Kauai is green because it rains, and how much depends on where you stay. The south shore around Poipu is drier, while the north shore around Hanalei is much wetter. Pack for warm beaches, muddy trails and passing showers.
Kauai weather by month
Daily high and low (°F), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 81°F27°C | 79°F26°C | 79°F26°C | 81°F27°C | 81°F27°C | 82°F28°C | 86°F30°C | 86°F30°C | 86°F30°C | 84°F29°C | 82°F28°C | 81°F27°C |
| Low | 66°F19°C | 68°F20°C | 68°F20°C | 70°F21°C | 72°F22°C | 73°F23°C | 75°F24°C | 77°F25°C | 75°F24°C | 73°F23°C | 72°F22°C | 68°F20°C |
| Rain days | 9 | 8 | 8 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 9 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryThe coolest and wettest stretch for most of the island. At Lihue, highs are 79–81°F (26–27°C), lows 66–68°F (19–20°C), and rain days run 8–9 a month. Big surf hits the north shore, so many beaches there are unsafe to swim. Pack a rain jacket and a warm layer for evenings. These numbers are from Lihue airport on the east side; Hanalei and the north shore get much more rain.
Spring
March–MayWarming up. Highs are 79–81°F (26–27°C) and lows 68–72°F (20–22°C). April averages 11 rain days and May 10. Waterfalls are full. Bring trail shoes you do not mind getting muddy.
Summer
June–AugustThe best beach weather. Highs reach 86°F (30°C) in July and August, and August averages just 6 rain days. North shore seas calm down, and the Nā Pali coast is easier by boat. Pack swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen and a hat. Central Pacific hurricane season runs June–November.
Fall
September–NovemberWarm but wetter again. Highs are 82–86°F (28–30°C), and rain days run 10–11 a month. Surf starts to build on the north shore late in the season. Keep a light rain jacket handy.
What to bring to Kauai
0 of 24 packedA light rain jacket handles the frequent showers, especially on the wet north shore.
The men's version is just as useful on rainy Hanalei days and windy Waimea Canyon lookouts.
- Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing CubeBags & Luggage
A waterproof cube keeps muddy hiking clothes away from everything else.
- Allbirds Men's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
Light sneakers with grip work on short trails and wash easily after red-dirt mud.
- Allbirds Women's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
The women's version gives the same grip and washes clean after muddy hikes.
- Nalgene 32 oz Wide Mouth BottleWater Bottles & Hydration
A sturdy bottle is essential on long, humid trails with no water stops.
- THRIAID Mini First Aid Kit, 100 piecesHealth & Safety
Slippery trails mean scrapes, so pack a small first aid kit.
US plugs fit; UK and EU visitors need an adapter for the 120V Type A and B sockets.
Clothing
- Swimsuits · 2
- Rash guard · 1Helps you use less sunscreen.
- Quick-dry hiking clothes in dark colors · 3 setsRed dirt stains light colors for good.
- Warm layer · 1Waimea Canyon and Kōkeʻe are noticeably cooler.
- Shorts and casual tops · 4 sets
Footwear
- Sandals · 1 pair
- Water shoes · 1 pairFor rocky beaches and river crossings.
Gear
- Sun hat · 1
- Sunglasses · 1
- Small daypack · 1
Health and toiletries
- Mineral sunscreenHawaii bans oxybenzone and octinoxate sunscreens.
- Insect repellent
Documents and money
- ID or passport
- Hāʻena State Park reservationRequired for the Kalalau trailhead.
- Kalalau Trail permitNeeded past Hanakāpīʻai or to camp.
Tech
- Waterproof phone pouch · 1
What shoes should you pack for Kauai?
Trail shoes with real grip, sandals and water shoes. Kauai's red-dirt trails turn slick and muddy after rain, and the mud stains for good, so do not bring shoes you love. Water shoes help at rocky beaches and river crossings.
What do people wear in Kauai?
Very casual. Shorts, sundresses and aloha shirts work almost everywhere. Bring a warm layer for Waimea Canyon and Kōkeʻe, which are high and noticeably cooler. Cover up away from the beach.
Do you need a permit for the Nā Pali coast and Kalalau Trail?
Yes, for most of it. Entry to Hāʻena State Park, the Kalalau trailhead, requires an advance reservation, and hiking past Hanakāpīʻai or camping at Kalalau needs a separate permit. These book out early, so check before you go. Streams can flood fast after rain; never cross a rising one.
Do you need reef-safe sunscreen in Hawaii?
Yes. Hawaii bans the sale of sunscreens with oxybenzone or octinoxate. Bring a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, and a rash guard to use less of it.
What plugs does Kauai use?
Hawaii uses US Type A and B sockets at 120V. US visitors need nothing. UK, European and Australian visitors need an adapter and should check chargers are dual voltage.
Tours and things to do in Kauai
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Kauai.
What should you leave at home for Kauai?
Leave white sneakers and light-colored clothes for hiking; red dirt stains them. Skip formal wear. Do not bring sunscreen with oxybenzone or octinoxate. Do not take sand, rocks or plants home.
Around Kauai
Packing for Kauai: questions people ask
What should I wear in Kauai in January?
Summer clothes plus a rain jacket and a warm layer. Lihue averages a 81°F (27°C) high, a 66°F (19°C) low and 9 rain days in January.
Is the north or south shore of Kauai drier?
The south shore around Poipu is usually drier. The north shore around Hanalei is much wetter.
Do I need a permit for the Kalalau Trail?
Yes. Hāʻena State Park needs an advance reservation, and hiking past Hanakāpīʻai or camping needs a permit.
What shoes are best for Kauai hiking?
Trail shoes with deep tread. Red-dirt trails get very slippery after rain.
Do I need a plug adapter for Kauai?
Not from the US or Canada. Hawaii uses Type A and B sockets at 120V.
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.