Last Updated on October 2, 2024 by Jade and Deeshen
Planning a trip to Kauai, Hawaii, and wondering when is the rainy season on Kauai? We’ve got you covered!
Kauai, named as the “Garden Isle,” is one of the most beautiful Hawaiian islands. It’s known for its lush landscapes, Napali coast, waterfalls, and pristine beaches. However, as all tropical islands, it comes with a climate that can be as unpredictable.
As locals and Hawaii travel writers, we’ve visited Kauai in all its seasons. In this article, we’ll cover exactly when the rainy season is (and when it’s windy), what to expect, and expert tips!
If you already purchased flights for visiting Kauai during rainy season, don’t worry, we’ll also tell you how to prepare for it, and make the most of your visit.
Make sure you read til the end, because I’ll be sharing with you a SECRET – the best advice you’ll ever receive for predicting weather conditions in Kauai (and Hawaii)!
Readers also love our free Hawaii packing list (the one I wish I had when I first visited Hawaii)!
But first, here is the best tours for Kauai: (yes, you should book in advance and early in your trip!)
- ⭐Kauai: Na Pali Coast Full-Day Boat Tour – Seeing the Napali coast by boat is a must-do in Hawaii! (We LOVED this!) In this tour, you’ll visit see the most beautiful mountain ranges in Hawaii, explore caves by boat, and snorkeling at the Forbidden Isle of Niihau.
- ⭐Kauai: Best Luau with Buffet Dinner – Kauai’s award-winning luau with graceful hula dancers, traditional fire knife dancing, artisan craft fair, lei greeting, and a buffet!
- ⭐Kauai: Best Helicopter Tour – See the impressive Jurassic Falls, the expansive Waimea Canyon, and the dramatic cliffs of the Na Pali Coast.
When is Kauai Rainy Season?
Kauai’s rainy season typically spans from November to March. During these winter months, the island experiences more frequent and heavier rainfall, particularly in the northshore (Hanalei and Princeville) and mountainous regions.
The lush greenery that Kauai is famous is thanks to this seasonal rain, which nourishes the island’s flora and fills it with stunning waterfalls like this one!
Although, the weather is rainy in these regions, you’ll still experience warm temperatures averaging 73-85 degrees during the rainy season November to March. This means, you can still enjoy your Kauai vacation year roun
The Southshore (Poipu Beach) and West side (Waimea) will have the least rain during these Winter months. Pssst, these are the best places to stay in Kauai in January and during winter!
If you love whale watching, humpback whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii in the winter (rainy season). There are even annual where nearly 300 humback whales were sighted off Kauai shores!
Readers also love our guides on is it safe to travel to Kauai right now, and how to spend your last day in Kauai before a flight.
Expert Tips on How Prepare for Kauai’s Rainy Season (from a Local)
Pro Tip #1: Don’t worry if the weather will ruin your plans if the forecast prediction is rainy for the entire week you’re traveling to Kauai.
Kauai’s weather forecast is infamously known among locals to be inaccurate, it’s only accurate in real time. (I’m serious!)
But it’s not the weather forecaster’s fault, it’s simply because Kauai is a tropical island. As with all tropical island’s in the world, the wind is always blowing the clouds (and rain clouds!) hence it could be raining for 1 minute, and stop the next!
I’d only cancel plans if the forecast prediction says in advance that there’s going to be a flash flood or a hurricane then avoid hiking and driving in that region for obvious safety reasons. (Even though there is a hurricane season, there aren’t hurricanes in Kauai – it’s just gets super windy)
It’s very rare (maybe 1-2 weeks per year where it downpours non-stop). This past year, this happened in February and May, and made Hawaii’s local news.
Pro Tip #2: What most people don’t know is that rain isn’t what really you need to worry about during the winter months in Kauai…
SECRET: It’s actually the wind conditions that you have to keep an eye on! We only learned this secret after we moved to Hawaii and started doing water sports.
While the rain is impossible to predict in advance, the wind is predictable! (within 10-15 days, and often trends the same every year)
Here’s how you predict the wind conditions, and it’s probably one of the best advice you’ll ever receive for traveling to Hawaii! (even many locals don’t know how to check for accurate wind conditions)
Download the Windy app, and input the area you want to check. Kauai is too big of an area, so get as specific as possible and input the neighborhood (Kappa, Hanalei, Poipu, etc). And there you’ll have the accurate wind conditions for the next 5-15 days.
We’ve been using this app for years, and it’s extremely reliable for its wind predictions. It’s made for people do watersports, so it covers wind conditions, wave swell size, and more.
Pro Tip #3: Stay in the Southshore during rainy season: Don’t make the same mistake as me! During March, we stayed in Princville and it was crazy windy (20-25 mile per hour wind) and rainy.
While we still absolutely enjoyed our Vrbo home, we had to drive further every day for sunshine and to less windy parts of the island. We’d definitely recommend staying in the South shore (Poipu or Waimea) during the winter months! Stay near Waimea means you’ll get an early start hiking its Waimea Canyon’s spectacular trails.
The east coast near Lihue will have moderate rain during winter months, but it’ll still be very windy (due to the trade winds we are blessed with). However, Lihue is still a good option since it’s the mid point between the North side and West side (this will save you 1-2 hours of drive time every day!), and has the most resort and hotel options to choose from.
Tip #4: Pack Appropriately: Bring waterproof gear such as a good rain jacket, quick-drying clothes, and waterproof shoes. An umbrella and a light sweater for cooler evenings are also advisable.
Tip #5: Plan Flexible Activities: Have a mix of indoor and outdoor activities planned. Visit museums, cultural centers, and local shops on rainy days.
Tip #6: Explore Different Regions: If one part of the island is experiencing heavy rain, consider exploring another area. The island’s small size makes it easy to move between regions.
Tip #7: Embrace the Rain: Rain can add a unique charm to your Kauai experience. The island’s vibrant flora becomes even more beautiful, and there’s nothing like seeing the waterfalls in full blast in Kauai!
What to Expect During Kauai’s Rainy Season
- Frequent Showers: Expect intermittent rain showers, which can vary from light drizzles to heavy downpours. These showers can be brief or last for several hours.
- Microclimates: Kauai’s unique topography creates microclimates across the island. Literally if you drive 5 minutes down the road, you’ll find a completely different climate. While it may be raining heavily on the North Shore, the South Shore can be sunny and dry.
- Waterfalls and Rivers: The increased rainfall enhances the island’s waterfalls and rivers, making them more spectacular. However, it also means that some hiking trails and swimming spots might be closed due to safety concerns.
- Cooler Temperatures: While still warm compared to many other places, the rainy season brings slightly cooler temperatures, particularly in the evenings and in higher elevations.
Kauai Regions Affected by Winter Rainy Season
- North Shore: Areas like Hanalei and Princeville see the most rain, with lush landscapes to show for it.
- East Side: Known as the Coconut Coast, this area experiences moderate rainfall. This region includes Wailua, Kapaa, Waipouli, Kapaa, Lihue, Kalapaki, and Nawiliwili.
- South Shore: Places like Poipu generally receive less rain, making them a popular choice for visitors seeking drier weather.
- West Side: The leeward side of the island, including Waimea, is typically the driest region.
What is the Rainiest Month in Kauai?
The wettest months in Kauai are December, January and March, when the island can receive up to 10 inches of rain per month.
The rainy season in Kauai runs from November to March, while the dry season runs from April to October. (Summer is June to August) During the rainy season, Kauai receives an average of 41 inches of rain.
Should I cancel my trip if I am visiting during Kauai’s Rainy Season?
No, don’t cancel your trip! As Hawaii lovers, we believe visiting Hawaii during ANY time of the year is a great time! Winter in Kauai is a great time, you just need to know what to expect and how to prepare with our expert tips above.
Visiting Kauai during the rainy season, which typically runs from November to March, has both pros and cons. Here are some factors to consider before deciding whether to reschedule your trip:
Pros of Visiting Kauai During the Rainy Season
- Fewer Crowds: Fewer tourists mean you can enjoy popular spots with less congestion.
- Lush Scenery: The rain makes the island incredibly green and vibrant.
- Lower Prices: Off-season rates for accommodations and flights are often cheaper.
- Whale Watching: Winter months are ideal for spotting humpback whales as they migrate from Alaska to Hawaii.
Cons of Visiting Kauai During the Rainy Season
- Unpredictable Weather: Heavy rain can disrupt outdoor plans and activities.
- Limited Hiking: Trails, especially the famous Kalalau Trail, can be muddy and dangerous.
- Beach Conditions: Some beaches may have rough surf and strong currents. Queens bath is completely closed during the winter. Napali Coast, named the most unforgettable natural landmark in the US, is open year round rain or shine, but cancels if wind conditions are too rough.
- Road Closures: Flooding can cause temporary road closures, affecting travel plans.
Final Thoughts: When is Kauai Rainy Season
While Kauai’s rainy season might seem like a deterrent to some, it offers a unique opportunity to experience the island’s natural beauty in its fullest and greenest scenery.
By preparing appropriately and embracing the occasional rain shower, you can enjoy a memorable and enriching visit to this stunning Hawaiian island.
Whether you’re hiking to a roaring waterfall, relaxing under a covered lanai, or exploring the diverse microclimates, Kauai during the rainy season still promises an unforgettable adventure.
We hope this article helped you in understanding how to plan your Kauai trip in Kauai’s rainy season and to make the most of your visit! Start planning your trip with our Hawaii guides.
