Hawaii is a US state with several islands and is recognized for its tropical climate. It’s always been a mystery to those who are unfamiliar with Hawaii or have never been whether it snows.
Within a few miles in Hawaii, the climate may change dramatically. Mount Waialeale, the wettest area, receives roughly 11684mm of rain every year, whereas a few miles away receives less than 254mm. This answers why only three places in Hawaii get snow.
Instead of snow, fog and mist blanket the islands and some other locations below 9000 feet in height throughout the winter. Only the three regions at elevations of 10,000–13,000 feet get snow.
Because of the weather dynamics and the unpopularity of snow in Hawaii, it’s natural for people to question if it snows there. As you’ll see in the next paragraph, it does, but only in three areas.
All three mountains in Hawaii experience snowfall at least periodically throughout the year, especially during July, April, and October. October to April is the winter season. It can get particularly cold on the islands during the winter, with temperatures plummeting below 50°F (18°C) and the peak temperature of the mountains dropping below the freezing point.
So when does it ever snow in Hawaii?
There is the possibility of snow falling on Hawaii’s three mountains at any time of the year, but most snow falls during the wet season in July, April, and October. This is the winter season. At the top of the mountain, it gets colder than its freezing point in the winter, with temperatures on the islands dropping below 50°F (18°C).
Every year, 2–8 inches of snow cover the tops of the mountains, and sometimes a snowstorm hits, making it dangerous for people to be there.
Where in Hawaii does it snow?
Hawaii doesn’t get snow everywhere, and it only snows on the tops of the highest mountains. The peaks of Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, and Haleakala are higher than 13,000, 13,000, and 10,000 feet, respectively. Snow falls on them every year, and it stays on the ground for a few days.
During the winter, snow often falls on the three volcanoes, but sometimes it snows on Mauna Kea during the summer months.
What about snow in Mauna Loa
Mauna, which is over 13,000 feet high, is the world’s biggest active volcano. It was called “long mountain” because of how big it was.
The heat from the volcano melts the snow that falls from the mountain, and lava flows probably destroyed the roads that lead to the top of the mountain.
What About Snow in Haleakala
From the height point of view, Haleakala is the lowest of the snowy mountains. It is less likely to snow every year because it is not very high up. Although it snowed in February 2018, there is a way to reach the top, unlike on Mauna Loa.
Learn More About Snow In Hawaii
Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaii
How often does it snow in Hawaii or is it rare?
Snow is not uncommon at the two tallest volcanoes in Hawai’i, even though blizzard conditions are rare. In the Hawaiian Islands, snow is often associated with a Kona low, which happens when winds blow over the leeward side of the island, which is known as the “Kona” side, compared to the northeast.
Has snow ever fallen on a Hawaiian beach?
Snow falls occasionally on the state’s beaches. Snow falls every year on Hawaii’s two mountain peaks, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, which are both more than 13,000 feet above sea level and far from the state’s warm beaches.
How cold does Hawaii get?
Temperature. High temperatures at sea level usually range from 84 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer to 79 to 83 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. At lower elevations, the temperature rarely goes above 90 °F (32 °C) or below 60 °F (16 °C).
What month in Hawaii is the coolest?
January is the coldest month in Honolulu, with an average low of 68°F and an average high of 79°F.