A 5 a.m. start under fireworks, then Diamond Head and Hawaii Kai as the sun comes up. No time limit, warm and humid throughout.
By Brett Heimlich, part-time runner.
Plan for about 72°F (22°C) at the 05:00 start, feeling like 75°F (24°C), with 86% humidity and 8 mph wind, warming to roughly 76°F (24°C) by the finish. It rained on 4 of the last 10 race days. Wear: Singlet or Tank, Running Shorts, Running Cap, Waterproof Jacket, Sunscreen.
72°F (22°C)
76°F (24°C)
4 of 10 years
67° to 75°F
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Conditions at the 05:00 start on the race's usual date each year (second Sunday of December). Years when the race was cancelled or moved still show that date's weather. Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 archive.
| Year | Start temp | Feels like | Finish | Humidity | Wind | Rain | Sky |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 71°F (22°C) | 77°F | 74°F | 97% | 5 mph | 1.54 in | Drizzle |
| 2024 | 70°F (21°C) | 76°F | 76°F | 94% | 4 mph | – | Clear |
| 2023 | 75°F (24°C) | 77°F | 78°F | 80% | 11 mph | – | Mostly clear |
| 2022 | 74°F (23°C) | 75°F | 78°F | 79% | 13 mph | – | Overcast |
| 2021 | 72°F (22°C) | 74°F | 76°F | 90% | 13 mph | – | Overcast |
| 2020 | 74°F (23°C) | 81°F | 78°F | 83% | 3 mph | 0.09 in | Mostly clear |
| 2019 | 67°F (19°C) | 72°F | 77°F | 95% | 3 mph | – | Clear |
| 2018 | 73°F (23°C) | 71°F | 76°F | 66% | 15 mph | – | Clear |
| 2017 | 71°F (22°C) | 72°F | 73°F | 84% | 11 mph | 0.06 in | Mostly clear |
| 2016 | 70°F (21°C) | 76°F | 76°F | 92% | 3 mph | 0.06 in | Mostly clear |
Coldest start: 67°F (19°C) in 2019. Warmest: 75°F (24°C) in 2023. Wettest: 1.54 in in 2025.
Built from the 10-year average start conditions by the same engine as the live tool. Treat optional items as corral-only layers you can shed.
Singlet or Tank
Maximum breathability for hot conditions
Waterproof Jacket
Breathable rain protection
Running Shorts
Lightweight with built-in brief
Running Cap
Keep rain out of eyes
Sunglasses
UV protection
Sunscreen
SPF 30+ water-resistant
Trail or Waterproof Shoes
Better grip and water resistance
✓ Worn by the author
Engineered-mesh race top with a gel pocket that does not bounce
$98
✓ Worn by the author
Packable, washable running cap with a short brim
$55
Minimal, lightweight shorts for hot-weather miles
$30
Hands-free hydration for long runs in the heat
$85
✓ Worn by the author
Thin, ribbed quarter sock that keeps grit out
$36
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Over 2016 to 2025 the start averaged 72°F (22°C) (feels like 75°F (24°C)) with 86% humidity and 8 mph wind, warming to about 76°F (24°C) by the finish. It rained measurably on 4 of those 10 race days. The coldest start was 67°F (19°C) in 2019; the warmest was 75°F (24°C) in 2023.
For a typical 72°F (22°C) start: Singlet or Tank, Running Shorts, Running Cap, Waterproof Jacket, Sunscreen. Dress for about 15°F warmer than the start temperature, since the race itself adds that much, and plan to shed anything you only need in the corral.
The Honolulu Marathon is usually held on second Sunday of December. The next expected date is Sunday, December 13, 2026. Confirm on the official site, since dates occasionally move.
The live forecast on this page comes from Open-Meteo and unlocks 16 days before the race. Forecasts inside 7 days are reliable for temperature within a few degrees; rain timing firms up in the last 2 to 3 days. Until then, the 10-year history above is the best planning guide.
Get a what-to-wear call for the live forecast at your exact location, free, no signup.
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