Snorkeling in Oahu
Snorkeling in Oahu comes down to warm, calm water. The most comfortable months are May and July to November, with highs around 87°F (30°C) and the sea at about 79°F (26°C).
Photo: Ossewa, CC BY-SA 4.0
Top snorkeling in Oahu
Oahu: Grand Tour Around Island with SnorkelingFrom $89View 
Oahu 5-in-1 Deluxe Cruise: Turtle Snorkeling & Ocean ActivitiesFrom $49View 
Waikiki Snorkeling & Ocean Waterpark Adventure from OahuFrom $59View 
Waikiki: Turtle Canyon Snorkel Adventure on OahuFrom $61View 
Oahu Circle Island Snorkeling Tour: Dole, Pali Lookout & MoreFrom $118View 
Oahu Small-Group Circle Island Tour with Turtle SnorkelingFrom $149View
Tours from Viator. Good Outing may earn a commission when you book, at no cost to you.
How to pick a good snorkeling trip
- Check whether gear, a wetsuit and reef-safe sunscreen are included or extra.
- Morning trips usually have calmer, clearer water before the afternoon wind picks up.
- If you're a nervous swimmer, ask for a flotation vest and a guide in the water.
- Smaller boats reach quieter spots; big boats often moor at the busiest reef.
Oahu month by month
Averages for Honolulu International Airport; sea temperatures offshore, 1991–2020.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 80 (27) | 80 (27) | 81 (27) | 83 (28) | 85 (29) | 87 (31) | 88 (31) | 89 (32) | 88 (31) | 87 (31) | 84 (29) | 82 (28) |
| Low °F (°C) | 67 (19) | 67 (20) | 68 (20) | 70 (21) | 71 (22) | 74 (23) | 75 (24) | 76 (24) | 75 (24) | 74 (23) | 72 (22) | 69 (21) |
| Rainy days | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 |
| Sea °F (°C) | 76 (24) | 75 (24) | 75 (24) | 76 (24) | 77 (25) | 78 (26) | 79 (26) | 80 (27) | 80 (27) | 80 (27) | 79 (26) | 77 (25) |
| Sunset (15th) | 6:10 pm | 6:29 pm | 6:41 pm | 6:51 pm | 7:03 pm | 7:15 pm | 7:17 pm | 7:03 pm | 6:35 pm | 6:08 pm | 5:50 pm | 5:52 pm |
Questions
When is the best time for snorkeling in Oahu?
May and July to November. Expect highs around 87°F (30°C) and the sea at about 79°F (26°C). The least comfortable months are January and February, when the sea drops to about 75°F.
How warm is the water in Oahu?
The sea averages 75°F (24°C) in March and 80°F (27°C) in September. It stays warm enough to swim in without a wetsuit all year.
Where can I book snorkeling in Oahu?
The tours above book on Viator. Compare group size, duration, what is included and the cancellation terms before you pick one.
