What’s the weather like in Kauai, Hawaii?
Temperatures
Kauai’s weather is warm all year round with daytime high temperatures ranging from 78F in the “colder” months to 88F in the hotter months.
Hawaii’s proximity to the equator means that the its weather is tropically warm and consistent throughout the year. Flowers are always in bloom in Hawaii.
Typically December, January and February are the coolest months, while July, August and September are the warmest months.
Evening low temperatures range from 65F in the cooler months to 75F in the warmer months.
Rainfall
The months of April – October tend to have less rain than the months of November – March. The following chart shows how the average rainfall varies by month and by Hawaiian Island.
This chart indicates the average rainfall trends by island. The data was collected at the major Hawaii airports. Click this link to get more information and data to help you understand Hawaii rainfall trends.
An interesting aspect about Kauai’s rainfall is that most if the Hawaiian Island precipitation falls overnight. Even if a rain shower should interrupt your day, it rarely lasts more than a few minutes before the glorious sunshine breaks through again. You may even be treated to a rainbow afterwards.
Micro-climates
Each Hawaii island boasts its own micro-climate depending on where you stay. The island weather is very much influenced by the trade winds which generate windward and leeward regions. In general, the north and east facing coasts tend to get more rain than the south and west-facing coasts. From the following satellite view of Hawaii, notice how the north and east sides are very green in comparison to the other sides. That’s an indicator of the rainfall levels.
The tall volcanic mountains of Hawaii are significantly colder than the beach elevations. With elevations over 13,000 feet above sea level, it’s not unusual for Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on the Big Island to get snow in the winter. At an elevation over 10,000 feet above sea level Haleakala on Maui can also get snow.
Kauai’s Weather
Princeville and Hanalei on the North Shore of Kauai brings a mixture of sunshine and showers needed to make all of the wonderful rainbows and waterfalls.
The East and South shores like Poipu are likely to offer more sunshine and less rainfall.
Take notice that the popular resort area of Poipu is the driest region, followed by the east side towns of Kapaa and Lihue where many hotels and Poipu vacation rentals Like our is.
Frequently asked Hawaii weather questions:
When is the best time to go to Kauai?
Anytime is a great time to go to Kauai. We’ve been to Kauai several times in every season and enjoyed wonderful weather. For the best weather and prices, we recommend visiting Hawaii in mid/late April, May, early/mid June, September and October.
Is Kauai cold in the winter?
We don’t think it’s cold. Look at the above weather charts which indicate that even in the coldest months, the average daytime high temperatures average between 78 and 82F, which is quite pleasant. You’d have to visit Kauai during a particularly odd weather pattern to be cold in Kauai. During winter months, you might want to have a light sweater to wear in the evenings, but during the daytime, you’ll most likely enjoy “bikini weather” while playing in the ocean.
Is Kauai’s weather humid?
The degree to which a person feels humidity depends on the humidity of the climate where they live. For example, someone who lives in the humid southeastern United States probably won’t notice much humidity, while someone from an arid southwestern state may take more notice in the humidity.
If the trade winds are blowing, which they normally do, the breeze helps to keep you comfortable in the humid environment.
Do I need to be concerned about rain in Kauai during the winter months?
As previously mentioned, the north and east sides of the island tend to get more rain than the south and west sides of the islands. If you plan to stay on the south and west sides of the islands, you’ll likely minimize your chances of experiencing rain.
Is winter a good time to go to Kauai?
Yes!
Are the northern Hawaiian Islands colder than the southern Hawaiian Islands?
There’s perhaps just a few degrees difference between the extremes, but nothing drastic. If you flew from one island to the other, you probably wouldn’t notice a difference. Review the above temperature charts for Kauai, the northernmost Hawaiian Island, to the Big Island, the southernmost Hawaiian Island for comparison. Note that there’s very little difference.
What’s the water temperature in Kauai? Can I swim in Kauai in the colder winter months?
You can swim in the ocean in Kauai throughout the year — even in winter months. The average ocean temperature for Kauai is 78F and ranges from a low of 76F to 81F.
So with this information at hand You can’t go wrong by reserving your time at our Kauai Vacation Rental, Manualoha Condo 601 for any time you are looking to go. It is in the Southern part of Kauai along the beaches of Poipu, Kauai.
