Haleakalā in January: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Peak crowds · VisitWhen score 55/100 · #9 of 12 months

January is peak season — expect the year's biggest crowds at Haleakalā National Park: crowds run 76% of the July peak (62,432 average visits), days average 61°F with 11 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

Crowds in January

Haleakalā averages 62,432 recreation visits in January — 76% of what July, the peak month, draws — the second-quietest month of the year. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind — book early and start days at dawn.

Weather & daylight

Daytime temperatures are comfortable (highs average 61°F), and mornings are chilly (lows average 44°F). This is one of the wetter months (5.1″ of precipitation on average). Mid-month daylight runs 11 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station HALEAKALA RS 338, HI US (7 mi from park coordinates, 6,962 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of January.

What to pack for Haleakalā in January

Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.

• Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy) — mornings average 44°F
• Rain shell + pack cover — 5.1″ of precipitation is normal this month
• Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month

Looking for a better window? The computed best months for Haleakalā are April and August.

Common questions

See also: the best national parks to visit in January · Last verified 2026-07-16