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What is the weather like on Oahu in winter and at the end of December?
Short answer: Winter on Oahu is warm, breezy and a little wetter than summer. In Honolulu, the 1991–2020 normals for mid-December are a high of 82°F and a low of 69°F (checked Oct 12, 2026). Late December is much the same. Expect passing showers, cloudier windward sides, and dangerous surf on north and west shores.
The details
- Temperatures stay mild. NWS Honolulu's normals for around December 20 are a high of 82°F and a low of 69°F (checked Oct 12, 2026). That same report lists a record low of 54°F for that date, set in 1962. Cold snaps are rare and mild by mainland standards. Hills, the North Shore and windward areas can feel cooler, especially at night and in wind.
- It's the wetter season, not a washout. NWS Honolulu treats the wet season as October through April (checked Oct 12, 2026). December and January are typically among the wettest months in Honolulu. Rain usually comes as passing showers. Heavier spells tend to come with winter fronts or "Kona" (southerly) wind patterns that interrupt the usual trade winds. Totals vary a lot from year to year.
- Where you stay matters. Go Hawaii notes that if it is raining where you are, there is almost always a sunny spot to be found around the coast (checked Oct 12, 2026). Windward (east) Oahu and the mountains are generally rainier. Leeward and south-shore areas like Waikiki usually stay drier. Rainfall can differ sharply between neighboring valleys.
- Daylight is short for the tropics. Around December 20, sunrise is about 7:05 a.m. and sunset about 5:55 p.m. HST (checked Oct 12, 2026). Sunset runs a few minutes later by New Year's. Plan sunset photos and trail hikes with that in mind.
- The water is cool-ish but swimmable. Go Hawaii gives an average water temperature of 74°F, with a summer high of 80°F (checked Oct 12, 2026). Most people find the south-shore water comfortable in winter, and some want a rash guard for long snorkels.
- The surf is the real winter story. In winter, Pacific storms push ocean swells toward many north-shore beaches, creating the islands' famous big waves (checked Oct 12, 2026). In late November 2025, a high surf warning covered north and west shores, with north-shore waves forecast as high as 35 to 45 feet (checked Oct 12, 2026). During that event, Honolulu Ocean Safety said beaches from Mokuleia to Kaneohe Bay have no lifeguard tower and urged people to stay away from the water (checked Oct 12, 2026). Surf varies by day, so check the NWS Honolulu surf forecast each morning.
What late December looks like
Expect daytime highs in the low 80s, mild evenings, and a mix of sun and short showers. Trade winds usually keep it from feeling humid, though the trade winds mean there is almost always a cooling breeze (checked Oct 12, 2026). Large northwest swells are common around the holidays. Many travelers spend those days on the south shore and save the North Shore for watching waves from a safe distance. Late December is also a busy travel period, so book lodging, cars and popular tours early.
For this winter, El Niño winters are typically drier in Hawaii and La Niña winters wetter. That is a tendency, not a forecast for your dates. Check the NWS Honolulu forecast (weather.gov/hfo) a few days before you fly.
Tips
- Pack light layers, a light rain jacket and a sweatshirt for evenings, plus sun protection. You will want shorts and a swimsuit more than a coat.
- Plan a south-shore or leeward backup for rainy or high-surf days. Waikiki is a common choice.
- Treat "high surf" as a hard no for swimming on north and west shores, and stay back from wet sand and rocks. Use lifeguarded beaches.
- Keep hikes flexible. Wet trails get muddy, and the early sunset means starting early.
- Check the NWS Honolulu forecast and surf advisories the morning of each outing, not just before the trip.
FAQ
Is Oahu cold in winter?
Not by mainland standards. Honolulu's normal mid-December high is 82°F and the low is 69°F, per NWS climate normals (checked Oct 12, 2026). You might want a light layer in the evening, in wind, or at higher elevations, but most days are shorts weather.
Can you swim and snorkel on Oahu in late December?
Yes, mostly on the south shore and in sheltered spots, where the water is typically calm. Go Hawaii says the average water temperature is 74°F (checked Oct 12, 2026). North and west shores can be dangerous in winter swells. Follow lifeguards and posted signs, and skip those beaches when surf advisories are up.
Will it rain during my December trip?
Probably at some point, but usually briefly. December is typically one of Oahu's wetter months, and the windward side and mountains get the most rain. NWS Honolulu defines the wet season as October through April (checked Oct 12, 2026). Check the forecast close to travel, since a Kona-low spell can bring a longer wet stretch.
Want the whole trip planned? The PerkJolt Oahu guide puts the routes, timing and points strategy in one place. Get the Oahu guide
More questions about Oahu
- Should I Stay in Waikiki or on the North Shore of Oahu?
- Waikiki Hotel or Condo: Which Works Best for a First Trip?
- Do I Need a Rental Car on Oahu, or Is TheBus Enough?
- When is the best time to visit Oahu?
- Are points hotels in Waikiki worth booking?
See every question about Oahu → /answers/oahu/
Last verified: 2026-10-12. Surf advisories and rain forecasts change day to day, so check the NWS Honolulu forecast and surf page at weather.gov/hfo before you go, and Honolulu Ocean Safety for beach conditions.
Good to know before you go
. Confirm hours, fees, schedules and road or trail status on the official page before you book or go.
Sources
- https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=ABQ&issuedby=HNL&product=CLI&format=CI&version=14&glossary=1
- https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=MOB&product=CLI&issuedby=HNL
- https://www.weather.gov/media/hfo/MediaAdvisory-2024-2025HawaiiWetSeasonOutlook.pdf
- https://www.gohawaii.com/trip-planning/weather
- https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2025/11/27/high-surf-advisory-up-north-west-shores-warning-level-swell-possible-this-weekend/
- https://www.khon2.com/local-news/high-surf-warning-in-full-effect-lifeguards-rescue-dozens-on-the-north-shore/