Best Time to See Jellyfishes in Hawaii
January, July and December is the best time to see jellyfishes in Hawaii. Based on 215 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when jellyfishes are most active across the year in Hawaii.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
Mangrove Upsidedown Jelly · Robin White CC BY
Mangrove Upsidedown Jelly · Cricket Raspet CC BY
Mangrove Upsidedown Jelly · Christine Melvin CC BY
215 verified observations of jellyfishes in Hawaii, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When jellyfishes are recorded in Hawaii
Peak month
January
30 records (14% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Januarypeak | 30 | 14% |
| February | 17 | 7.9% |
| March | 20 | 9.3% |
| April | 20 | 9.3% |
| May | 11 | 5.1% |
| June | 11 | 5.1% |
| Julypeak | 23 | 10.7% |
| August | 14 | 6.5% |
| September | 19 | 8.8% |
| October | 9 | 4.2% |
| November | 19 | 8.8% |
| Decemberpeak | 22 | 10.2% |
Jellyfishes you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Mangrove Upsidedown Jelly | 90 |
| Aurelia malayensis | 11 |
| Cauliflower Jelly | 5 |
| Asian moon jellyfish | 5 |
| Pelagic Purple Jelly | 5 |
| Golden Jellies | 3 |
| Anomalorhiza shawi | 3 |
| South Pacific Mauve Stinger | 2 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Hawaii
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when jellyfishes are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for jellyfishes sit around 57 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Janbest time | 69°F | 57°F | 8.6" |
| Feb | 68°F | 56°F | 15.6" |
| Mar | 70°F | 57°F | 11.5" |
| Apr | 71°F | 58°F | 15.1" |
| May | 72°F | 59°F | 17.2" |
| Jun | 74°F | 61°F | 18.8" |
| Julbest time | 76°F | 62°F | 18.1" |
| Aug | 76°F | 62°F | 16" |
| Sep | 76°F | 62°F | 19.4" |
| Oct | 75°F | 62°F | 11.3" |
| Nov | 73°F | 60°F | 10" |
| Decbest time | 71°F | 58°F | 13.7" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Hawaii. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of jellyfishes in Hawaii peak in January, when 30 of the year's 215 verified observations are logged — about 14% of the annual total. Activity stays high through January, July and December.
The quietest stretch is October, May and June, when jellyfishes are hardest to find — October sees just 9 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The jellyfishes you are most likely to encounter in Hawaii are Mangrove Upsidedown Jelly, Aurelia malayensis and Cauliflower Jelly — the most-recorded species in the state. Each keeps its own seasonal rhythm, but the month-by-month pattern above reflects every reported sighting together.
Where to go
Best places to see jellyfishes in Hawaii
- Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park — National Park
- Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Haleakalā National Park — National Park
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see jellyfishes in Hawaii?+
January is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through January, July and December, based on 215 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are jellyfishes hardest to see in Hawaii?+
October is the quietest month for jellyfishes in Hawaii, with only 9 verified records.
Are jellyfishes active year-round in Hawaii?+
Jellyfishes are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Hawaii, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in January.
More places to see jellyfishes
More wildlife in Hawaii