End of the drier season · Weather & things to do
Big Island in October
Little changes in Big Island from September: highs stay near 55°F (13°C), lows near 43°F (6°C), and about 5.3 in (135 mm) of rain falls.
At 65/100 for comfort (5th of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 55°F (13°C)
- Avg low
- 43°F (6°C)
- Rain
- 5.3 in (135 mm)
- Humidity
- 84%
- Cloud cover
- 56%
- Daylight
- ~11 h 32 min
- Comfort score
- 65/100 · Good
What October feels like
Afternoons only reach about 55°F (13°C), so plan on a warm jacket.
Nights cool to an average low of 43°F (6°C).
Expect regular rain: about 5.3 in (135 mm) falls in the month.
Plan around October
October is one of Big Island's best months on the climate data.
- Last of the best-scoring months: by November, the score drops to 56/100.
- Comfort slips from 70/100 in September to 65/100.
- October sits inside the Apr – Oct window our Hawaii Paradise route recommends.
What to pack for October
- Insulated jackethighs only 55°F
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes5.3 in of rain on average
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Big Island in October
October is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Kīlauea Iki Trail
4-mile loop through rainforest and across a still-steaming crater floor.
Why now October scores 65/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
Restored royal grounds and place of refuge on a lava shoreline.
Why now Highs near 55°F and 5.3 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
ʻAkaka Falls State Park
Short loop through rainforest to a 442-ft waterfall north of Hilo.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Tex Drive In
Roadside drive-in since 1968, famous for hot filled malasadas off Highway 19 on the Hamakua coast.
The Rim at Volcano House
Park lodge dining room with windows over Halemaʻumaʻu crater.
Nearby in October
- Maui in October~97 mi · highs 73°F, 2.2 in rain · 10°C (17°F) warmer by day, drier
- Kailua & Lanikai in October~185 mi · highs 80°F, 2.2 in rain · 14°C (25°F) warmer by day, drier
- Waikiki in October~185 mi · highs 82°F, 2.9 in rain · 15°C (27°F) warmer by day, drier
- Oahu in October~200 mi · highs 80°F, 2.9 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 October: quick answers
Is October a good time to visit Big Island?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 65/100. Expect highs of 55°F (13°C) and 5.3 in (135 mm) of rain. October is inside the Apr – Oct window our Hawaii Paradise route recommends.
How cold is Big Island in October?
Average highs are 55°F (13°C) and average lows 43°F (6°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Big Island in October?
Yes: about 5.3 in (135 mm) of rain falls across October on average, the 4th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 71.5 in (1816 mm).
What should I pack for Big Island in October?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 55°F), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (5.3 in of rain on average) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Big Island
Routes in season in October
- Hawaii Paradise Apr – Oct
Planning Big Island in October?
Share this October plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.