When Is the Best Time to Visit Maui?

The Busy Seasons

• Mid-December through early January. The busiest weeks of the year.
• Mid-February through mid-March. Whale season plus mainland winter escape.
• Late March through mid-April. Spring break.
• Mid-June through mid-August. Summer family travel.
• Thanksgiving week.

The Quieter Windows

• Late April through late May. After spring break, before summer. Beautiful weather, whale season winding down.
• September. Often the quietest month. Schools are back in session, summer travel has ended, holiday season has not begun. Warm, calm, widest availability.
• Early October. Similar to September — quiet, warm, easy.
• Early November before Thanksgiving. Often overlooked, often excellent.
• Early December before mid-month. The calm before the holiday surge.

What Each Season Offers

Winter (December–March) — humpback whale season, biggest north shore surf, occasional windward rain, warm but not hot. Spring (April–May) — whale activity winding down, reliable trade winds, flowers in bloom. May is often considered one of the best months. Summer (June–August) — hot, dry, busy. South shore surf picks up. Fall (September–November) — the quiet season. Excellent weather. Often the favorite of long-time residents.

Rain by Region

South Maui (Wailea, Kīhei, Mākena) is dry year-round. The north shore and east side see more rain in winter. Upcountry (Kula) sees moderate rain with cool evenings. A winter trip with unbroken sunshine is common in Wailea.

Jolanta’s Feedback

For whales, come in winter. For surf, winter north shore, summer south. For quiet and value, come in September. For the best all-around weather, late April through early June. But truly — it is always a good time to be on Maui.