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Although this information is factual, it is flavored with our own conclusions and personal observations. Our statements may not totally match the U.S. Weather Service Forecast or other sources of information you may find.
The weather and sea conditions are discussed in terms of diving conditions at shore line, rather than land conditions.
Generally speaking, the Kona Coast does not have the four typical seasons. The difference is only about 15 degrees (F). The winter with snow on the high volcanoes is the coolest time to year with 72 degrees by mid morning. In the summer we have 80 degrees by mid morning. The year-round average is a high in the 90's and a low of about 70 degrees. It's like having late spring or early fall all year around. By mid afternoon, we can see a cloud cover on our high volcano peaks to the east which keeps our average temperature very comfortable.
SUMMER:
The months between May and October ushers in the return of the Trade
Winds. Kona is not heavily affected by these winds because of our volcanoes
which lay to the northeast and east of us. The winds are diverted and
blocked, creating a wind shadow along the Kona Coast coastline. Of importance
to divers is that this pocket of calm also includes the best dive sites!
STATISTICS:
Water temperature: 78-81 degrees
Water visibility: 75' to 150' May to August and 100' to 150'
September and October. Storms: Not really a concern; any that do form
tend to be short and not very intense.
Surf: Not really a concern; any surf that does form is 1-2 feet,
caused by offshore winds or distant ocean storms many, many miles northwest,
west or southwest of us. (There always can be the unexpected big one way
out at sea)
Wetsuit Recommendation: A 3 mm. full suit will be fine for most
divers year round.
WINTER:
There are definite changes in the winds between the months of November
through April. The seasonal Kona storms may last a few days to one week.
These seasonal storms are numbered between two to four during this time
period, causing surf and a little rain.
As the winter season grows, the months of January through April, the Humpback
Whales return to the Kona Coast. Whale shows are common on the way to
the dive sites. Divers in the water hear Whale Songs and get an occasional
glimpse underwater, if you are lucky. (It is illegal to swim with whales.
They must come to you.)
STATISTICS WATER
TEMPERATURE: 75 to 78 degrees
WATER VISIBILITY: 75' to 125'
STORMS: Usually two to four lasting a few days to a week, causing
rain.
SURF: During the Kona storms the real concern is for shore diving.
During boat dives there can be a lot of movement above 30' and visibility
can be down about 50%. Surf height is about 3 to 5 feet. The balance of
the season, surf height is around 1 to 2 feet.
WET SUIT RECOMMENDATION: A 3 to 5mm full suit.
Or call for water conditions :808 935-9883 or for island condtions: 808
961-5582 (Please listen for the KONA COAST (the west side of the Big Island)
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