Big Island in July
Good time to visit
Peak summer means peak everything - heat, crowds, and prices. July works if you book early and plan around the intense conditions.
Weather
July brings the year's hottest and driest conditions. Temperatures peak in the low 90s Fahrenheit, with minimal rainfall outside high elevation areas. Trade winds can disappear for days, leaving the air still and humid.
31°C high23°C low4 rain days
Crowds & Cost
peak crowds
~$295/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Fourth of July celebrations
- •Kilauea Volcano Marathon
- •Ukulele Festival
July Tips
- •Book everything months ahead - July is the busiest month
- •Start activities before 9 AM to beat the heat
- •Stay hydrated religiously when hiking or at the beach
All Months
April, May, September, October, and November offer the sweet spot of good weather and fewer crowds. Hotel rates drop significantly compared to winter peak season, and you'll have beaches and hiking trails more to yourself.
The Big Island's weather depends entirely on which side you're visiting. Kona averages less than 10 inches of rain per year and stays sunny most days. Hilo gets over 120 inches annually, with afternoon showers almost guaranteed. This isn't necessarily bad—the rain usually comes in short bursts, and it keeps everything green and lush.
Winter months (December through March) bring the biggest crowds and highest prices, but also the best whale watching. Humpback whales arrive in Hawaiian waters around November and stick around through April. The peak season for whale watching is January through March.
Summer can get hot and humid, especially on the leeward Kona side. But it's also the driest time of year, making it perfect for camping and extended outdoor activities. Just pack plenty of sunscreen—the UV rays are intense at this latitude.
Big Island Scores
Solo
8/10
Couples
9/10
Families
9/10
Adventure
9/10
Budget
5/10
Luxury
8/10
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