Hilo in January
Not the best time
January is Hilo at its rainiest and gloomiest. You'll save money but spend a lot of time dodging downpours. Only come if you don't mind getting soaked daily.
Weather
January brings Hilo's wettest weather with heavy rainfall and high humidity. Expect overcast skies most days with temperatures staying consistently warm. The trade winds pick up, which helps with the mugginess but makes ocean activities choppy.
26°C high18°C low18 rain days
Crowds & Cost
low crowds
~$120/day average
Events & Festivals
- •New Year's Day celebrations
- •Chinese New Year festivities
January Tips
- •Pack a good rain jacket and waterproof shoes - you'll need them daily
- •Book indoor activities like the Pacific Tsunami Museum as backup plans
- •Hotel rates are lowest now, but some outdoor tour operators close
All Months
April through October gives you the best shot at dry weather, but 'dry' in Hilo means 10 inches of rain instead of 15. The trade winds blow strongest in summer, which keeps things comfortable despite the humidity. Winter brings bigger surf to the east side beaches, but also more storms. Here's what locals know: mornings are almost always clearer than afternoons. Plan your waterfall hikes and volcano drives before 2 PM when the clouds roll in. The farmers market runs year-round, but summer brings the best variety of tropical fruits.
Hilo Scores
Solo
7/10
Couples
7/10
Families
7/10
Adventure
8/10
Budget
6/10
Luxury
5/10
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