With an average annual rainfall of 41.2 inches, Kauai bags the title the rainiest place in Hawaii. It is also home to one of the planet's wettest spots, Mount Wai'ale'ale. If you worry the rain in Kauai will ruin your holiday, don't.
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MOUNT WAIALEALE, Kauai — This legendary peak dominates the geography of Kauai, jutting to an altitude of 5,148 feet and constituting possibly the wettest place on Earth. Or possibly the second-wettest, after Mawsynram, a mountain in India.
Nicknamed the “Garden Isle” for its magically lush appearance, Kauai is considered one of the rainiest places on earth. Over 460 inches of rain fall annually on this tiny Hawaiian island, making it prone of some flooding at certain times throughout the year.
Kauai sees the heaviest rain of the winter period between December and March. However, even if you are travelling to Kauai in the rainy season, you are unlikely to see rain all day and every day. Generally, it rains overnight and clears up. Otherwise, it may rain sporadically during the day and come out of nowhere.
As the northernmost large Hawaiian island, Kauai gets exposed to winter rains and front winds more than other islands in the chain. Because of the mountain's shape and height, it lies under the trade wind inversion layer, which keeps trade winds from rising away and escaping before rain can fall.
Kauai is considered one of the rainiest places on the planet. Of course, that's one of the reasons it's also so lush. You can often find sunshine on the southern side, but it's not guaranteed, especially in the winter. Maui receives less rainfall than Kauai.
Mawsynram receives the highest rainfall in India. It is reportedly the wettest place on Earth, with an average annual rainfall of 11,872 millimetres (467.4 in), According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Mawsynram received 26,000 millimetres (1,000 in) of rainfall in 1985.
Bear in mind that June is also the start of the Kauai hurricane season, which lasts until around November. Chances of severe tropical storms aren't particularly high, but it's still worth considering when booking your trip.
Kauai is the winnerIt has a variety of views and terrain to see. Rocky coastlines, beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and mountains and valleys. There is so much to see and do.
Since the south shore is the sunny side of Kauai, it gets lots of tourist traffic and is more commercialized. It's also a better choice in terms of beach proximity. South Shore is home to some of the best beaches in Kauai, such as the Kiahuna Beach at Poipu and the Brennecke Beach.
The best time of year to visit Kauai is during off-peak seasons, between September and December or between April and June. During these times you can avoid the crowds and enjoy lower prices on accommodations and excursions. Either way, be sure to book everything far in advance!
Cherrapunji, IndiaThe town Cherrapunji, also known as Sohra, can be found in the East Khasi Hills district in the Indian state of Meghalaya. Despite being the second wettest place in the world averaging 11,777 mm of rainfall a year, the region faces acute annual water shortages during the dry months of winter.
Kauai is a bit more humid than the other popular islands of Maui and Oahu due to its rainfall. From October to March, it can be more humid in the mornings (from 77 percent to 81 percent) and go down to 65 percent to 69 percent in the afternoons.
Weather on Kauai and MauiAverage high temperatures at sea level are a few degrees warmer on Maui than on Kauai, which is 225 miles to the northwest. And we do mean a few — 79 versus 82 degrees in December, for example. There is, however, more of a difference when it comes to rainfall.
So when planning what to pack for Kauai, a rain jacket is essential. Make sure it's lightweight as the temperatures will likely still be hot even in the rain. When not wearing your rain jacket, you can easily roll your jacket up into a packing cube without any issues.
Summary. The north shore of Kauai sees more rain, whereas the south shore is comparatively dry most of the year. Winter swells on the north can be dangerous and it is advisable to check the surf reports before indulging in water activities.
Most of Hawaii experiences only two seasons; the dry season running from May to October and the wet season from October to April; although Princeville is blessed with a consistent 6 inches or so of rain every month.
Kauai TemperaturesWith temperatures ranging from a cool 65F at night to a pleasant 80F – 85F in the daytime, Kauai is the perfect spot to feel comfortable and enjoy some fun in the sun. Moreover, if you're looking for some reliable temperatures, unlike other areas with certain cold seasons, you won't be disappointed.