Why is Kauai the wettest place on earth?

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.



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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.

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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.

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When is Rainy Season in Kauai? Kauai enjoys a tropical climate marked by warm temperatures and an abundance of rain. The island has only two seasons: dry from April to October and wet or rainy from November to March, with December and January experiencing the most rainfall.

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Temperatures on land range from 70 to 85 and between 70 and 80 in the ocean, year round. You will not ever experience a cold snap on this balmy isle, but in fall, winter, and early spring, pack a sweater or jacket for nighttime temps in the low 60s.

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Cherrapunji, India The 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.

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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.

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Your water comes from ground water (underground) sources. Rain that falls in the mountain filters through the ground into formations called aquifers. Wells are drilled into these formations and the water is pumped out. These formations can also be found in the mountains (still considered ground water).

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Kauai is the winner It 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.

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Nestled in the heart of Kauai, Mount Waialeale boasts a mesmerizing beauty, but its most distinguishing feature is its astounding rainfall. Touted as one of the rainiest places on our planet, this majestic mountain receives an astonishing amount of precipitation annually.

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Located on Spain's southeast coast, Alicante has the highest number of sunny hours in Europe. With an average of 349 hours of sunshine per month (an average month has 730 hours in total, including nighttimes), it's a dream destination for sun lovers. Roughly half of the day, every day, is sunny in Alicante.

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Look no further than Almeria, Spain: Europe's driest city, and indeed one of the least rainy places in the world. At roughly 1,000 years old, the city is a relative youngster in general terms of the Mediterranean, but you can still find your fair share of history here to explore – and let's not forget the weather!

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This tropical paradise is a dream come true for anyone who loves sun, sand, and endless fun. Kauai is the oldest and fourth largest of the main Hawaiian Islands, and it's brimming with natural beauty, from its lush rainforests and dramatic cliffs to its pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs.

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Kauai is nicknamed the 'Garden Island'. The mountains surround the rainforests, basically blocking them off. Because of this, about 97% of Kauai's land is undeveloped. It is also pretty hard to access!

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A Kauai Blog Winter storms leave snow on the volcanos of Mauna Loa (“Long Peak” at 13,415' or 4089m) and Mauna Kea (“White Peak” at 13796' or 4205m), though it rarely builds up.

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With an average ocean temperature of 77F – 83F, Kauai's water temperature is also perfect for swimming year-round! While some beaches can get pretty crowded, you can easily enjoy a peaceful snorkeling session or find a secluded spot with miles of shoreline to settle on.

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