropical depressions pass offshore. Fall is a decent shoulder season, often overlooked for its bright days.

Is It Cold or Hot at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes? Records and Extremes

It depends entirely on where you are in the park. Around Kīlauea's caldera, it rarely feels hot in the beach-weather sense. Summer highs reach 73°F, while clear, windy winter nights can dip close to 41°F. Snow is rare in this area, but it's not unheard of on Mauna Loa's slopes above 9,840 feet.

At the coastal plain, the situation reverses. The sun beats down, heat stored in the black rock pushes temperatures even higher than the surrounding air, and the few shaded spots are precious. The difference you feel between the two ends of the park on the same day can easily exceed 22°F.

What to Wear by Season

The basic rule applies all year: dress in layers. Temperatures can change dramatically between the summit and the coast over just a few miles of road.

Around the summit (Kīlauea Caldera, upper Chain of Craters Road):

• Breathable T-shirt, fleece or hoodie, and a waterproof windbreaker. It's essential in winter and useful in summer when sudden showers roll in.
• Closed-toe, slip-resistant shoes are required on lava fields. Aa lava can tear through thin soles.
• A hat and gloves are recommended for winter sunrises or nighttime outings.

At the coastal plain:

• Lightweight clothing, a hat, and sunglasses
• High-SPF sunscreen. Glare off the black rock can be deceptive.
• At least 1.5 liters of water per person for any outing. There is no water source along the coastal trail.

In heavy vog, an FFP2 mask can significantly improve comfort for people with sensitive airways.

Alerts and Conditions to Watch

Vog. This is the weather risk specific to this park, with no real equivalent elsewhere in the United States. Kīlauea continuously emits sulfur dioxide (SO2), which combines with moisture in the air to form an acidic haze known as vog, short for volcanic smog. Depending on the trade winds, it can cover all or part of the park, reduce visibility to about 1,000 feet, and irritate your throat, eyes, and airways. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) posts real-time SO2 levels.

Hurricane season. It officially runs from June through November in Hawaiʻi, with activity peaking in August and October. Cyclones that directly hit the islands are rare, but a tropical system passing at a distance can still trigger torrential rain, winds over 60 mph, and flooding in low-lying areas. Check National Weather Service bulletins from NWS Honolulu as soon as a depression forms in the central Pacific.

Road closures. An eruption, landslide, or lava flow can close sections without warning, especially along Chain of Craters Road. Check current alerts on the park's official website before you leave.

Convective storms. In summer, they can form quickly over Mauna Loa's slopes in the afternoon. Identify shelters before starting a long hike, and keep an eye on the sky after 1 p.m.

Frequently Asked Questions