Haleakalā in January: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

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

January is peak season — the 11th-busiest month of the year, at Haleakalā National Park: crowds run 76% of the July peak (62,432 average visits). Weather: highs average 61°F and lows 44°F, with 5.1″ of precipitation and 11 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

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Bring for Haleakalā in January

Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy)See it on AmazonWhy: mornings average 44°F.
Rain shell + pack coverSee it on AmazonWhy: 5.1″ of precipitation is normal this month.
Waterproof bootsSee it on AmazonWhy: 5.1″ of precipitation is normal this month.

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Haleakalā in January: what the park service says

January sits in the middle of the summit's wet months: the park dates its rainy season from November through March, with rain and wind common up top. Mornings at 10,023 feet can reach freezing or below and warm to about 50-60°F by afternoon, and the park's live webcam shows the crater before you commit to the drive. Any arrival between 3 and 7 AM needs a $1 vehicle reservation on Recreation.gov, released 60 days out at 7:00 AM HST, with a further share of each day's slots let go 48 hours ahead. Bad weather never earns a refund. Nothing to eat, wear or fuel up with is sold inside the park.

Source: NPS 1, NPS 2, NPS 3, checked 2026-11-08.

'Ahinahina blooms in Haleakala crater — Haleakalā National Park — photo: NPS (public-domain NPS media)

Crowds in January

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

Average visits (January)

62,432 (mean 2021–2025, NPS)

Share of the year

7.2% of annual visitation

vs. peak (July)

76%

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
Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — 5.1″ of precipitation is normal this month

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

Also at their best in January

Other parks whose computed January verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:

Channel Islands in January — 35% of peak crowds, highs 66°F, score 76/100
Zion in January — 23% of peak crowds, highs 54°F, score 76/100
Carlsbad Caverns in January — 38% of peak crowds, highs 56°F, score 73/100
Big Bend in January — 50% of peak crowds, highs 69°F, score 71/100

Common questions

Is Haleakalā crowded in January?

Yes — January runs 76% of Haleakalā's peak, averaging 62,432 recreation visits (NPS, 2021–2025). See every month at Haleakalā.

What is the weather like in Haleakalā in January?

Average highs of 61°F, lows of 44°F, 5.1″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, HALEAKALA RS 338, HI US station). Compare it with other national parks in January.

What should I pack for Haleakalā in January?

Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy); Rain shell + pack cover; Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — the full weather-computed list is on this page. Going in February instead? Haleakalā in February has its own list.

See also: the best national parks to visit in January · Last verified 2026-09-24