Right now in Honolulu, it is a comfortable 74°F.
Honestly, if you're looking at the thermostat and comparing it to a winter day in Chicago or Seattle, you're missing the point. Honolulu doesn't do "winter" in the way the rest of the world does. Today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, the city is sitting under partly sunny skies with a light breeze coming out of the east at 11 mph. It’s basically the definition of "pleasant."
The high for today is expected to hit 75°F, while the low will only dip to 73°F. That's a tiny two-degree margin. Most people think they need to pack for a range of possibilities, but in Hawaii, the range is mostly "warm" and "slightly less warm."
The Winter Myth of the Pacific
You've probably heard that January is the "coldest" month in Hawaii. Technically, that’s true. But when the "coldest" month has an average high of 79°F, the word loses its sting.
The real thing to watch out for isn't the cold; it's the humidity. Today it’s sitting at 57%. That’s actually quite low for the islands, making the air feel crisp rather than heavy. Usually, in the heart of winter, you might see that number climb higher, especially if a Kona storm rolls in from the south. Those are the winds that flip the script—instead of the cooling trade winds from the northeast, you get muggy, still air that makes even a 75-degree day feel like a sauna.
Kinda wild when you think about it.
Why the 74°F Right Now Feels Different
If you were in a city with concrete canyons and no ocean breeze, 74°F might feel stagnant. In Honolulu, you have the Pacific acting as a giant thermostat. The sea temperature right now is hovering around 75°F (24°C). Because the water temperature and the air temperature are so close, there’s this weird, seamless transition when you’re at the beach. You walk into the water at Waikiki and you don’t get 그 shock of cold. It just feels... right.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening on the ground today:
- Wind: 11 mph from the East.
- UV Index: 1 (It’s low today because of the cloud cover, but don’t get cocky; that tropical sun bites even when it’s hiding).
- Rain Chance: A tiny 1%.
Basically, it's a perfect day for a hike up Diamond Head or just sitting at a cafe in Kaka'ako.
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What to Actually Pack (The Realist’s List)
Forget the heavy jackets. Seriously.
If you are heading out tonight, the low is 73°F. You might see locals in hoodies because, to someone living here, 73 feels like the Arctic. To you? It’s probably going to feel like a perfect summer evening. A light linen shirt or a very thin windbreaker is all you’ll ever need.
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The real pro move is focusing on footwear. If it rains—which it often does in brief, 5-minute "sun showers"—your leather shoes are going to get ruined. Stick to breathable sneakers or the local standard: slippers (flip-flops).
Actionable Next Steps for Your Day
If you are in town right now or arriving today:
- Check the Windward Side: With winds from the east at 11 mph, the windward side (Kailua/Lanikai) will be breezy. If you want calmer water, stay on the south shore (Waikiki/Ala Moana).
- Hydrate: Even with 57% humidity, the tropical air wicks moisture off you faster than you realize.
- Sunset Timing: Expect the sun to dip below the horizon around 6:10 PM. Get to the beach by 5:45 PM to see the colors start to shift.
The Honolulu Hawaii temperature is more than just a number on a screen. It’s a specific kind of atmospheric hug that doesn't really exist anywhere else in the States. Enjoy the 74°F—it's exactly where you want to be.