Middle of the wetter season · Weather & things to do
Big Island in December
Big Island edges cooler than November, with highs of 51°F (10°C), lows of 39°F (4°C) and about 6.7 in (171 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 53/100, 10th of 12.
- Avg high
- 51°F (10°C)
- Avg low
- 39°F (4°C)
- Rain
- 6.7 in (171 mm)
- Humidity
- 86%
- Cloud cover
- 54%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 50 min
- Comfort score
- 53/100 · Fair
What December feels like
It's cool, with highs near 51°F (10°C), so a proper jacket stays on most of the day.
Lows average 39°F (4°C).
Expect regular rain: about 6.7 in (171 mm) falls in the month.
Plan around December
December sits mid-table; the best months are June – October.
- Shortest days of the year, about 10 h 50 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 56/100 in November to 53/100.
- Our Hawaii Paradise route recommends Apr – Oct, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Insulated jackethighs only 51°F
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes6.7 in of rain on average
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Big Island in December
A mixed month: these picks balance outdoor stops with indoor fallbacks.
ʻAkaka Falls State Park
Short loop through rainforest to a 442-ft waterfall north of Hilo.
The Rim at Volcano House
Park lodge dining room with windows over Halemaʻumaʻu crater.
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
Restored royal grounds and place of refuge on a lava shoreline.
Greenwell Farms
Family Kona coffee farm with free tours and tastings.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Walk crater rims, steam vents and lava tubes around active Kīlauea.
Nearby in December
- Maui in December~97 mi · highs 69°F, 2.8 in rain · 10°C (19°F) warmer by day, drier
- Kailua & Lanikai in December~185 mi · highs 77°F, 2.9 in rain · 15°C (26°F) warmer by day, drier
- Waikiki in December~185 mi · highs 78°F, 3.7 in rain · 15°C (27°F) warmer by day, drier
- Oahu in December~200 mi · highs 76°F, 3.7 in rain · 14°C (25°F) warmer by day, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~1,145 m to Big Island's ~2,652 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Big Island in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Big Island?
It's middling, scoring 53/100. The best months are June – October, at up to 71. Expect highs of 51°F (10°C) and 6.7 in (171 mm) of rain. Our Hawaii Paradise route recommends Apr – Oct, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Big Island in December?
Average highs are 51°F (10°C) and average lows 39°F (4°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Big Island in December?
Yes: about 6.7 in (171 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 3rd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 71.5 in (1816 mm).
What should I pack for Big Island in December?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 51°F), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (6.7 in of rain on average) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Big Island
Planning Big Island in December?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.