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Погода |
Temperature and Climate Zones
Weather on all of the Hawaiian islands is very consistent,
with only moderate changes in temperature throughout the
year. This is possible due to the year-round warm sea
surface temperatures, which keeps the overlying atmosphere
warm as well. In practical terms there are only 2 seasons
here: the summer months (called Kau in Hawaiian) that extend
from May to October and the winter months (Ho'oilo) that run
from November to April. The average day-time summer
temperature at sea level is 85 degrees F. (29.4 C) while the
average day-time winter temperature is 78 degrees (25.6 C).
Night-time temperatures are approximately 10 degrees F.
lower.
Visitors to Hawaii will find that it is a marvel of nature.
As a result of the shielding effect of her volcanic
mountains and the differences in weather found at various
elevations, there are as many different climate zones here
as exist along the entire coast stretching from Alaska to
Costa Rica. The islands can be described as an incredibly
diverse collection of many micro-environments, each
possessing unique weather, plants and animals. To see the
full impact of this natural wealth visitors only need to
explore the islands by car, or helicopter and they will be
struck by the beauty of tropical rain forests, cool alpine
regions, stony deserts and sunny beaches, all within the
span of just a few short miles.
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 Rainfall
and Storms
Through most of the year Hawaiian weather patterns are
effected primarily by high pressure zones in the north
Pacific that pump relatively cool, moist trade winds down
onto the island's northeastern slopes. This pattern holds
true for most of the summer and approximately half of the
time in the winter. These winds are forced up-slope by the
mountain heights where ultimately their moisture condenses
into clouds that produce rain. Most of the rain then falls
in the mountains and valleys on the windward (northeastern)
side of the islands. It is this weather phenomenon that
creates the rich tropical environment of flowers and verdant
greens that have made Hawaii famous. The wettest months are
from November - March, but these winter rains do not
generally disrupt vacationer's plans, since the very
localized nature of the weather usually means that if it is
raining where you are, there is almost always a sunny spot
to be found by a short drive around the coast.
The action of trade winds here means that there is always a
cooling breeze. The strength of this wind builds as the heat
of the day rises and reaches a peak in the afternoon, only
to diminish in the evening and start again the following
day. Several times during the year the trade winds will stop
completely and the wind will switch around to come out of
the south or west, bringing stormy or hot sticky weather.
Islanders sometimes call this "Kona" weather, because kona
is a polynesian word that means leeward or South, and this
points to the direction from which these weather systems
arrive. Stormy weather does come to the islands, primarily
in the winter and sometimes lingers for several days. Severe
storms, however, are not a common occurrence here.
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 Water
and Surf Conditions
Beach-goers will be happy to learn that the temperature of
Hawaii's near-shore waters stay comfortable throughout the
year. The average year round water temperature is 74 degrees
F. (23.3 C), with a summer high of 80 degrees F. (26.7 C).
Wave action varies a great deal between winter and summer,
and between island coasts. Generally summer waters are very
gentle on all beaches. This changes in the winter on many
north facing beaches, as storms far out into the Pacific
drive ocean swells towards the islands, which build into
large breaking waves.
As with island rains, wave conditions are often very
localized, so if there is too much surf on your beach, you
can usually find calmer water by taking a short drive to a
beach that is sheltered from the prevailing surf. Swimmers
should keep in mind that strong currents can make any beach
unsafe at any time during the year, but this is particularly
true in the winter. When in doubt, simply ask your hotel
staff or a local for their recommendations and also watch
for warning flags and posted beach conditions.
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 Hawaii's
Mountains and Volcanos
Many visitors to the islands will be drawn to the natural
beauty found in the higher elevations such as Kokee on
Kauai, or Haleakala on Maui, or Kilauea on the Big Island.
In preparing for your trip you'll want to take long pants
and several layers of cool weather clothing because the
temperature in the higher locations drops 3.5 degrees for
every 1,000 feet above sea level that you climb. For
example, the summit of Haleakala at an elevation of 10,023
feet can be as much as 30 degrees F. cooler than the resort
areas on the coast. Similarly the summit of Kilauea, which
is at an elevation of 4,078 feet, can be 14 degrees cooler
than the sea level temperature.
You should also be aware that because these peaks rise
through the earth's atmosphere, there is less protection at
these elevations from the sun's powerful burning rays. This
burning effect can be easily masked by the cool temperatures
on the mountain, so be sure to use your sun block liberally,
and bring your hat and sunglasses. |
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