Seasons of Maui: When to Scuba Dive and What Conditions to Expect

Seasons of Maui: A Summary of Typical Conditions and Water Temperatures
The main question we always get asked is, “When is the best time to scuba dive in Maui?”
We’re so fortunate to live on this beautiful island and have access to amazing dives year-round! That being said, here’s a quick summary of what to expect throughout the seasons — and how to plan your trip accordingly.

Spring (March–May): Love Is in the Air!
The whales have started to head home, but we still have a good number hanging around. We also tend to see lots of nudibranch species out and about, as well as mating octopus (tako) putting on a show on the reef. If we’re lucky, we might even spot a Hawaiian monk seal hanging around our dive sites.
Springtime still brings cooler water temps, ranging from 75–78°F, so divers typically wear a 3mm wetsuit with added layers (like a beanie or thermal jacket), or even a 5mm if they tend to run cold. Visibility varies, but the average is around 50 ft.

Summer (June–August): Spotted Eagle Ray Time!
Summer diving is some of our favorite on the island. Conditions usually improve, with smaller waves and visibility increasing to around 80 ft — and on some days, well over 100 ft!
This is when we start seeing groups of spotted eagle rays hanging out in our shallow, protected waters for mating. Water temps creep up to 78–80°F, so most divers are comfortable in a 3mm wetsuit.

Fall (September–November): All the Awesome, with Fewer Crowds
By fall, the water has warmed to its peak, ranging from 80–82°F and visibility averaging around 50 ft. Combined with warm air temps, many divers switch to a shorty wetsuit — or even dive without one!
If you value privacy and a more relaxed vibe, this is an amazing time to visit. Fall is Maui’s shoulder season, meaning fewer crowds while still enjoying our usual reef residents: white tip reef sharks, frogfish, moray eels, and so much more!

Winter (December–February): It’s Whale Season!
Let us be the first to break your heart — there’s no way to commercially scuba dive with humpback whales. They’re protected, and you can’t pursue them within 100 feet.
That said, seeing a humpback underwater isn’t impossible — it’s just incredibly lucky! What isn’t luck-based is hearing them sing underwater. Sometimes they’re so close you can feel their song vibrate in your chest — it’s absolutely magical.

Water temperatures drop again to around 76–79°F, with average visibility around 50 ft. Most divers wear full 3mm wetsuits, often adding a beanie or thermal top, especially if the weather above water is cool.
General Weather and Dive Conditions
Maui’s weather is pretty consistent year-round, with average daytime temperatures around 80°F, give or take 10 degrees. We do get scattered rain showers, but they’re typically warm and short-lived — one reason we’re known as the land of rainbows!
Rain only really affects diving in two cases:

Thunderstorms – Standard safety rule: wait 30 minutes after the last thunderclap or lightning strike before diving. Often, you can simply move to another part of the island to avoid the storm.

Heavy Runoff – If it’s brown, don’t go down! Runoff reduces visibility and can carry debris (and attract predators looking for an easy meal). Sites most affected include Mala Pier, Olowalu, and Honolua Bay, though others can experience it too.

The biggest factors to watch are wind and swell, as both can create waves and hazards for shore or boat dives. Local dive shops and boat operators constantly monitor these conditions to ensure safe, enjoyable dives.

In general:
North swells are more common in winter.
South swells dominate in summer.
Spring and fall bring a mix of conditions.

In Summary
No matter when you visit, Maui offers spectacular diving — it’s just a matter of knowing what to expect. Whether you’re after eagle rays, whales, or calm, crystal-clear reefs, every season brings its own magic beneath the surface.