Weather

Kauai’s mountain parks encompass distinct micro-weather systems.

Weather in these upland parks is highly variable and sometimes unpredictable. Generally speaking, you can expect more consistently good weather May-mid October, with winter-spring rains after.

Waimea Canyon State Park is dryer than Kokee State Park, which climbs into rain forest.

Kauai Microclimates

Like most volcanic tropical islands, however, many different microclimates mean packing for a variety of conditions: swim suits and light hot-weather clothing for the beaches, a lightweight windbreaker for the occasional shower at higher elevations, and more serious protection during inclement conditions when hiking Na Pali Coast.

Kauai Seasons

Winter and Spring (mid-December through mid-April) is high season for Kauai when most travelers plan their trip to the island. This also means that fewer travel bargains are available and that room rates at this time will average 10%-15% higher than the rest of the year.

Kauai Tradewinds

Due to the prevailing trade winds, most rainfall hits the north or northeast-facing shores, leaving the south and southwest sections relatively dry. As you make your way to various sections of Kauai it is interesting to note the differences in terrain brought about by rainfall differentials.

Kauai Landscapes

Besides the trade winds, elevation also plays a role in determining an areas microclimate. You will encounter everything from barren, lunar-like desert with cactus, bunch grass to lush tropical creepers, and wild ginger to a bamboo forest, to stands of eucalyptus and pines.

Kauai Temperature Ranges

January	65-80°F	18-27°C
February	65-80°F	18-27°C
March	69-81°F	21-27°C
April	69-83°F	21-28°C
May	70-85°F	21-29°C
June	72-86°F	22-30°C
July	73-87°F	23-31°C
August	74-88°F	23-31°C
September	73-88°F	23-31°C
October	72-87°F	22-31°C
November	69-84°F	21-29°C
December	67-81°F	19-27°C

 

Cool Kauai Weather Links

For the most current information, check out these continually updated weather links relating to Kauai, Hawaii, Pacific, and world weather.  These links are some of Hui o Laka volunteer Bob Keller's favorites.  He says if you look at them every day, you'll learn a lot about how weather works. Pay particular attention when storms come by, as you can watch the changes at your location.

Kauai Weather Visible Loop (day time only)

Hawaii Weather State Loop

Kauai Weather Radar

North Pacific Faxmap: updated every 6 hours, shows storm systems all around Hawaii. Look to the west for advancing winter storms

World Weather: pretty cool Mercator projection of weather around the world, check out weather for Kauai, Hawaii.

Hawaii Water Vapor: check this for upper atmosphere instability; it shows 3 levels of wind. Upper level Blue arrows mean areas of instability

Navy Worldwide Hurricane Page Particularly handy in the summer.

Pacific Weather Visible: If you compare this to the Pacific Fax page you will get an idea of storm system movements. (day time only)