Business Casual
White Linen Blazer Day
A white linen blazer over matching wide-leg linen trousers and a blue collarless blouse stays entirely polished through warm rain. Slide sandals and gold aviators make it feel like summer despite the drizzle.
What to Wear in Hilo
Wednesday, March 18
69°F / 65°FLight Showers73% rain5 mph wind
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What to wear
Based on 69°F and light showers
top / Short-Sleeve Top
classic tee
bottom / Jeans
straight-leg
chinos for a slightly smarter look
footwear / Waterproof Boots
ankle boots
rubber sole for traction — keep feet dry all day
outerwear / Rain Jacket
shell jacket
waterproof or DWR-treated — keep it packable
Consider bringing:
UmbrellaSunglasses
Hilo sits on the windward side of the Big Island, making it one of the wettest cities in the United States. Rain is a near-daily reality here, not a seasonal event, so packing with moisture in mind is essential no matter when you visit. Temperatures are mild and consistent year-round, typically ranging from the low 60s°F at night to the mid-80s°F during the day, with trade winds keeping things comfortable even in the height of summer. The town sits at sea level, but if you plan to drive up to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — about 30 miles away and nearly 4,000 feet higher — temperatures drop significantly and you will want a warm layer. Hilo's style leans relaxed and unpretentious. Locals favor lightweight, quick-dry fabrics, rubber slippers (flip-flops), and casual aloha wear. Unlike resort-heavy Kona on the west side, Hilo has a working-town, outdoorsy feel, so you will fit in better with practical, breathable clothing than resort-style outfits. A compact rain jacket or packable poncho is arguably the single most useful item you can bring, as showers tend to arrive quickly and clear just as fast.
Curated Looks
Casual
Linen Under Rain Jacket
A black rain jacket over ivory linen trousers refuses to look sloppy in warm rain. Espadrilles and a crochet bucket hat keep the warm-weather mood alive below the waterline.
Chic
Blush Jacket Tortoise
A blush cropped jacket over a white linen blouse and ivory wide-leg trousers refuses to look heavy in warm rain. Tortoiseshell cat-eye sunglasses are the editorial punctuation.
Cozy
Parka and the Ivory Mules
A black longline parka over a crewneck sweatshirt in warm rain has a deliberateness that works. Ivory satin mules and a cream beanie are the contrasts that make it.
Cute
Double Denim Rainy Day
A light wash denim jacket over a denim mini skirt makes a strong case for double denim in warm rain. The black square neck top underneath adds structure.
Formal
Black Blazer Pleated Rain
A black blazer over an ivory blouse and pleated maxi skirt in warm rain is complete formal coverage. Black mule heels are the practical formal choice when espadrilles are off the table.
Sporty
Yellow Jacket Biker
A yellow hooded rain jacket over biker shorts and a longline tee handles warm rain with high-visibility attitude. Ivory pointed-toe mules are the surprising finishing note.
Don't forget:
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Plan Ahead by Month
See typical weather and outfit ideas for Hilo in any month of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to wear in Hilo in summer?+
Summer in Hilo (June through September) brings slightly warmer and more humid conditions, with daytime highs often reaching the low-to-mid 80s°F. Lightweight breathable fabrics like linen or moisture-wicking cotton are ideal, paired with a packable rain jacket since afternoon showers are frequent. Sandals or quick-dry shoes work well for most of the town, but bring closed-toe shoes if you plan to hike in the national park or along the coast.
What to wear in Hilo in winter?+
Winters in Hilo are mild by most standards, with daytime temperatures in the high 70s°F and cooler evenings dipping into the low 60s°F. A light layer such as a long-sleeve shirt or thin fleece is useful for mornings and evenings, and rain gear remains essential as December through February can be especially wet. If you are visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park during your trip, pack a proper warm jacket since temperatures at the summit can fall below 40°F.
Is Hilo cold?+
Hilo is not cold at sea level — year-round temperatures are warm and tropical, rarely dropping below 60°F even at night. However, the elevation around the Big Island changes things dramatically; nearby Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa can experience freezing temperatures and even snow in winter. Visitors sometimes underestimate how cool it gets after dark or at higher elevations, so a light layer is always worth having in your bag.
What is the weather like in Hilo?+
Hilo receives over 130 inches of rain per year on average, making it one of the rainiest cities in the country, though most showers are brief and do not last all day. Temperatures stay warm and stable throughout the year, generally between 65°F and 85°F, with trade winds providing a consistent breeze. Humidity is noticeable but rarely oppressive, and the combination of frequent rain and sunshine means rainbows are a common sight across the city.