Hawaii’s September Weather: Average Temperatures, Rainfall, and Hurricane Threat

Cowabunga, dude! You’re so excited that you uttered an expression you’ve never said. But you finally booked that trip to Hawaii for September. You should be excited because September is a perfect time to go to visit the Hawaiian islands. 

Whether you visit Waikiki Beach on Oahu or go to the Pearl Harbor museum, you will find fun activities to fill every day you’re in Hawaii. Make sure you go explore some natural parks and uninhabited areas of the state. There will be so many opportunities to take pictures and create good memories.

If you are thinking of going to Hawaii in September or have already booked your trip, we’ll give you the low down on the average temperatures, hurricane threat, and temperature records for the month. We’ll also take a look at some fun things to do and delicious things to eat while you are in Hawaii.

Average Temperature in Hawaii

Hawaii in September is an amazing month. The rainy season in Hawaii doesn’t begin until November, so you’re in luck. You will have sun for most of your stay there. When it comes to the average temperature in September, it ranges from a high of 87 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius) to a low of 76 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius).

In terms of daylight hours, sunrise is around 6:00 a.m. and sunset is at around 7:00 p.m., which gives you about 13 hours of daylight. That’s plenty of time to explore Hawaii’s beautiful natural parks and hit the beach, too!

The Hottest Temperature on Record

September is a hot month in Hawaii with very minimal rainfall. There aren’t a lot of heat waves and the weather stays quite constant. When it comes to records, however, the hottest temperature in September ever recorded was 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius) on September 19, 1994.

The Coldest Temperature on Record

September in Hawaii can be hot and muggy. Rainfall is minimal and if there is rain, the weather will still be hot and even more muggy. But sometimes, anomalies happen. The coldest temperature in September ever recorded was 23 degrees Fahrenheit (-5 degrees Celsius).

Rainfall in September

Rainfall is not common in September. The rainy season doesn’t begin until November, so you’re safe to assume that it won’t rain on your trip. The average amount of rainfall Hawaii sees is about four inches. And although Hawaii does have a hurricane season, Hawaii does not suffer much risk.

UV Index in September

Hawaii is sunny most of the time, especially in September. There is no threat of rain during this month. This means the sun will be shining brightly throughout the day. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can be damaging when the UV Index is high. For Hawaii in September, there is a UV Index of 6. This means that sun exposure can cause damage to the skin and eyes.

To protect yourself, it is recommended to wear sunscreen. You should also continue to put on sunscreen throughout the day. Wear loose clothing to avoid overheating and cover yourself with a hat, too.

Natural Disasters in September

Being a chain of eight islands, Hawaii is prone to more natural disasters than most places. Hurricanes are constant and scientists have seen that they have an impact on the ecosystem and quality of coastal water in Hawaii. There are active volcanoes on the islands and there have been several in the past that have caused destruction. Most recently, the Kilauea Volcano in 2018 destroyed natural habitats including natural springs and other wildlife. Maui suffered heavy losses, including the destruction of a historic town, from wildfires in August 2023.

When it comes to September, not many natural disasters have struck Hawaii. But on September 11, 1992, Hurricane Iniki hit the island of Kauai. It had reached Category 4 with wind gusts of over 225 miles per hour. In the aftermath of the hurricane, it caused billions in damage and six deaths were reported.

Visiting Hawaii in September

There are many things to do in Hawaii and most of them are nature-oriented. You can also visit memorials dedicated to the bombing of Pearl Harbor, which include the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, the Arizona Memorial, the USS Battleship Memorial, and others. For history lovers out there, you can explore the numerous museums that Hawaii has celebrating Hawaiian history and heritage like Ioalani Palace or the Bishop Museum.

When it comes to nature, there are so many natural parks in Hawaii where you can take hikes, bird watch, and dip your feet in lakes. Some of the many natural parks include the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Waimea National Park, Haleakala National Park, and others. And don’t miss out on a tour of Diamond Head, a volcanic cone on the island of Oahu. For some quiet relaxation, make sure you go to one of Hawaii’s natural springs like the pools of Oheo or Pohoiki warm springs.

And of course, Hawaii is known for its amazing beaches. Lay out on the pristine, white sand and get a tan and then go into the water to surf some awesome waves. It will be the perfect end to an amazing day!

Things to Eat and Drink in Hawaii

Hawaiian food is delicious. Every day on the islands should be a day to try all the Hawaiian food you can muster. Make sure you try some crisp, Hawaiian coffee with your breakfast. For something refreshing after your morning surf, go get some protein with a poke bowl or lomi lomi salmon. For lunch, order kalua pua’a, which is pork that is slow-roasted in an underground oven. Once you’re done, get haupia, a coconut-flavored pudding, for dessert.

One of the nights you’re in Hawaii, go to the Polynesian Cultural Center and experience a luau. Afterward, indulge yourself in a pork feast buffet. Thinking about what to drink when you go out for some lively music and dancing? Look no further than trying out some Hawaiian favorites like a Blue Hawaii, a Mai Tai, or even a piña colada.

Fun Facts About Hawaii

• Hawaii has the distinction of being the only state with two official languages — English and Hawaiian.
• Surfing was invented in Hawaii.
• Pearl Harbor Naval Base on the island of Oahu, where the United States suffered a surprise attack by the Japanese military on December 7, 1941.
• The island of Kauai is the rainiest place in the United States.
• Hawaii is the rainiest state in the nation, beating out other rainy states like Washington.
• Hawaii is the only state that can grow coffee.
• Hawaii officially became a state on August 21, 1959.

Conclusion

Hawaii is gorgeous. And every minute you spend on the island will have you wanting more. Whether it’s surfing the ocean waves, learning about Hawaii’s history or walking up tropical jungle trails, Hawaii will be an unforgettable experience. 

As one of the most visited places in the world, there will be no shortage of fun activities. Just be sure to explore everything Hawaii has to offer instead of lying on the beach all day, every day. There is no worry about rainfall because it hardly rains in September and hurricane season has not begun yet. When the holiday is over, you will have wonderful memories of breathtaking ocean and mountain views.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © SCStock/Shutterstock.com