Surfing in Maui, Hawaii

Historical Conditions Overview

74
Avg Epic Score

69.1°F

Avg Temperature

11.5 mph

Avg Wind Speed

2.3 ft

Avg Wave Height

Jan

Best Month

77

Jan

68

Feb

75

Mar

74

Apr

73

May

77

Jun

77

Jul

75

Aug

77

Sep

70

Oct

77

Nov

70

Dec

About This Destination

Surfing in Maui

Maui's north and west shores receive consistent swell throughout the year, with winter months bringing larger Atlantic and Pacific swells while summer trades generate smaller, more manageable waves. The island's geography creates distinct microclimates—the windward side faces stronger trades and choppier conditions, while leeward breaks offer more protected, glassy mornings. Water temperatures range from 65°F in winter to 78°F in summer, requiring varying wetsuit thickness depending on season and personal preference.

Pro Tips

Insider Knowledge for Maui

1

Check swell forecasts 5-7 days out and be prepared to move between breaks; winter swells can shift which spots are optimal within hours as swell direction changes
2

Arrive at breaks between 6-8 AM before trade winds pick up and create chop; this window is typically 2-3 hours longer during summer months
3

Rent locally rather than traveling with boards; shops in Lahaina and Kihei understand seasonal conditions and can match equipment to current swell size and your skill level
4

Book accommodations on the leeward (west) side near Lahaina or Wailea for morning glass-off access; windward spots require driving to North Shore, adding travel time
5

Study rip current patterns at your chosen break before entering; several Maui breaks have strong laterals that require paddling parallel to shore rather than fighting seaward

Experience Level Guide

Who Should Visit?

⚠️ Some reef breaks and winter swells carry serious injury risk from shallow reefs, sea urchins, and strong currents; scout breaks in person before entering and ask local surfers about hazards.

🌱

Beginner

NOT RECOMMENDED

Beginner-appropriate breaks exist on Maui's south shore and some protected western spots, though most famous breaks require intermediate skill. Winter swells often exceed beginner capacity; summer offers calmer conditions but fewer wave options.

⭐

Intermediate

Intermediate surfers find consistent, manageable waves during summer months (June-July) and accessible winter breaks on the south and west shores. January swells provide more challenging opportunities without requiring expert wave judgment.

🔥

Advanced

Advanced athletes can challenge themselves on Maui's bigger winter swells, including reef breaks and powerful beachbreaks that demand strong paddling and precise positioning. Multi-day swell windows in January offer progression opportunities.

💎

Expert

Expert surfers access heavy reef and outer breaks during optimal winter swells, requiring deep knowledge of local conditions, hazards, and break-specific patterns that shift with swell direction and tide.

Month-by-Month Breakdown

Best Time to Visit

Month	Epic Score	Avg Temp	Avg Wind	Wave Ht	Rating
January ★ Best	77	65.7°F	11.0 mph	2.4 ft	⚡
February	68	64.7°F	11.0 mph	2.4 ft	✅
March	75	65.4°F	12.2 mph	2.4 ft	⚡
April	74	67.6°F	12.1 mph	2.4 ft	✅
May	73	68.3°F	11.4 mph	2.8 ft	✅
June	77	70.6°F	10.9 mph	2.6 ft	⚡
July	77	72.1°F	12.4 mph	2.2 ft	⚡
August	75	72.9°F	12.7 mph	2.6 ft	⚡
September	77	72.5°F	12.2 mph	2.3 ft	⚡
October	70	71.7°F	10.9 mph	2.2 ft	✅
November	77	71.0°F	10.5 mph	2.3 ft	⚡
December	70	67.2°F	10.6 mph	2.6 ft	✅

Based on 10-year historical averages. Scores calculated for intermediate level.

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