Honolulu Weather in December
United States · Tropical climate · Data averaged from 2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31 (5 years)
December in Honolulu sees average temperatures ranging from a low of 20.8°C (69.4°F) to a high of 26.0°C (78.8°F), with a mean of 23.0°C (73.4°F). Compared to the annual average of 24.1°C (75.4°F), this month is 1.1°C cooler than the yearly norm. Precipitation averages 58.8mm, making it approximately 20.0mm wetter than the monthly average of 39.0mm. The city receives an average of 9.8 hours of sunshine per day during December, with relative humidity averaging 75.6%. Wind speeds reach an average maximum of 22.1 km/h. For travelers, this month offers a temperature experience in Honolulu, with wetter-than-average conditions compared to the rest of the year.
Honolulu sounds like a year-round summer, but the rain patterns matter. I packed for beaches in November and got three wet days — the windward side gets 4x the rain of Waikiki. The sweet spot is April-May: 26°C, low rain, fewer tourists. December-March brings the big surf and whale season, plus occasional showers. Pack reef-safe sunscreen (mandatory by law), rash guard for snorkeling, and a light rain shell for windward trips. Summer (June-August) is hotter and more humid but trade winds keep it manageable. Skip spring break crowds in March — Waikiki gets packed.
December vs Adjacent Months
| Metric | November | December | January |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Temp | 24.3°C (75.7°F) | 23.0°C (73.4°F) | 22.5°C (72.5°F) |
| Rainfall | 30.9mm | 58.8mm | 57.2mm |
| Sunshine | 10.2 hrs | 9.8 hrs | 9.8 hrs |
| Humidity | 73.1% | 75.6% | 77.2% |
| Wind | 22.7 km/h | 22.1 km/h | 20.9 km/h |
| Rainy Days | 17.4 | 18.0 | 17.6 |
Seasonal Context
December falls in Winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Winter is the coolest season with the shortest daylight hours. For travelers visiting Honolulu in December, the data indicates favorable conditions based on the combination of temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average temperature in Honolulu in December?
The average temperature in Honolulu during December ranges from 20.8°C (69.4°F) to 26.0°C (78.8°F), with a mean of 23.0°C (73.4°F).
How much does it rain in Honolulu in December?
Honolulu receives an average of 58.8mm of precipitation in December, spread across approximately 18.0 rainy days.
What should I pack for Honolulu in December?
Based on December weather data, pack layers including light jackets and t-shirts, plus an umbrella.
Is December a good time to visit Honolulu?
December is a good time to visit Honolulu, with comfortable temperatures and manageable rainfall.
Other Months for Honolulu
Cities with Similar December Climate (Tropical)
Data Source: Open-Meteo historical archive (2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31). Daily measurements aggregated into monthly climate normals. Coordinates: 21.31°, -157.86°. Timezone: Pacific/Honolulu. Last updated: 2026-07-30.