Is There a Best Time to Visit Kauai? (Yes…here’s when)

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You’ve made an excellent decision to visit Kauai. But now you have the task of figuring out when to go. Kauai is probably one of the trickier islands to pick your timing for a visit, as the Garden Isle gets a lot of rain and strong currents during the winter months. For some, the tropical rainfall can be a big damper on a vacation.

The best time to visit Kauai is May, August, September, and October. These months offer lower hotel rates, less rain, and fewer people. 

But there’s more to the story than this. We’ll dive into the best times to visit for different activities as well as when you’ll want to plan a trip to the north shore and when the south shore is the better option. 

Plan the rest of your trip like a pro with these helpful resources:
Planning a Trip to Hawaii: 15 essential details
Get the best price on a rental car with no prepayment.
We’ll help you decide if a luau is worth booking and choose from the best luaus on Kauai.

Kauai Weather by Month

Kauai rainfall by month

The weather is one of the most important factors for most people as they decide when to head to Kauai. You likely want sunshine and little rain, which can be tricky in the winter months. The chart below shows Poipu (South Shore) and Hanalei/Princeville (North Shore) rainfall month-by-month. 

As you can see, rainfall is significantly higher during the winter months, October through March.  If you visit during the rainy season, sticking to Poipu and the south shore during the winter months is your best bet for sunnier skies and calmer water. If you’re visiting in the summer, rain is less of an issue and you can enjoy mostly sunny days on either side of the island. 

In the recent past, Kauai’s north shore has experienced significant rainfall, prompting flash floods and causing landslides on the main road between Princeville and Hanalei. These storms and flooding occurred in April 2018 and again in March 2021.  

Additional planning resources:
35 Best Things to Do on Kauai
The 10 Best Beaches on Kauai
What to Do in Hawaii When it Rains

Kauai temperature by month

Kauai’s temperature is always pretty pleasant, but expect peak temperatures in the low to mid 80’s June through October. In my opinion, this is the perfect temperature for swimming and lounging at the pool. 

By Hawaii standards, things can get a little chilly in the winter, especially on the north shore near Hanalei. The high temperatures dip down into the mid to upper 70’s, so it’s likely warmer than where you’re visiting from but the summer heat is definitely not there. 

Related articles:
What to pack for your Hawaii vacation (+Interactive Download!)
7 Best Resorts on Kauai for Families: our kids approve!
The 7 Best Beaches on Kauai in the Winter

Kauai hurricane season months

Hawaii hurricane season runs June 1 – November 30th. While hurricanes don’t occur or cause damage or destruction every year, it’s something to be aware of as you book your trip. Hurricanes causing destruction in Hawaii are rare. The last three hurricanes that have caused damage on Hawaii are: Hurricane Lane (2018), Hurricane Iniki (1992), and Hurricane Iwa (1982). The majority of the damage from Hurricane Inkiki was on Kauai. 

Even if a hurricane doesn’t cause destruction or harsh weather (many of them veer off the path of Hawaii), it can still be disruptive to your vacation. When you get a hurricane warning while on your trip, you can expect to have things disrupted for a few days until the threat passes. For example, if you have a boat trip planned, it will likely be canceled as they wait for storm warnings to pass. 

If you’re heading to Kauai, be sure to check out our ultimate Kauai Travel Guide. From where to stay to what to do, this guide will help you plan your perfect Kauai vacation.  

If you’re trying to decide between Maui and Kauai, watch our video below comparing these two gorgeous Hawaiian islands.

When is the Best Time to Visit Kauai?

We’ve already established that overall, the best times to visit Kauai are May, August, September, and October. But what if you’re looking for the best time based on a specific criteria? We have you covered: 

When is the best time to visit for the best weather?

If the weather is your biggest concern and you’re hoping for sunny days and little rain, the best time to visit is during the summer. That’s when the odds are in your favor for experiencing those picture-perfect postcard days with clear blue skies. 

Related read: here’s where you should stay on Kauai. 

When is the best time to visit the Napali Coast?

One of Kauai’s most beautiful areas is inaccessible by car. To see the Napali Coast, you either need to hike to it, take a helicopter ride over it, or take a boat ride and see it from the coast. While you can do all of those activities year-round, you’re likely in for better conditions in the summer months (May through October).

The Kalalau trail to hike the Napali Coast starts on the north shore at Haena State Park. Reservations to enter the park and an additional camping permit are required. Hiking in the summer means you have less chance of experiencing rain and flooding (though it’s always still a risk).

From the air, going in the summer could mean less chance of a storm and better visibility. And if you’re heading on a Napali Coast snorkeling tour or sunset cruise, the water off the Napali Coast can be rough any time of year. But winter storms and swells can make the ride even bumpier.

So if you have a choice to visit the Napali Coast in the summer or winter, I’d pick the summer for your best chance of good conditions.

Here are all the best tours to see the Napali Coast:
5 of the Best Napali Coast Boat Tours
Helicopter Tour of the Napali Coast (doors on or off!)

When is the best time to visit for snorkeling?

We love snorkeling on Kauai, but we also know when to go and when not to go. Most of the best snorkeling on the island is located on the north shore. Unfortunately, during the winter this part of the island has dangerous waves and currents, making snorkeling a dangerous idea. 

So if you’re planning to enjoy the best snorkeling the island has to offer, plan a trip in the summer. With a little luck, you’ll have great conditions at some of the best snorkeling spots on the island. If you want to get out on the water for snorkeling, these are the best snorkel tours Kauai has to offer.

For the best swimming spots on Kauai, see 9 Best Beaches on Kauai for Swimming

PS: if you’re going to snorkel, make sure you are keeping yourself safe and educating yourself on water safety best practices. 

When is the best time to visit for the cheapest costs?

Visiting Kauai is always expensive, but costs soar when the crowds do. Likely, your largest expense on your vacation will be lodging. So if you can visit when hotel costs are lower, you’ll be able to knock out a big chunk of your costs. 

The cheapest hotel rates on Kauai can be found in September, October, and November. Although the price difference isn’t as extreme as it has been in previous years, you can still save around $600 for a 10-day trip by booking in the shoulder season!

Source: Hawaii Tourism Authority

When is the best time to visit for the fewest crowds?

Looking for some solitude while on Kauai? Visiting in September and October will give you the best opportunity to enjoy the island with fewer people nearby. Coming post summer rush months means that you’ll get to enjoy less traffic, more beach parking availability, and the opportunity to find availability at restaurants and on tours at the last minute with less competition from other visitors. 

In case you can’t tell, we’re big fans of visiting in the fall.  

If you’re considering a Kauai vacation for spring break, we’ve covered spring break in Hawaii extensively for you!

When is the best time to visit Kauai’s North Shore?

Unless you enjoy seeing big waves and experiencing tropical rain, the best time to visit Kauai’s north shore is during the summer months. May through September you’ll often find very calm water and clear skies, with just a short passing rainfall. The winter is a different story and at most of the north shore beaches, the water is too rough for swimming and snorkeling. The waves that hit the north shore are truly impressive.

The summer season sees two of the busiest and most expensive months of the year. So, be sure to read up on visiting Kauai in June or July to decide if it’s worth it.

Related read: should you stay in Princeville or Poipu? 

When is the Worst Time to Visit Kauai?

The worst time to visit Kauai is subjective. If you are looking for the lowest prices and the fewest people, the worst time to visit is in the summer. If you’re hoping to enjoy time at the beaches on the north shore, the worst time to visit is the winter. 

That said, we’ve visited Kauai in all seasons and we’ve had a great time. We’ve adjusted our expectations (it’s crowded in the summer! Risk of rain in the winter!) and we’ve been flexible with our plans. The best time to visit Kauai is when you can make the time to get there.

Related reads: The best time to visit…
Maui: Here’s when and why
Oahu: The 4 Best Months
The Big Island of Hawaii: Here’s when

How to Plan the Best Kauai Vacation

Regardless of when you plan to visit, our Kauai itinerary can help. It takes you step by step through different excursion days around the island. All you need to do is download and go!

We  just returned from a fabulous trip! My husband and I spent 2 weeks in Kaua’i celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary.  We used your itinerary in preparation and probably checked it several times a day.  I am grateful for your work and the heart you put into your guides and videos.

Erica A.