Current Kauai Time & Temperature

As you might have guessed, weather conditions on Kauai, like anywhere in the world these days is unpredictable. On Kauai we frequently are surprised to see rain when it's sunny creating the most beautiful rainbows in the world for your viewing pleasure.  Some Decembers we never see the sun and the next year it will be sunny all month.

However, weather on Kauai can be  very consistent and somewhat similar to all of the Hawaiian Islands , with only minor changes in temperature throughout the year, though winters on Kauai can be surprisingly chilly, even for visitors. There are only 2 significant seasons: the summer months (called Kau in Hawaiian) that extend from May to October and the winter months (Ho'oilo) that run from November to April. The average daytime summer temperature at sea level is 85 degrees F. (29.4 C) while the average daytime winter temperature is 78 degrees (25.6 C). Temperatures at night are approximately 10 degrees F. lower ... again with the exception of the various islands, particularly Kauai (which can be rather chilly in the winter months, especially on the wetter North Shores.  Some East Side areas like the Wailua Homesteads, and heading South West to Kalaheo can also experience heavy rains in the Winter months.

For planning your vacation to the Garden Island, there is a better chance for nicer weather in the Spring or Summer months but the travel rates will definitely be pricier and the island more crowded.  It's a hit or miss in the Fall and Winter months.  You'll want to bring a sweater, or warm parka ... just in case.  A nice shawl for women will work on your evenings out.  if you plan a winter vacation, you might benefit from packing a raincoat :(.  Just remember that Hawaii temperatures will still be comfortable to you in the rain.  We love the rain because it just makes Kauai even greener and more beautiful, not to mention the numerous waterfalls everywhere you go.

The Garden Island has a diverse micro environment, as does all the islands in the Hawaiian chain, each with its own unique weather, plants and animals. As a result the differences in weather found at various elevations, there are as many different climate zones on Kauai. As a visitor you will want to explore the island by car or helicopter and soak in the beauty of tropical rain forests, cool alpine regions, stony deserts and sunny beaches - all within the span of just a few short miles.

The weather can change drastically from one minute to the next but it's never life threatening unless of course if there are those darn occasional wintery flash flood watches or warnings.

Most of the rain falls in the mountains and valleys on the windward (northeastern) side of the islands. It is this weather phenomenon that creates the rich tropical environment for Hawaii's flowers and verdant greens. The wettest months are from November - March, but winter rains do not cancel vacation plans ... sunny areas can always be found somewhere on the same island :).

The majority of the time ... the forecast will call for "windward and Mauka shower trades 15 to 20 miles a hour".  This is normal.  The "Trades" are north east winds that bring more chance of showers on the North and East Shores.  The South and West Shores tend to be the most clear during these times.

Tradewinds means that there is always a cooling breeze. The strength of this wind builds as the heat of the day rises and reaches a peak in the afternoon, only to diminish in the evening and start again the next day. A few times a year the trade winds will stop completely and the wind will switch around to come out of the south or west, bringing stormy or hot sticky weather. We call that "Kona" weather, because kona means leeward or South, and this is the direction that weather systems arrive. Stormy weather comes to the islands, mostly in the winter and sometimes lingers for several days. Kauai is by far known as the wettest island but the most beautiful and lush :).

When we have windward showers, you'll be delighted by a lot spectacular rainbows.  How many of you have ever seen a MOONBOW? They do exist on Kauai ... it's actually one of the few places in the world that you can see them.  They happen at night, on or around a full moon with passing showers.  They appear as a pale bow of light stretching across the sky.  If you do catch a glimpse of one ... count yourself lucky as it's a rare experience.

A high point of natural beauty is found in higher elevations such as Kokee on Kauai. Be prepared for the trip by bringing long pants and several layers of cool weather clothing because the temperature in the higher locations drops 3.5 degrees for every 1,000 feet above sea level that you climb.  You will be amazed how cold it can get, especially in our winter months.  As these peaks rise through the earth's atmosphere, there is less protection from the sun's powerful burning rays. This burning effect can be easily masked by the cool temperatures on the mountain.  You would benefit from applying sun block liberally, bringing along a hat and sunglasses.

Best Surf months are December to February.  Huge, northern storms in the pacific produce large ocean swells that pound Kauai with 20 to 30 foot surf.  You will want to head North to view the big wave surfers do there thing :).  These swells come to our North and West Shores and can often create dangerous conditions. During a High Surf advisory you can go for a swim or snorkel on the South Shore where the weather is calm.  Check the forecast daily.

Hawaii's water temperatures remain comfortable throughout the year. The average water temperature is 74 degrees F. (23.3 C), with a summer high of 80 degrees F. (26.7 C).  Surf varies dramatically between winter and summer, and between island coasts. Summer waters are typically very gentle on all beaches. This changes in the winter on many north facing beaches like Hanalei to Haena, as storms far out into the Pacific drive ocean swells towards the islands, building large breaking waves.  Visitors should use extreme caution and common sense during these months. 

Surf conditions are often very localized, so if there is too much surf on your beach, you can usually find calmer water at a more sheltered beach. Strong currents can make any beach unsafe at any time during the year, but particularly true in the winter.Always check with a lifeguard for recommendations and also look for warning flags and posted beach conditions.

Current Kauai Time & Temperature

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