Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces up, snow is exhilarating; there is no such thing as bad weather just different kinds of good weather.
- John Ruskin

There is no such thing as bad weather, UNLESS you are not prepared. Then bad weather can not only make your visit to Haleakala National Park unpleasant but dangerous as well.

The weather at Haleakala is unpredictable and ever-changing. To check out current conditions at the summit of Haleakala link to the live camera. In any given day the temperatures in the park can range from a high of 80°F in Kipahulu to a low of 30°F at the summit. In either area clouds and rain can quickly replace warm sunshine.

Weather in the summit area of the park is greatly influenced by the high altitude. Cool temperatures, intense solar radiation, and rapidly moving clouds are characteristic. On average, the temperature drops about 3°F for every 1,000 foot rise in elevation, making the 10,023 foot summit of Haleakala about 30°F cooler than the coast. Year-round summit temperatures range between below freezing to highs of 50°-65°F. The outside temperatures can feel much colder because of wind chill and damp, overcast conditions.

No weather predictions or forecasts are available for the summit of the mountain.

Most days, clouds ring the mountain between 5,000 and 7,000 feet. They form at the temperature inversion layer where warm air coming up the mountain from the ocean is trapped by cooler air above. The prevailing trade winds from the northeast also bring clouds and moisture to Haleakala. Clouds can envelop the summit at any time, with or without rain.

The winter months of November to April are generally wetter and stormier than the rest of the year. Much of the island's rain falls during these months, and strong winds are common. In December 1990, a wind indicator near the summit broke at 128 miles per hour. Snow is a rare occurrence even during this time of the year, but it has been recorded in drifts as deep as 6 feet (197?). Ice and frost are much more common and can occur any time of the year.

In contrast to the summit, the weather in the Kipahulu area of the park is milder and wetter. Located on the windward (eastern) coast of the island, Kipahulu receives an average of 187 inches of rain each year. The proximity of the ocean and the trade winds moderate the temperature and keep it at a daytime average of 70°-80°F year round. Nighttime lows are mid-60s to 70s. Flashfloods are a serious hazard in Kipahulu, so make sure to check at the Visitor Center before entering the streams or pools.

Since the weather at both the summit and Kipahulu areas of the park is unpredictable and can change quickly, it is important to be prepared for any condition. On a visit to the summit area, dress in layered warm clothing, close-toed shoes, and bring a rain jacket. Hypothermia can occur after even brief exposure to the cold conditions common on the summit. Other equipment is necessary if you plan to hike or camp. Although the weather is much warmer in Kipahulu, you should have a rain jacket to keep you dry during a sudden downpour. Being prepared for the changeable and dramatic weather will assist you in having a safe and enjoyable visit to Haleakala National Park.