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). 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 boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kitSee it on AmazonWhy: 5.1″ of rain is normal this month.
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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
- Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — 5.1″ of rain 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).
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).
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.
See also: the best national parks to visit in January · Last verified 2026-09-24