Kauai Weather: What to expect on your dream vacation!

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Aloha! As you gear up for your adventures on Kauai, packing appropriate clothing for the various climates and weather possibilities will ensure you are prepared for the weather. With over 550 square miles of diverse terrain, Kauai offers seven amazing micro-climates to explore.

Average Monthly Temperatures

These monthly temperatures are based on averages from 2012 in Lihue. If you are planning on exploring the micro-climates, you may want to check out the weather ahead of time as some places experience exponentially higher rainfall.

January boasts a high of 76 degrees, a low of 66 degrees and precipitation over 5 inches.

February boasts a high of 75 degrees, a low of 64 degrees and precipitation around 3 inches.

March boasts a high of 75 degrees, a low of 65 degrees and precipitation around 4 inches.

April boasts a high of 76 degrees, a low of 66 degrees and precipitation around 4 inches.

May boasts a high of 77 degrees, a low of 68 degrees and precipitation around 3 inches.

June boasts a high of 79 degrees, a low of 70 degrees and precipitation around 2 inches.

July boasts a high of 80 degrees, a low of 71 degrees and precipitation around 2 inches.

August boasts a high of 85 degrees, a low of 76 degrees and precipitation less than 1 inch.

September boasts a high of 85 degrees, a low of 76 degrees and precipitation less than a half inch.

October boasts a high of 84 degrees, a low of 73 degrees and precipitation less than a half inch.

• October has seen max temperatures of around 91 degrees!

November boasts a high of 82 degrees, a low of 71 degrees and precipitation around 1 inch.

December boasts a high of 79 degrees, a low of 70 degrees and precipitation around 4 and a quarter inches.

Kauai’s seven distinctive micro-climates include desert-like conditions on the west side that feature sand dunes, beach resorts are semi-arid tropical weather, there is a cool mountain forest above Waimea Canyon, pastoral plains on the upper-east side, tropical rainforests in the interior of the island, and swamps around Mt. Wai’ale’ale, which is known as the “wettest place on earth”, receiving annual rainfall of over 450 inches. The North Shore of the island is known for being more tropical and green, while the South Shore has the most sunshine.

On such a small island, how does Kauai have such vast geographical differences?

Tradewinds account for some of weather changes and are one-third of the puzzle. Kauai, like the other Hawaiian Islands, has a wayward and leeward side. The tradewinds generally come from the northeast, carrying moisture-laden clouds that funnel their waters into Mt. Wai’ale’ale. This is Kauai’s most valuable resource for clean water. Kauai’s location is another factor, being the northern-most island of the larger islands in the archipelago. The third distinct factor is the high mountain formations throughout the interior of the island. Kauai’s unique climate and amazing biodiversity make it a haven for outdoor activities.

While the island temperatures are important, the ocean temperatures are equally important. Surface water temperatures are very comfortable, ranging from 74 degrees in the winter months like February, to 84 degrees in the summer months. Late September and October are typically the warmest months in Kauai, making it an ideal time to visit the island.

Enjoy the beautiful weather year round, and give us a call for more tips and advice, or for help finding the best vacation rental for you! (800)800-3637