Kauai and the entire Hawaiian Islands have a tropical, semi-humid climate that creates ideal conditions for year-round visitation.

Temperatures are virtually unchanged throughout the year, with seasons divided into a dry season during the summer (April-October) and a wet season during the winter (October-March). However, it is important to underline that even in the wet season you should not expect long-lasting tropical cyclones, but rather very short intense rains occurring on average once a day, which will not disrupt your holiday in any way.

The great advantage of Kauai's climate is the low probability of temperature extremes. Temperatures are stable throughout the year, so you don't have to worry about extreme heat, much less cold weather. Deviations from average temperatures are usually no more than 5°C.

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Kauai is a relatively humid island with frequent, but usually very short intense showers.

These are considerably more frequent on the north and east coasts, while the southwest and west coasts lie in the rain shadow of the mountains and receive considerably less rain. The heaviest rainfall is in the mountainous centre of the island, which is one of the top 10 rainiest places in the world.

Air temperatures and when it rains the most

You've found bargain flights to Kauai, but you're not sure if it's a good time to travel to Hawaii? Not to worry, there's always a good time, but we're still bringing you an overview of Kauai's weather by month of the year.

During the winter, there are more clouds in the sky, but it's very rare that the sun isn't visible all day. The humidity is the same throughout the year and stays around 75%.

Weather in January

January is the peak of the winter season on Kauai. That means temperatures around 26°C on the coast, but high in the mountains they can drop to 10°C in the morning and evening.

Precipitation-wise, January is an average month, with brief showers occurring about 12 days per month. In January, the seas are rough on the north-east coast and kayaking is not possible, and even swimming in the open sea is not very safe.

Weather in February

February is statistically the coldest month on Kauai. However, this still means temperatures of around 25 °C in coastal areas and around 15 °C in the mountains.

The sea in the north and east is the most rough of the year and it is really only recommended to dig in calm bays without waves. Rain falls about 12 days a month in short showers, with the occasional thunderstorm.

Weather in March

March on Kauai is statistically the rainiest month, but in practice this means nothing to tourists other than that the short showers are more intense.

However, they won't affect your vacation any more than rain does at any other time of the year. The air is pleasantly warm, with values around 26°C, which combined with the higher humidity means ideal conditions for travelling to the mountains, where it is more pleasant.

The ocean is still quite wild and swimming or other water activities are only recommended in quiet bays.

Weather in April

April temperatures rise slightly to around 27°C with highs of around 31°C, the air is refreshed every other day by a pleasant afternoon shower lasting no more than 2 hours.

During April the ocean gradually calms down, but kayaking trips, for example, are still unavailable due to high waves.

Weather in May

The first month of summer welcomes visitors with temperatures of 27 °C, light and brief showers about every other day and mostly sunny skies. The sea is calmer and kayaking trips along the Na Pali coast begin.

Even in the mountains, temperatures are now steadily above 20 °C even in the evening.

Weather in June

June is very similar in character to May and is an ideal month for any activity. Temperatures range between 26 and 30 °C with very light rainfall on the coast.

Although June is the least rainy month of the year, rainfall in the mountains remains at the same average (very high) levels throughout the year, meaning that even in June the whole island is lush green.

Weather in July

Summer vacations in the Northern Hemisphere are in full swing, and Kauai's weather is conducive to that. Temperatures average 29°C with highs rarely exceeding 33°C.

The sea is calmer around the perimeter of the island ideal for water activities.

Weather in August

August is no different from July. Temperatures range from 29-32 °C, with light, albeit almost daily, rainfall on the coast, but usually only for a few minutes in the evening.

August is the peak season when most people head to Kauai, conditions are ideal for all kinds of activities in the sea, on land and in the air.

Weather in September

September is also a typical summer month. Temperatures do not drop below 28°C, but at the same time do not rise above 33°C.

There is still very little rain and the sea is still calm for all water activities, especially swimming, snorkelling and kayaking.

Weather in October

October is the last month of summer on Kauai. Temperatures are not noticeable and average around 27°C.

There is no significant increase in rain either, and even in the highest parts of the mountains, temperatures are still comfortable at around 18 to 20 °C. The sea in the north and east is slowly beginning to churn, but October is still a relatively safe month for all water activities.

Weather in November

Winter hits Kauai in full force in November. What does this mean for us? Showers every other day for about an hour in the afternoon and temperatures dropping a "dramatic" 2 degrees down from summer.

You'll enjoy a cool 26 degrees with sunny skies that are only occasionally covered by the typical tropical clouds. The only change is rougher seas on the northeast side of Kauai, which means no more kayaking trips.

Weather in December

December is virtually no different from November. You'll enjoy temperatures around 26°C, light showers and occasional brief thunderstorms, but these won't disrupt your holiday in any way.

Just remember to pack a sweatshirt and a windbreaker when you go up to the mountains, as temperatures can drop to 15 °C in the highest parts. Swimming in the sea is recommended only in sheltered bays with calm water, not in the open ocean.

Sea temperature on Kauai

The sea water on Kauai's beaches stays at very pleasant levels year-round. Very stable temperatures prevail all around the island, especially in sheltered bays protected from the waves.

In winter, the ocean water is at its coldest, ranging between 23 and 25 °C.

In the summer (July and August), Kauai's water temperatures are at their highest, ranging between 25 and 28°C.