Unlike its larger neighbors, Lanai does not have towering volcanic mountains. There are, however, some higher elevations that effect temperatures. The island's principal city, Lanai City, is located up slope from the beaches in the center of the island and is consequently cooled by her elevation. Here average summer-time temperatures range from a high of 78-85 degrees during the day, to a low of 62-66 degrees in the evening. Average winter temperatures in town range from a day-time high of 72-76 degrees, down to 59-63 degrees at night.

Rainfall in Lanai City is limited to 1-3 inches per month in the summer to 3-6 inches in the winter. What little rain that does fall on the island comes down on the windward slopes to the north and east of Lanai City. The island's beach areas receive very little rainfall and are generally about 10 degrees warmer than Lanai City. Visitors to the island can usually count on lots of sun. The leeward (south) coast in particular, is very dry and sunny and can get quite hot in the summer.

Because of the shelter provided by her larger neighbors, Lanai is not known for large waves. Beach goers can usually count on gentle surf conditions. Island near-shore water temperatures range from approximately 80 degrees n the summer to the mid 70's in the winter....and are quite famous here in the state for the clear diving waters.