What December feels like in Honolulu
Honolulu lies in the tropics and stays warm all year, without a sharp split into seasons. Afternoons are warm and pleasant, good for long days out. There is little difference between day and night: nights stay warm, and evenings feel much like the afternoon. The air is muggy, so it feels hotter than the thermometer suggests.
Rain in Honolulu in December
Showers are a regular feature, arriving about one day in 4. Each rainy day adds about 7.7 mm (0.3 in), a proper wetting rather than a sprinkle. That is heavier than Honolulu's usual 4.6 mm per rainy day across the year. December is Honolulu's wettest month of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in December
Mid-month, Honolulu gets 10 h 51 min of daylight, from sunrise near 7:01 am to sunset near 5:52 pm. Evenings are drawing in — 17 min less daylight than mid-November. The sun is out for roughly 91% of those daylight hours, so skies are mostly clear.
How December compares to the rest of the year
In Honolulu's temperature order, December sits as the 4th coolest month. Against November, the average high is 1.2°C (2.2°F) lower, with 24 mm more rain. The cooling trend carries on into January. By January, typical highs are 24.9°C (76.8°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — the weather rarely gets in the way of a city walk.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — good conditions for sitting outside.
- Beach: less ideal — too many rainy days.
- Hiking: a good fit — mild temperatures for trails.
Tips for visiting Honolulu in December
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Sunglasses
Bright days make sunglasses worth packing.
Quick questions
How warm is Honolulu in December?
Expect around 25.4°C (77.7°F) in the afternoon and 21.6°C (70.9°F) at night, which most visitors would call warm.
Does it rain a lot in Honolulu in December?
It does: about 8 rainy days bring roughly 62 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Honolulu in December?
The numbers point to rain protection and sunglasses. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is December or January better for visiting Honolulu?
January, clearly: it ranks #1 of 12 among Honolulu's months, against #4 for the other. January has fewer rainy days.