What to Wear in Hilo in December
December in Hilo is warm and wet — one of the rainiest months in the rainiest city in the US, with highs averaging 79°F, lows near 62°F, and about 22 rainy days. A lightweight quick-dry rain jacket and waterproof footwear are essential for the Wailuku River State Park trails, the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, and the Hilo Farmers Market; the rain often comes as brief tropical showers that clear quickly, but some December days bring sustained downpours. Light, breathable clothing handles the warm temperatures underneath the rain layer.
Hilo's December is a study in tropical rainfall — the city receives more annual precipitation than almost any other in the United States, and December sits among its wettest months, averaging around 22 rainy days. The rain comes in character as tropical showers: often intense but passing, leaving the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden glistening and the waterfalls along Hilo Bay Drive at full force. Highs sit at a warm 79°F with lows near 62°F — the temperature is pleasant, but the combination of heat and humidity makes quick-drying fabrics far more practical than cotton. The local style tendency is genuinely relaxed Hawaii: board shorts or lightweight athletic pants for men, sundresses or casual linen pieces for women, and rubber slippers (the local term for flip-flops) or trail-worthy sandals for most occasions. For exploring the Wailuku River's Rainbow Falls and the Waipio Valley Lookout, waterproof trail shoes and a packable rain shell are the practical additions that separate comfortable exploration from a miserable soaking. The rain is part of what makes Hilo's landscape extraordinary — embracing it rather than fighting it is the right mindset.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear in Hilo in December?+
Light, quick-drying fabrics are the foundation — polyester-blend or technical athletic tops, lightweight shorts or linen pants — because cotton soaks through and stays wet when you're caught in a tropical shower. A packable waterproof rain jacket fits into a day bag and handles Hilo's frequent showers when they arrive. Waterproof trail sandals or shoes handle the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden's wet paths and the Rainbow Falls overlook's mist-slicked surfaces.
Is December a good time to visit Hilo?+
December is worth visiting Hilo for the right kind of traveler — one who finds Hilo's lush, rain-fed landscape more compelling than the dry-side beaches of Kona. The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, Akaka Falls State Park, and Wailuku River State Park are all extraordinary, and the rain that makes some visitors avoid Hilo is the same force that powers the waterfalls and maintains the extraordinary botanical density. Hilo Farmers Market runs year-round and is at its most vibrant on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
What shoes are best for Hilo in December?+
Waterproof trail sandals (Teva, Chaco, or similar) or waterproof trail shoes are the most versatile choices — they handle the wet botanical garden paths, the mist-slicked overlooks at Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls, and the Hilo Farmers Market's often wet ground. Rubber flip-flops (rubber slippers) work for casual Hilo Bay waterfront walking but don't provide enough grip for trails after rain. Non-waterproofed shoes will be wet within 30 minutes on almost any December day in Hilo.
How warm and wet does it get in Hilo in December?+
Daytime highs average 79°F with overnight lows around 62°F — warm, tropical temperatures year-round. The defining characteristic is the rain: about 22 days of precipitation in December, among the highest monthly totals in the US. The rain often comes as intense tropical showers that pass within 30–60 minutes, but some December days bring sustained heavy rainfall, particularly when Kona Low pressure systems stall over the island. The combination of warmth and frequent rain makes the landscape extraordinarily lush.
What should I pack for Hilo in December?+
Pack quick-drying, lightweight fabrics — avoid cotton as a main fabric given the frequency of showers. A packable waterproof rain jacket is essential; a lightweight version that fits in a day bag is more practical than a full rain suit. Waterproof trail sandals or shoes handle the wet trail systems. Sunscreen remains important — UV index can be high even between rain showers at Hawaii's latitude. A dry bag or waterproof daypack liner protects electronics during heavier downpours.