Hawaiʻi Volcanoes in January: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Peak crowds · VisitWhen score 42/100 · #11 of 12 months
January is peak season — expect the year's biggest crowds at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: crowds run 94% of the December peak (142,358 average visits), days average 74°F with 11.1 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
Crowds in January
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes averages 142,358 recreation visits in January — 94% of what December, the peak month, draws. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly — book early and start days at dawn.
Weather & daylight
Days are mild (highs average 74°F), and nights stay mild (lows average 56°F). This is one of the wetter months (13.1″ of precipitation on average). Mid-month daylight runs 11.1 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station GLENWOOD #2 55.4, HI US (8 mi from park coordinates, 2,200 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of January.
What to pack for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes in January
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Rain shell + pack cover — 13.1″ of precipitation is normal this month
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
If your dates are flexible, consider shifting: The computed best month for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes is April.
Common questions
Is Hawaiʻi Volcanoes crowded in January?
Yes — January runs 94% of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes's peak, averaging 142,358 recreation visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes in January?
Average highs of 74°F, lows of 56°F, 13.1″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, GLENWOOD #2 55.4, HI US station).
What should I pack for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes in January?
Rain shell + pack cover; Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — the full weather-computed list is on this page.
See also: the best national parks to visit in January · Last verified 2026-07-16