Skip to primary navigation Skip to content Skip to footer
Back to Blog

HOW TO PLAN AROUND THE WEATHER ON KAUAI

clouds in the sky with smoke coming out of it

As you plan your Kauai vacation, it’s important to be aware of the island’s many different climates. Kauai is a large island, and the weather can vary widely from one end to the other. In this blog post, we will give you an overview of what to expect from each microclimate zone on Kauai. Whether you’re looking for information on the best time to visit or what to pack, we’ve got you covered!

General Weather and Climate on Kauai

Kauai is well known for its beautiful weather, however, that can come with a large amount of rain. The main rainy months for the island are November, December, March, April, and sometimes May. Other parts of the island can see a variety of conditions year-round. Generally, this is what you can expect from each part of the island:

  • The Eastern side of the island near Lihue and Kapa’a will see intermittent rain even during the dry months
  • The Northern parts towards towns like Princeville and Hanalei will see a heavy amount of rain all year long
  • Western parts of the island like Waimea and Kekaha are very dry and desert-like (until you go up the canyon)
  • The South shores, where we at Koloa Zipline are located – have a diverse climate that changes quickly. You can go from a desert with cacti, to a lush jungle environment in no time.

Ocean Conditions

The ocean conditions on Kauai can vary greatly depending on the time of year and the location. Generally, the North and East shores are going to have rougher conditions – especially during the winter months. The waters In the south are a bit calmer at that time.

As a general rule, winter months (December-March) will see bigger waves and more dangerous conditions, while summer months (June-August) tend to be calmer. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule and it’s always best to use caution when swimming in any ocean water. Always remember to ask the locals and read official sources to ensure your safety in the water

Southern Shores with Koloa Zipline and KauaiATV

The southern shores of Kauai have the most interesting terrain. Between the large desert canyons and lush jungles, there is no shortage of breathtaking views. We at Koloa Zipline and KauaiATV can take you right through the heart of Kauai’s southern landscape.

If you book a tour with Kauai ATV or a zip line escapade with Koloa Zipline – you’ll get to see the diverse climates that this side of Kauai holds. Give us a call at (808) 742-2734 with any questions you have about your vacation. Thank you for reading!