
Big Island in November
Great time to visit
The year's best value month with excellent weather and minimal crowds. November delivers premium conditions at budget-friendly prices.
Weather
November extends the ideal weather pattern with warm, dry days and pleasantly cool nights. Trade winds keep conditions comfortable while rainfall stays minimal. The first winter swells start hitting north-facing beaches.
28°C high20°C low7 rain days
Crowds & Cost
low crowds
~$195/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Kona Coffee Cultural Festival
- •Thanksgiving celebrations
November Tips
- •November offers the year's best hotel deals before holiday rush
- •Coffee harvest season makes Kona tours especially interesting
- •Thanksgiving week sees a brief crowd spike
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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