How often does it snow in Hawaii?
On average, it might snow at the summits some five to eight times a year.
Yanuki
ARTICLE DETAIL
Snow in Hawaii: A November 2025 Surprise | Phoenix Weather: Storms Followed by Potential Record Heat | Preparing for Snowmelt and Basement Flooding Risks | Metro Detroit Weather Outlook: Warm Start, Stormy Mid-Week, and Cooler Temperatures to Follow | Sault Ste. Marie Weather Forecast: March 2026 | Western Washington Braces for Heavy Snow and Rain | Tennessee Weather Rollercoaster: False Spring, Storms, and the Equinox | How to Prepare for Severe Weather in San Antonio | Strong Storms Forecasted for Cincinnati and Rochester | Snow in Hawaii: A November 2025 Surprise | Phoenix Weather: Storms Followed by Potential Record Heat | Preparing for Snowmelt and Basement Flooding Risks | Metro Detroit Weather Outlook: Warm Start, Stormy Mid-Week, and Cooler Temperatures to Follow | Sault Ste. Marie Weather Forecast: March 2026 | Western Washington Braces for Heavy Snow and Rain | Tennessee Weather Rollercoaster: False Spring, Storms, and the Equinox | How to Prepare for Severe Weather in San Antonio | Strong Storms Forecasted for Cincinnati and Rochester
Weather / Hawaii
Snow in Hawaii: A November 2025 Surprise
Unusual weather patterns have brought snow to the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa in Hawaii, marking the state's first snowfall of the season. This event has sparked interest as it precedes typical snowfall in many traditionally snowy ci...
Key Insights
- Snow fell on Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on the Big Island, Hawaii, with potential accumulations of up to 4 inches.
- The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for the summits, which is not uncommon, occurring about 5-8 times a year.
- Hawaii's snowfall this year precedes the first snowfalls in cities like Denver, New York City, Minneapolis, Green Bay, and Salt Lake City.
- High Surf Advisory in effect for the north and west shores of several Hawaiian islands through noon Thursday.
In-Depth Analysis
The early snowfall in Hawaii is attributed to deep tropical moisture moving over the eastern end of the state, combined with cold enough temperatures at the summit levels. Mauna Kea, at nearly 14,000 feet, has a sub-Arctic climate, making it conducive to snowfall during the wet season from October through April. While the summits experience regular snowfall, the timing and contrast with snow droughts in other US cities make this event noteworthy.
- **Historical Context:** Snow in Hawaii, particularly on Mauna Kea, is a recurring phenomenon. The name Mauna Kea itself means 'white mountain' in Hawaiian, indicating its history of snowfall. The coldest temperature ever recorded in Hawaii was 12 degrees on Mauna Kea on May 17, 1979.
- **Comparison with Other Cities:** Several cities known for their snow, such as Denver, New York City, Minneapolis, Green Bay and Salt Lake City, have yet to experience their first significant snowfall of the season. This makes Hawaii's early snowfall particularly unusual.
**How to Prepare:**
- If traveling to the Big Island summits, be prepared for slippery road conditions and limited visibility. Check weather advisories before traveling.
- For residents and travelers in other parts of Hawaii, expect moderate to locally heavy rainfall, especially along windward and inland areas.
FAQ
What part of Hawaii gets the most snow?
The summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on the Big Island get the most snow.
What other areas in Hawaii get snow?
Haleakalā volcano on Maui gets snow once every five years or so.
Takeaways
- The early snowfall in Hawaii serves as a reminder of the diverse climate conditions that can occur even in tropical locations. While residents and visitors in Hawaii should be aware of potential travel difficulties due to snow on the summits, those in other parts of the US are still waiting for their first snow. The key takeaway is to stay informed about local weather conditions and be prepared for unexpected changes.
Discussion
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Sources
Disclaimer
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