Honolulu in December
In December, Honolulu averages 28°C (82°F) during the day and 20°C (68°F) at night, with around 10 days of rain (85 mm total).
High seasonConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
December offers comfortable temperatures in Honolulu, with some rain to plan around.
How December compares to the rest of the year in Honolulu
December is in the middle of the year for warmth in Honolulu (9th of 12) and one of the wettest months (2nd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C below the annual average (29°C). December runs 1°C cooler than November (29°C) and cools 1°C in January (27°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Honolulu
Times shown for Honolulu local time (Pacific/Honolulu), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Honolulu — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Honolulu's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Honolulu in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (High season) and Honolulu's popularity.
December in United States — events that affect travel
Known cultural, religious, or national events that surge prices, fill hotels, or close businesses during this month. Plan around them, or build your itinerary around the ones you'd like to see.
Major travel surge plus widespread Dec 24-26 and Jan 1 business closures.
Plan: Book flights and hotels well ahead; expect many restaurants/shops closed Dec 25 and Jan 1.
Crowds & pricing — December in Honolulu
This is a busy month in Honolulu — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.
Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Honolulu
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Sea temperature in Honolulu — December
Across the year Honolulu's sea swings from 24.4°C (March) to 27°C (September) — December sits at 25.6°C.
Honolulu in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 27°C / 81°F | 18°C / 64°F | 75 mm | 9 | — |
| February | 27°C / 81°F | 19°C / 66°F | 55 mm | 8 | — |
| March | 27°C / 81°F | 19°C / 66°F | 45 mm | 8 | — |
| April | 28°C / 82°F | 20°C / 68°F | 20 mm | 8 | — |
| May | 29°C / 84°F | 21°C / 70°F | 20 mm | 6 | — |
| June | 30°C / 86°F | 22°C / 72°F | 10 mm | 7 | — |
| July | 31°C / 88°F | 23°C / 73°F | 10 mm | 8 | — |
| August | 31°C / 88°F | 23°C / 73°F | 15 mm | 8 | — |
| September | 31°C / 88°F | 23°C / 73°F | 15 mm | 8 | — |
| October | 30°C / 86°F | 22°C / 72°F | 55 mm | 9 | — |
| November | 29°C / 84°F | 21°C / 70°F | 75 mm | 10 | — |
| December | 28°C / 82°F | 20°C / 68°F | 85 mm | 10 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Honolulu in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Honolulu in December?
In December, Honolulu averages a high of 28°C (82°F) and a low of 20°C (68°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Honolulu in December?
December can be fairly wet in Honolulu, with about 10 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Honolulu?
December is warm. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Honolulu in December?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Honolulu for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.